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
Keep in mind that receiving the majority of RSVP's 1 month prior to the wedding can help to keep the weeks leading up to the big day as smooth as possible. Non-RSVPers are inevitable. We get irritated just thinking about it, but sometimes, those we love the most, just fall into that category. Consider this your warning; don’t take offense, but perhaps sick someone on them {your most boisterous bridesmaid?} for a little follow up phone call?
