Dress codes

It is difficult to decide what to wear before going to a party or attending an event. Dress codes are helpful in that regard.  But of course if one knows the meanings of the dress codes. Here are some tips about the most common ones…

Business

Men should wear dark business suits, chic professional shoes and of course a suitable tie. The women should choose business style dresses and stockings. 

 

And they should have also neat hair and manicured nails.

Business Casual

It is somewhere between casual and business style. The men can wear shirts with a collar such as a Polo shirt and cotton trousers. The women can choose also same kind of a style. For instance tennis shirts, khakis and skirts are suitable. However the jeans aren’t allowed.

Casual

You can wear almost everything. Jeans are allowed in that case. Women can wear dresses or skirts as they wish. 

Long or short. However they should look neat.

White Tie

It is the most formal evening dress code. It is chosen in ceremonial events such as state dinners, balls or weddings. Men are expected to wear a black or midnight blue tailcoat, matching trousers, a white bow tie and a white low-cut waistcoat. 

Women are expected to wear full-length dresses such as ball gowns.

Black tie

It is worn only for events after 6 p.m. and less formal than white tie. A jacket with silk facings or of wool. White dress shirt, a black bow tie, cufflinks and black shoes are usual for men. Men can put also a handkerchief in the breast pocket. 

For the women it is expected that they wear formal evening gowns of full length.

Cocktail

Men are expected to wear dark suits and tie (sometimes not) and women are expected to wear semi formal short dresses (ending at the knees). 

Each woman should keep a short black dress in her wardrobe for such occasions.