Dress code: suit, dress or sneakers?

The need to dress according to the rules scares and annoys many people. Particularly protesting individuals come to the opera in jeans, in wedding dresses for prom or in sneakers for events with a Black Tie dress code. Another stumbling block is created by people who prescribe the dress code for the event, often confusing and softening the established rules.

So, what should you wear when looking at a Black Tie or, for example, Smart Casual invitation?

Holding an invitation with a small inscription “dress code” in our hands, many of us feel weak in the knees. After all, you need not only to choose beautiful clothes, but also to make sure that the created image fully meets the proposed requirements. And knowing the basic rules, you will definitely never look inappropriate. The classifications of dress codes are diverse, but if you do not get hung up on trifles, then it is worth mentioning the following common types.

White Tie

This type of dress code is not very common. It is considered the most solemn and formal. Most likely, you will rarely have to dress like this. But if you still have to attend a ball, a reception at an ambassador's or the Nobel Prize ceremony, then a strict and official White Tie will be needed. But it is worth knowing that even at the Oscars, a more democratic Black Tie is followed.

White Tie for men

For men, there are much stricter regulations than for women. Therefore, choosing a men's outfit for a ceremony with a White Tie dress code is much easier, because it is almost impossible to make a mistake. A man should dress in a tailcoat and a bow tie for such an event. By the way, a tailcoat can only be black, and under it there must be a vest with three buttons. There are also certain requirements for it: firstly, the vest must be white, and secondly, it must always be fully buttoned. The bow tie, which gave the name to this type of dress code, must also be white, as well as a handkerchief in the tailcoat pocket. Additional and desirable accessories can be a pocket watch, white gloves and even a thin stick.

White Tie for women

If everything is simple and clear with men, then it is much more complicated for women. The fact is that White Tie involves a floor-length dress, but the problem is that the number of colors and styles of such a dress is much greater than the variations of the classic men's tailcoat. The choice of a ball gown can be entrusted to a woman, but other details are prescribed very carefully and any amateurism is not welcome. So, hair must be collected in an evening hairstyle, eyes and lips are painted, and on the hands there should be as long as possible gloves (matching the sleeves of the dress). If desired, you can throw a fur coat over your shoulders. Also, a separate must-have is jewelry and a small handbag. By the way, jewelry must definitely be with precious stones - they can be rented.

Black Tie

Black Tie is also a formal and formal dress code, but its rules are more relaxed. This style is typical for weddings, theater premieres, and other festive receptions.

Black Tie for men

For such an event, men should wear a tuxedo - a jacket with lapels and a satin collar. The strict trousers should be made of the same fabric as the tuxedo, and the look should be completed with a bow tie with right angles, made in black and certainly one that is tied, not worn over the head.

It's not difficult with shoes either: you can opt for classic derby or oxford shoes, the main thing is that they are not patent leather.

Black Tie for women

For events with such a dress code, women should wear the same long evening dresses or cocktail dresses no higher than the knee. Jewelry is still welcome in Black Tie, but jewelry is no longer mandatory - you can get by with quality costume jewelry. Fur capes and extravagant dresses are considered inappropriate. The image should be elegant and noble, so shoes should be high-heeled.

Cocktail

An event that involves a Cocktail dress code does not require special rigor, such as White Tie and Black Tie, but is also full of details.

Cocktail for men

Men can replace a tuxedo and tailcoat with a classic dark suit, and a boring and monotonous bow tie with a brighter one, or even change it to a tie. There is no need to wear a silk belt, but it is worth unbuttoning the bottom button of the jacket, as well as exposing one or two centimeters of starched cuffs of a snow-white shirt from the sleeves. Don’t forget about socks. Their color, of course, should be a little darker than the pants, but the length should allow you to sit down, crossing your legs, without exposing a single millimeter of your body.

Cocktail for women

The name of the dress code speaks for itself: women will need a cocktail dress. Based on the nature of the event and their own taste, women can choose a dress either long or shorter. However, it is worth remembering that if the dress is very short, then the top and neckline should be restrained. Shoes should naturally be high-heeled.

Smart and Business Casual

These names are popular in the business world and can often be seen on invitations to various corporate events. However, the requirements for them are quite ambiguous and the rules should be interpreted in relation to the venue and time of day.

Smart and Business Casual for Men

The only thing more complicated than the dress code for business meetings is probably the choice between a derby and an oxford before a tuxedo. Although, the general democratization of recent years has also affected the fashion for men's suits. Now it no longer looks shameful to come to a business meeting in a frivolous jacket, in tight, fitted trousers, etc. Even shoes, although they have remained classic, can be of virtually any color and degree of varnish. However, a jacket with a shirt can now be completely replaced with a turtleneck and a cardigan - a twinset.

You should be careful when wearing a classic jacket with jeans and especially with shorts. You can do this only if you are absolutely sure of your taste and that your business partners will understand you correctly. If you are afraid of getting into trouble, then the best option would be a dark classic suit and a light shirt. You can complement this look with a tie, but save the bow tie for more formal occasions.

Smart and Business Casual for Women

Women can easily diversify a restrained business suit with shoes - colors and styles. Since at business events a restrained and elegant office style is better, the fair sex can add details to their image. These can be bags, discreet jewelry, scarves and other interesting accessories.

Btr (Business Traditional) and Bb (Business Best)

Business Traditional (Btr) and Business Best (Bb) are dress codes for important business negotiations, for example, with foreign partners. These styles are very similar and leave almost no choice, as they are extremely restrained in terms of both colors and styles, and experiments are not welcome at all.

Business Traditional and Business Best (Bb) for men

Business Best involves an expensive plain or combination classic suit in dark colors, a tie, a snow-white shirt, shoes, and cufflinks. Business Traditional, on the other hand, usually involves a dark blue suit, a white shirt, and a red tie, with the other accessories remaining unchanged.

Business Traditional and Business Best (Bb) for women

The Business Best dress code for women includes a suit in neutral, discreet tones, a white blouse or shirt, possibly a tie, beige tights, and low-heeled shoes.

Business Traditional is slightly more democratic: women can wear a fitted trouser suit or a dress with a short jacket. It is worth abandoning separate skirts and jackets in favor of a gray, beige or dark blue suit with stockings and low heels (3-5 cm).

A5

A5 – after five dress code. As the name suggests, this style is intended for events after five in the evening. The name is quite general, as it is worth considering the location and duration of the event.

A5 for men

Men can wear a suit of almost any color, a tie is optional.

A5 for women

Women should opt for a cocktail dress, an evening top with a skirt, or an evening suit. However, you shouldn't "overload" the look.

Dressy Casual or Fancy Casual

Casual for special occasions. This style involves a bright look with eye-catching accessories.

Dressy Casual for Men

An everyday casual look can be complemented with a striking colorful shirt or sports jacket.

Dressy Casual for women

Women should wear a dress, but not an evening one, but something sporty or even avant-garde. A combination of a skirt with a blouse or trousers with a top will also be successful. And nowhere without accessories: such details of the look can be very bright and stylish.

Semi-formal

Semi-formal, discreet daytime style. Light colors and calm accessories are appropriate.

Semi-formal for men

Light-colored suits, jumpers, and turtlenecks. Pastel knitwear and slightly casual details are acceptable.

Semi-formal for women

Women will look great in light dresses and trouser suits. Soft-colored scarves and classic bags will look good.

Business Casual

Business casual is a comfortable, relaxed version of the traditional business suit, while still emphasizing the professional and financial advantages of its owner. In essence, it is the same Smart Casual, only a little more strict and expensive.

Business Casual for Men