Image by curlsdiva via Flickr
I was asked to put down a few words on dress codes for a newspaper article recently. Bits and bobs were used. Since, I’ve spent time writing the details down, I thought I would share it online. So here goes – some of the most common dress codes we have come across:
White tie
a) what it means – it is the most formal dress code.
b) what events are they usually for?- Usually for state and/or royal events.
c) what to wear – White bow tie, vest and tail coat for gentlemen and long/ballroom gowns for the ladies and also national costumes.
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – most common mistakes men wearing white bow ties with a black jacket as oppose to tailcoat.
Black tie
a) what it means – Formal event
b) what events are they usually for – formal events i.e. gallery openings, premieres, annual dinner events, charity events etc
c) what to wear (down to details…like for the women, where should the hemlines be etc.) – long evening dresses for women or elegant separates, black bow tie/tuxedo for men and national costumes for both genders.
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – avoid just wearing a business suit for both men and women. –
Formal/Black tie optional
a) what it means – It is a formal event (duh..?)
b) what events are they usually for (e.g. state dinners or gallery opening etc.) – Dinners, openings, charity events – less structured or less formalities
c) what to wear (down to details…like for the women, where should the hemlines be etc.) – elegant separates, dressy cocktail dresses, long evening dresses for ladies. Tuxedos or dark suit for the men. National costumes for both genders.
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – Avoid wearing your work suits (ladies, too boring and not formal enough) and avoid dull ties and light suits (men – not formal enough). Choose ties with a bit of sheen or shine on the fabric. It works better in the dimmer evening lights.
Cocktail/semi-formal
a) what it means – Even though it is not ‘formal’, there is still an element of elegance and formality when the dress code says that.
b) what events are they usually for – Evening drinks before a sit-down dinner, networking, gallery/store openings etc.
c) what to wear – cocktail dresses or dressy separates for women. Business suit for men. (Can be worn without a tie. However, do keep your shirt sharp with a well pressed collar.) Nothing worse than a floppy collar…
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – Avoid wearing ballroom/long gowns (too much!) and avoid Tuxedos (men) –
Semi-formal or Business casual
a) what it means – A more relaxed atmosphere but ‘business behaviour/conduct is expected’ and business is still being conducted.
b) what events are they usually for (e.g. state dinners or gallery opening etc.) – networking events, corporate entertaining, conferences, tradeshows, etc.
c) what to wear (down to details…like for the women, where should the hemlines be etc.) – Hemlines should not rise above 4 fingers from your knees for business events for the ladies. Structured separates for both men and women. For example, a tailored blouse with long pants or skirt for women, a long-sleeve shirt and tailored pants for men (with or without tie). Jacket with an oxford-shirt (button down collar) and without a tie.
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – Common mistakes include not remembering that Business comes before casual. Tshirts, jeans, shorts are not the best option.
Smart Casual/Stylish Casual
a) what it means – A relaxing atmosphere with a hint of ‘you are still expected to put some effort in your appearance’.
b) what events are they usually for – weekend company retreats, barbeques, parties (usually when the host has put some effort in the organisation of the event or it may be held at a hotel, restaurant or club where dress codes are required) weekend meetings, seminars.
c) what to wear – Again, smart and stylish comes before casual. Stylish separates for both men and women. For example, a tailored blouse with long pants or skirt for women. As it is less formal, dark denim is a great alternative. Twin sets with wide-legged pants, etc. Polo shirt and pants for men. An oxford-shirt (button down collar) and pants/dark denim/khaki. Tailored bermudas and polo t-shirt.
d) clothing items to avoid wearing at all costs for that particular dress code/ common mistakes that people make – Common mistakes – slippers, sporty bermudas (large pockets, shapeless), tshirts with strong personal statements printed on (we’ve all seen them.. and wonder what the..??. Short shorts, spaghetti tops, see-through tops, shapeless t-shirts, torn jeans.
So why should you stick to a dress code?
The organisers/hosts have put effort into the event and it is simply good manners to follow their request if you are accepting their invitation. You do it out of respect for your host and also for the event (wedding, birthday,charity).
I remember attending a charity dinner a few years ago. The VIP GOH was President Nathan. Other VIPs included Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The invite said Formal, yet there were people who turned up without a jacket, without a tie and jacket, women in everyday work wear (not even a suit..)..ai yi yi!!! President Nathan and Steve Ballmer both turned up as per the dress code, dark suit and sharp red tie and long sleeved Batik shirt for President Nathan . Where is the love people??? 🙂 Even at the Pinnacle of their careers and personal life, these two gentlemen are true testament to their integrity and is why they are where they are today. Taking nothing for granted and treating everyone like a VIP instead of being treated as the VIP. I take my hat off to them..The signs of true leadership.
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