Decoded: The Dos And Don'ts Of Every Dress Code

Black Tie

Photo:

Getty Images

A black-tie event is the epitome of a formal event. Cocktail-length dresses are only allowed if they are extremely dressy and sleek.

What To Wear: A formal, floor-length gown is preferred. Also allowed: a dressy cocktail dress or your best LBD paired with fancier jewellery, which will elevate the overall look.

Black Tie Optional

Photo:

Richard Bord/WireImage

A black-tie-optional event is still dressy, but not as strict. In other words, you can wear a formal evening gown, but no one will look at you twice if you choose to wear a cocktail dress.

What To Wear: A formal floor-length evening gown, fancier cocktail dress, a tux-style pantsuit, or LBD.

Business Casual

Photo:

REX USA/Rex

This is a professional look that isn’t overly dressy. Think: something you could definitely wear to the office (i.e., on the conservative side) but would feel comfortable wearing to grab a work drink.

What To Wear: An open-collar shirt or sweater, with a pencil skirt or trousers. You can also wear a dress, as long as it’s not provocative.

Business Formal

Photo:

Getty Images

Imagine what you would wear if you were giving a very important presentation at work. That’s essentially how you should dress for a business casual event.

What To Wear: A tailored, polished dress with a blazer, or a pantsuit. Whatever you wear, style it with appropriate heels. This is not the time for flats or super-high club shoes.

Casual

Photo:

Jason Webber/Splash News

Your average brunch look.

What To Wear: A skirt (either long or short) and plain tee, nice jeans with a button-down blouse, or a cotton sundress. Flats are fine.

Creative Black Tie

Photo:

Getty Images

Think: black tie with some breathing room. Still formal and dressy, but with a smidge of playfulness thrown in.

What To Wear: A dressy cocktail dress, floor-length evening gown, or LBD, plus fun and unique accessories.

Dressy Casual

Photo:

Getty Images

Think: Olivia Palermo on just about any given day. A look that is casual, but not at all lazy or frumpy.

What To Wear: A dressy blouse with jeans and heels, a skirt and top set, a crisp pantsuit, or a dress. Flats are acceptable as long as they are not overtly casual (i.e., no sneakers).

Semiformal

Photo:

Getty Images

As the name suggests, a semiformal event is just that: semi formal. It’s certainly still dressy, but not as much so as a black-tie-optional event.

What To Wear: A cocktail dress, LBD, floor-length skirt and blouse in appropriate fabrics, like silk, or dressy separates. You can also wear a long dress if you wish.

White Tie

Photo:

Getty Images

This is the most extravagant of all the dress codes—perhaps that’s why this year’s Met Gala utilised it. Think: full ball gown, elbow-length gloves, and all your best jewellery.

What To Wear: A floor-length evening gown (mandatory), gloves (optional), and your best jewellery. Your dress should incorporate luxe fabrications, like lace, silk, and chiffon. 

Cocktail Attire

Photo:

Getty Images

As the name suggests, this is a dressy event that is still meant to be primarily social and enjoyable.

What To Wear: A cocktail dress (obviously), LBD, or a shorts suit in more formal fabrications, plus a sleek pair of heels. Flats are not recommended, but can work in certain situations.