Decoding the dress code

Few things make us cringe more than seeing denim at a formal wedding. Conversely, our heart aches for the girl in a floor length gown at a networking cocktail event. We’ve all seen it, and perhaps we’ve even been that person? Shhhh, it’s okay we won’t judge…. It’s obviously an ‘etiquette no-no’ to be on the wrong end of the formality scale, but more importantly, it’s not comfortable! If you’re trying to make a statement, there are many ways you can achieve that while still respecting the requested dress code.

Whether you’re trying to dress yourself or your man, this Dress Code Decoder, courtesy of Emily Post should help clear up any confusion:

{starting with most formal, ending with casual}

White Tie

Fellas:

  • Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US
  • White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
  • White vest
  • White bow tie
  • White or gray gloves
  • Black patent shoes and black dress socks

Ladies:

  • Formal (floor length) evening gown

Black Tie

Fellas:

  • Black tuxedo jacket & matching trousers formal white shirt
  • 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/on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe

Ladies:

  • Formal (floor length) evening gown or short, dressy cocktail dress

Black Tie Optional

Fellas:

  • Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or
  • Dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie

Ladies:

  • Short, dressy cocktail dress or
  • Dressy separates

Semiformal

Fellas:

  • Dark, business suit (usually worsted wool)
  • Matching vest (optional)
  • White shirt
  • Conservative tie
  • Dressy leather shoes and dress (dark) socks

Ladies:

  • Short afternoon or cocktail dress or
  • Long dressy skirt and top

Festive Attire

Fellas:

  • Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice and slacks
  • Open-collar shirt or
  • Shirt and "festive" or holiday-themed tie

Ladies:

  • Short cocktail dress or
  • Long dressy skirt and top or
  • Dressy pants outfit

Dressy Casual

Fellas:

  • Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
  • Open-collar shirt

Ladies:

  • Street length dress or
  • Skirt and dressy top or
  • Dressy pants outfit

Business Casual

Fellas:

  • Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
  • Open-collar shirt

Ladies:

  • Skirt, khakis or slacks
  • Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)

Beach Casual

Fellas:

  • Khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
  • Knit or polo shirt
  • Sport jacket (optional) or sweater

Ladies:

  • Sundress, khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
  • Open-collar, knit, or polo shirt
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater

Thank you, Emily Post for helping us stay classy!!!

*photo courtesy of Atty's Vintage