Black tie, white tie; formal, semi-formal. Festive! Casual! Hitting the right note with attire can be confusing. Here are the details of how to dress appropriately for any occasion:
White Tie
Women
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Long gloves (optional)
Men
- Black dress coat (tailcoat), matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
- White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
- Braces, to ensure a good fit
- Shirt studs and cuff links
- White vest
- White bow tie
- White or gray gloves
- Black patent shoes and black dress socks
Black Tie
Women
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Dressy cocktail dress
- Your dressiest “little black dress”
Men
- Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
- Formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
- Shirt studs and cuff links
- Black bow tie (silk, satin, or twill)
- Black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
- Dressy braces to ensure a good fit (optional)
- No gloves
- Black patent shoes and black dress socks
- In summer, in the tropics, or on a cruise: White dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe
Creative Black Tie
Women
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Dressy cocktail dress
- Your dressiest “little black dress”
- Fun or unique accessories
Men
- Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund
Black Tie Optional
Women
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Dressy cocktail dress
- A “little black dress”
- Dressy separates
Men
- Tuxedo (see “Black Tie” above)
- Dark suit, white dress shirt, and conservative tie
- Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Semiformal
Women
- Short afternoon or cocktail dress
- A “little black dress”
- Long dressy skirt and top
- Dressy separates
Men
- Dark, business suit
- Matching vest (optional)
- Dress shirt
- Tie
- Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Festive Attire (usually for the holidays)
Women
- Cocktail dress
- Long dressy skirt and top
- Dressy pants outfit or separates
- A “little black dress”
- Feature holiday colors
Men
- Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, and slacks
- Open-collar shirt, or dress shirt
- Tie—festive or with a holiday theme
Business Formal*
Women
- Suit
- Business-style dress
- Dress with a jacket
- Stockings (optional in summer)
- Heels, low or high
Men
- Dark business suit
- Matching vest (optional)
- Dress shirt
- Conservative tie
- Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Business Casual*
Women
- Skirt, khakis, or pants
- Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or décolleté)
- Dress
Men
- Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
- Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
- Optional tie
- Loafers or loafer-style shoes, and socks
*Always check and abide by your company’s dress code
Dressy Casual
Women
- Dress
- Skirt and dressy top
- Dressy pants outfit
- Nice jeans and dressy top
Men
- Seasonal sport coat or blazer, and slacks
- Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
- Optional tie
Casual
Women
- Sundress
- Long or short skirt
- Khakis or nice jeans
- Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
- Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
- Casual button-down blouse
Men
- Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
- Cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occasion and climate
- Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
- Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
- Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals