In reality, Dress Code, there are many types of dress code, but among the most main ones six have been identified, each of which has numerous variations and declinations. The main types of dress code are: Cocktail, Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, Black Tie Creative, Business Formal and Casual. Let's look at each of these categories and how they translate for men and women.
- Business Formal：Formal office attire
- Business Formal is the dress code most associated with a serious and professional work environment.
For men: A tailored wool or tweed suit is the base. Classic colors such as dark gray, navy blue, and black are the best options. Add a cotton or silk shirt, preferably white or a neutral color. A silk or wool tie, which has a simple and not too flashy design, is a must. In addition, a quality watch and a leather belt complete the look. A dark gray suit , a white shirt, a navy tie, and black leather shoes are perfect for an important meeting with clients.
For women: A wool or tweed skirt or trouser suit is the best choice. Silk or cotton shirts or blouses, with subtle details such as embroidery or quality buttons, are suitable. Colors can be neutral such as black, gray, blue or beige. Accessories such as discreet earrings, a thin necklace and a leather bag are the finishing details. A blue wool trouser suit , a white silk blouse and black high heels are perfect for work in a formal office. - Business Casual
- It is suitable for offices with a slightly less rigid atmosphere or for less formal meetings.
For men: Wool, cotton or tweed trousers in neutral colours such as grey, brown or navy are a good base. Add a long or short-sleeved shirt , in cotton or silk, without a tie or bow tie. A wool or tweed jacket, if necessary, can be worn for a touch of elegance. Grey wool trousers, a short-sleeved blue cotton shirt and brown loafers are perfect for a less formal business meeting.
For women: Mid-length skirts or trousers in cotton, wool or tweed. Blouses or tops in cotton or silk , with details such as embroidery or lace trim. The colors can be more vibrant than in Business Formal, but maintaining a certain level of sobriety. A combination such as a beige tweed tulip skirt, a light pink silk blouse and black leather ballet flats is perfect for the office with a Business Casual dress code. - Cocktails (After Five)
For men: A wool or tweed suit, but with a more modern cut than the Business Formal. The colors can be classic or slightly more original, such as light gray or navy blue. Add a silk or cotton shirt, with a V-neck or regular collar. A light tie or bow tie, in a color that has a slight contrast with the suit, is recommended. A light gray tweed suit, a light blue silk shirt , a pink silk bow tie and brown leather shoes are perfect for a Cocktail event.
cocktail dresses for women in gala evenings：For women: Mid-length skirt dresses or sheath dresses in fine fabrics such as silk, chiffon or velvet. The colors can be dark, such as black, navy blue or burgundy, or more vivid such as red, purple or turquoise. A black silk mid-length skirt dress , with lace details, black heels and a black leather handbag is perfect for a Cocktail event. - Black Tie：formal attire for important events
Black Tie is a very formal dress code, usually required for important events such as galas, movie awards or high-end weddings.
For men: A tuxedo or a black suit in high quality wool is a must. Add a white silk shirt , with mother of pearl or fine metal buttons. A black silk tie, a black cummerbund and black leather shoes, such as patent leather, are the key elements. In addition, a luxury watch, a silk pocket square and a black leather belt with a stylish clasp complete the look. A black tuxedo, a white shirt, a black tie and polished black leather shoes are perfect for a Black Tie event.
For women: Long evening dresses in fine fabrics such as silk, velvet or satin. Dark colors such as black, dark blue or dark brown are preferred, but metallic colors or colors with fine embroidery are also acceptable. Accessories such as hook earrings with precious stones, jewelry necklaces, bracelets and luxury leather handbags are necessary. A long evening dress in black silk, with rhinestone embroidery, hook earrings with diamonds and a black leather handbag with gold decorations are perfect for a Black Tie event. - Black Tie Optional
Black Tie Optional is a dress code that offers greater freedom than traditional Black Tie, but maintains a high level of elegance.
For men: You can wear a black tuxedo or suit, but also a suit in a classic color like dark gray or navy. The shirt, tie and shoes should be of high quality, as in the case of Black Tie. However, you can be a little more creative with the details, such as the design of the tie or the use of a pocket square in a more original color. A dark blue suit, a white shirt, a silk tie with a thin design and black leather shoes are acceptable for a Black Tie Optional event.
For Women: Dresses can be long evening gowns or mid-length skirted dresses in rich fabrics. The colors and designs can be more varied than Black Tie, but still maintain a level of elegance. A navy blue silk mid-length skirted dress, with lace embroidery, silver hook earrings and a black leather clutch bag is perfect for a Black Tie Optional event. - Casual：accessories for casual dress code
Casual is the most free and relaxed dress code. It is suitable for moments of relaxation, meetings with friends or for some very informal work environments.
For men: Jeans, casual trousers or cotton or linen Bermuda shorts are acceptable. Cotton T-shirts or polos , in neutral or brighter colours, are a good choice. Dark blue jeans, a white cotton T-shirt, white sneakers and a black leather belt are perfect for a meeting with friends.
For women: Jeans, casual pants, short skirts or casual dresses in fabrics like cotton or linen are options. Tops or blouses in cotton or a lightweight fabric, with details like embroidery or lace trim. A combination like light blue jeans, a striped cotton and linen top, black leather ballet flats and a brown leather shoulder bag is perfect for a relaxing day.
Creative/Artistic Dress Code
- Clothing:
Men: Ripped clothing, such as jeans or shirts, can be a great way to express your creativity. Funky accessories, such as beaded necklaces, metal bracelets, or glasses with frames in an original design, can be added to create a unique look. Blue ripped jeans, a white cotton shirt with intentional holes, and a colorful beaded necklace are perfect for an artistic event.
Women: Multicolored or unusual fabric dresses, such as rough wool, creative lace or metallic fabrics, are an excellent choice for this dress code. In addition, accessories such as bags made of original fabrics, metal earrings with extraordinary shapes and shoes with a unique design can be used to complete the look. A multicolored dress made of rough wool, silver metal earrings with geometric shapes and shoes with a wooden heel are perfect for an art festival. - Dress Code by Occasion:
- a. Weddings
Formal: For a formal wedding, women can wear a long gown with a full skirt in a fine fabric, such as silk or velvet. Men, on the other hand, can wear a tuxedo suit, which is a black or dark gray suit with a black tie and shiny boots.
Semi Formal: In a semi formal wedding, women can opt for a midi skirt with a blouse in a smart fabric. Men can wear a striped shirt with wool or tweed trousers, without having to wear a formal suit.
b. Business Meetings
Standard: For a standard dress code in a business meeting, men can wear a blazer with jeans and a tie. Women can wear a pencil skirt with a blouse in a quality fabric.
c. Student Parties
Smart Casual: For a smart casual dress code at a college party, women can wear ripped jeans with a short-sleeved top in a light fabric. Men can wear a headscarf with a light-colored piece of clothing, such as a cotton shirt.
Sporty: In a sporty dress code for a sports-related student party, women can wear high-top sneakers with leggings. Men can wear a jersey with shorts in a sporty fabric.the number of existing dress codes is truly vast and each occasion requires particular attention to the choice of clothing.
