There are so many descriptions of different ways of dressing for events that it can be quite bewildering.  On this page I will unpack all the major categories.  I’m including a description for men because your spouse or significant other may very well ask you what he is supposed to wear, and you will be able to tell him! As a social life developer, I can tell you that this is one area where you really want to fit in!

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White Tie

What it means to me:  This is the most formal dress and is generally reserved for functions of State, or Royal occasions.

Women:

Floor-length evening gown.  Anything shorter than floor length is not acceptable.

Men:

Black or gray tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid.

 

Black Tie

What it means to me: Formal dress, but slightly more flexibility than white tie.

Women:

Floor length evening gown is highly recommended.

Smart cocktail dress is an alternative, unless the invitation says otherwise. Pants are not acceptable.

Men:

Black or gray tuxedo jacket with matching trousers. A suit is not acceptable.

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Creative Black Tie

What it means to me: The organizers of the event got pushback on black tie, so they decided to allow variations while trying to maintain a high standard.

Women:

Floor length evening gown is highly recommended.

Smart cocktail dress is an alternative. Pants are not acceptable.

Accessories may be less formal.

Men:

Tuxedo may be black, gray or other colors.  Accessories may be less formal.  A suit is not acceptable.

 

Black Tie Optional

What it means to me: I look at this as basically formal, but allowing those who want to dress up to black tie to do so, without being shamed for it.

Women:

Floor length evening gown optional

Dressy cocktail dress

Dressy separates (i.e. jacket, blouse, skirt; pants acceptable but not recommended)

Men:

Tuxedo or dark suit.  Sport coat not acceptable.

 

Semi-Formal

What it means to me: Dressier than a professional business office, but not as formal as any of the black tie descriptions.

Women:

Business or cocktail dress

Dressy separates, pants acceptable.

Men:

Dark suit.  Sport coat not acceptable.

 

Festive

What it means to me:  Holiday attire between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, featuring holiday-oriented colors.

Women:

Cocktail dress, skirt/pants outfit or separates, holiday jewelry.

Men:

Sport coat, open collar or holiday tie.

 

Business Formal

What it means to me:  Professional office attire

Women:

Suit with skirt or pants, or a business dress with or without jacket

Men:

Dark business suit and tie, with or without vest.

 

Dressy Casual

What it means to me:  Day-to-night office wear, clothes that look appropriate in an office or at a reception.  Some believe jeans fit in here; I do not agree.

Women: 

Dressy skirt or pants with a dressy top, or a dress, not low cut.

Men:

Sport coat or blazer and slacks.  Dress shirt or polo shirt, or casual button shirt.

 

Business Casual

What it means to me:  This one is pretty wide open, although some companies have specific definitions for meetings or functions.

Women: 

Skirt, khakis, pants or dress, dressy or casual shirt (not low cut) or sweater

Men: 

Sport coat or blazer and slacks.  Dress shirt or polo shirt, or casual button shirt.

 

Casual

What it means to me:  If you get an invitation that calls for “casual,” it’s dressier than you think, and you’re better off taking it up a notch than down a notch.

Women: 

Khakis, nice jeans (not distressed), sundress, or skirt and top.

Men: Khakis, nice jeans or shorts, polo shirt or sweater.

 

There is at least one “Blue Jeans” gala that I’ve attended, where the dress code was “denim chic.” I wore a cocktail dress and fit in just fine.  Most men wore denim, most women did not.  I’m pointing this out because there are more than a dozen specialized dress codes that seem designed to confuse, but if you’re a little dressier than most people, nobody minds.  Show up in your sweats and you’ll get some raised eyebrows.