Decoding The Dress Code
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to wear and when to wear it and other times it’s difficult to know what category your outfit falls into. With this guide we will help you decode the dress codes.
Black Tie
This is definitely the fanciest of all dress codes, you will be surrounded by a crowd full of tuxedos and floor‑length gowns. This is usually used for galas, weddings and very special occasions.
The safest choice is wearing a long, floor‑length dress, if you have a very fancy mid length dress it might be appropriate but not always. This is the moment to put on your fancy jewelry as well. Elegant updo’s are always well seen, but nice smooth curls can do the trick as well.
Cocktail
Semi formal attire is more fancy than business but a notch below fancy night gowns. This is when you break out that little black dress, you can never go wrong with one.
Most women wear short evening dresses but you can always choose dressy pants and separates. Pro tip avoid really short dresses and skirts, they tend to make you look tacky.
Business
Business attire is a bit more sophisticated than smart casual or business casual, this usually calls for suits, ties and dresses. Think of the tv show suits, it’s the perfect example of what business should look like.
Pro tip: stick to the classic business colors: black, navy blue, gray or brown. Bold colors can also work for women who want to power play with their outfits.
Business casual
This dress code can also be called smart casual and it is basically a balanced combination of casual and business dress codes, combined to create a “smart” ensemble.
This is your opportunity to pair denim with a blazer for example. You’re safest wearing things that make you look sharp, think central pieces like a well tailored blazer, or a beautiful chiffon shirt. Your goal is to look sharp, stylish and put together.
Casual
Casual is the original non‑dress code, this is the category in which your day to day clothes apply. Jeans, tees and sundresses enter this category, you can always dress them up or down.
Black Tie
This is definitely the fanciest of all dress codes, you will be surrounded by a crowd full of tuxedos and floor‑length gowns. This is usually used for galas, weddings and very special occasions.
The safest choice is wearing a long, floor‑length dress, if you have a very fancy mid length dress it might be appropriate but not always. This is the moment to put on your fancy jewelry as well. Elegant updo’s are always well seen, but nice smooth curls can do the trick as well.
Cocktail
Semi formal attire is more fancy than business but a notch below fancy night gowns. This is when you break out that little black dress, you can never go wrong with one.
Most women wear short evening dresses but you can always choose dressy pants and separates. Pro tip avoid really short dresses and skirts, they tend to make you look tacky.
Business
Business attire is a bit more sophisticated than smart casual or business casual, this usually calls for suits, ties and dresses. Think of the tv show suits, it’s the perfect example of what business should look like.
Pro tip: stick to the classic business colors: black, navy blue, gray or brown. Bold colors can also work for women who want to power play with their outfits.
Business casual
This dress code can also be called smart casual and it is basically a balanced combination of casual and business dress codes, combined to create a “smart” ensemble.
This is your opportunity to pair denim with a blazer for example. You’re safest wearing things that make you look sharp, think central pieces like a well tailored blazer, or a beautiful chiffon shirt. Your goal is to look sharp, stylish and put together.
Casual
Casual is the original non‑dress code, this is the category in which your day to day clothes apply. Jeans, tees and sundresses enter this category, you can always dress them up or down.