The Most Common Dress Codes

As previously mentioned, dress codes can be confusing.  When in doubt, consider the following suggestions from Emily Post.

 

Image credit to blog host

 

Dress Code	Likely Occasions	Men	Women
White Tie	Weddings, Charity Events	Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK white piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front white vest white-colored (e.g., mother of pearl) studs and cufflinks white bow tie white or gray gloves black patent shoes and black dress socks	Formal (floor length) evening gown
Black Tie	Weddings, Charity Events	Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt black-colored (e.g., onyx) studs and cufflinks black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill) black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional) black patent shoes and black dress socks no gloves. In summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe	Formal (floor length) evening gown dressy cocktail dress Your dressiest little black dress
Creative Black Tie	Themed Weddings, the Kentucky Derby, Charity Events	Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund	Formal (floor length) evening gown dressy cocktail dress your dressiest little black dress fun or unique accessories
Black Tie Optional	Weddings, Formal Events, Charity Events	Either a tuxedo (see ‘Black Tie’ above) or Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks	Formal (floor length) evening gown dressy cocktail dress a little black dress dressy separates
Semiformal	Cocktail Events, Some Weddings, Charity Events	Dark, business suit matching vest (optional) dress shirt conservative tie dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks	Short afternoon or cocktail dress a little black dress long dressy skirt and top dressy separates
Festive Attire	Holiday Parties (mostly)	Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, and slacks open-collar shirt dress shirt and optional “festive” or holiday-themed tie	Cocktail dress or long dressy skirt and top dressy pants outfit or separates a little black dress feature holiday colors and accessories
Business Formal	Work, Interviews, Board Meetings, Networking Events (but always check the company dress code)	Dark business suit matching vest (optional) dress shirt conservative tie dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks	Suit business-style dress dress with a jacket stockings (optional in summer) heels, low or highs
Business Casual	Work, Interviews, Board Meetings, Networking Events (but always check the company dress code)	Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis dress shirt with optional tie, or casual button-down shirt open-collar or polo shirt loafers or loafer-style shoes and socks	Skirt, khakis or pants open-collar shirt, knit shirt, or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté) casual-style dress
Dressy Casual	Luncheons, Brunch, Teas, Happy Hours	Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks dress shirt, casual button-down shirt optional tie open-collar or polo shirt	Dress skirt and dressy top dressy pants outfit nice jeans and dressy top
Casual	Planned Events that do not fall in the above categories and have no stated dress code, like company barbecues or picnics	Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes) cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occasion and climate plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck casual button-down shirt sweater loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), or sandals	Sundress long or short skirt khakis or nice jeans shorts (depending on occasion and climate) plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck casual button-down blouse