If you have been invited to a wedding, corporate event or glitzy function, there will invariably be a dress code you will have to follow.
Generally speaking, dress codes are good because they set an expectation of what the event will be like and what other people will be wearing. They also take away the uncertainty of not knowing whether you’ll be too dressed up or not dressed up enough and ensure that everyone’s attire has the same level of appropriateness.
However, varying dress codes require you to wear different types of outfits, so if you are not sure what constitutes ‘smart casual’ or ‘white tie’, then it could be problematic.
But don’t worry, we are here to help!
Here are some trusted fashion tips for events at high-end venues based on specific dress codes.
1. Smart Casual
It is unlikely that you will be invited to an event at a high-end venue that has a casual dress code. However, it is possible that you might need to attend a function that is smart casual.
Knowing what to wear for this type of get-together can be a bit tricky. However, you should steer clear of hoodies, thongs and sneakers.
For women, a safe bet is to keep things low-key yet stylish. So, don’t be afraid to slip on heels or flats, as both work equally well. You should also embrace the power of accessories, such as the classic Prada sunglasses Australia brand, which will add a statement touch to your look.
Men can wear suit pants, chinos or denim along with a top-quality shirt or t-shirt.
2. Business Casual
If you have been invited to a conference or exhibition where the dress code is business casual, you’ll be on solid ground if you draw inspiration from corporate casual Friday attire.
While you will still need to look professional and smart, men can forego the tie and slap on a bit more colour. Women should also feel free to wear a knee-length dress.
If you have any doubts about what to wear, ask yourself if you’d be comfortable meeting a high-end client in it. If not, it’s probably good enough for a business casual event.
3. Business
A business dress code is typically invoked at seminars or corporate training events.
On such occasions, suits are perfectly acceptable for both men and women. However, men should wear a tie with theirs and a good pair of shoes, while women should wear heels – both of which should be closed-in.
Business dress codes tend to be conservative. So, when choosing what to wear, you can’t go wrong if you think of what people wear in a large corporate accounting firm.
4. Cocktail
Many people don’t quite grasp what is meant by the cocktail dress code, so it can cause confusion and anxiety.
Popular for weddings, cocktail attire is supposed to bridge the gap between daytime and evening. It is also meant to do the same for casual and formal, as well as comfortable and chic.
When attending events with this dress code, men can wear suits, with or without their ties. Women can wear cocktail dresses that show off a bit of leg with an above-knee hemline or rock a cool pantsuit.
Here are some other ways women can dress for a wedding.
5. Formal
A formal dress code, as distinct from a cocktail dress code, is more polished and upscale in nature. However, it can still range in degrees of formality. So, to give you a better idea of what it can involve, we’ve broken it down into the following areas.
Lounge Suit
As the least formal of any type of formal event, you don’t have to dress up as much for a function requiring lounge suit attire.
For women, floor—or ankle-length gowns are terrific options. Just make sure they are dressy but not dressy enough to require coiffed hair.
Men can wear a suit with a tie (pinstripes are completely ok!)
Black Tie
Although it is often mistaken for the cocktail party look, black tie is what it typically means when a host invites you to a formal dress code event.
Again, women can wear floor or ankle-length gowns, which can be as sparkly as they like and can spruce up their hair a little (out or up is good). However, gloves are a no-no.
For men, it is very easy. Just wear a nice suit with a black bow tie.
White Tie
White tie events are quite rare, but when they happen, they are the most formal of all dress codes.
Typically, they are the go-to for award events, gala balls, and upscale weddings, and if your invite specifically says ‘white tie,’ it is a safe bet that what you wear will be part of the theme.
Such an event is not the time to break protocol, so women should slip on elbow-length gloves a la Bridgerton and adorn a floor-length gown. It also requires an up-style hairdo, which probably means a trip to the hairdressers.
As usual, men have an easier time with things. Just slip on a three-piece suit with a vest and, of course, put on that white bow tie.
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