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
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- Formal (floor length) evening gown
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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
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- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- dressy cocktail dress
- Your dressiest little black dress
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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
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- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- dressy cocktail dress
- your dressiest little black dress
- fun or unique accessories
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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
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- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- dressy cocktail dress
- a little black dress
- dressy separates
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Semiformal |
Cocktail Events, Some Weddings, Charity Events |
- Dark, business suit
- matching vest (optional)
- dress shirt
- conservative tie
- dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- Skirt, khakis or pants
- open-collar shirt, knit shirt, or sweater
- (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)
- casual-style dress
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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
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- Dress
- skirt and dressy top
- dressy pants outfit
- nice jeans and dressy top
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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
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- 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
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