The Ultimate Wedding Guests Guide To Understanding Dress Codes
Has a wedding or party invitation ever left you lost about what to wear? Whether it’s black tie, beach chic or something in between, here’s our cheat sheet for what to wear.
Black Tie
This is typically the most formal wedding dress code and usually means the wedding is an evening affair. Floor-length looks are the traditional and recommended choice for black-tie affairs. More recently, and with a more modern crowd, a dressy middie or knee-length cocktail dress is also appropriate. For the guys it is an easy “choice”, a tuxedo is required.
Hers: A long evening gown or chic cocktail dress. Stay away from a very full skirt which makes it more of a formal evening gown for white tie. Bold embellishments will only add to the formal feel so go ahead with sequins, feathers, shimmering fabrics and heavy beading. Ornate accessories are also appropriate, such as rhinestone or diamond jewelry and shimmering shoes and bags.
His: Wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie and a tuxedo shoe or other formal slip-on. These days with the right crowd you can modernize your look with a dark necktie or a pair of formal leather lace-up dress shoes.Tuxedo not your thing? Just remember this is the couples day and they are requesting tuxedos for this event.
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Black Tie Optional or Formal
Slightly less formal than black tie, this dress code means that a tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal. This allows for a little more flexibility when it comes to your outfit. Though you can add some of your personal style here you want to remember that it’s the couple’s big day, so do so in moderation. In reality it's a way of asking guests to wear their most elevated ensembles without requiring them to purchase an expensive dress or tuxedo. Guys can wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie is also an appropriate choice. While floor-length gowns are the most expected a fancy cocktail dress or dressy suiting or a jumpsuit is also appropriate.
Hers: A long evening dress that is not too full (making it a formal gown), dressy separates, jumpsuit or formal cocktail dress. A great in-between option is a long dress with a slit. It feels a tick less formal than a straight long gown and is a less overwhelming style on a short frame — and it makes getting down on the dance floor a whole lot easier!
His: A classic tuxedo with a bow tie or mix it up with more fun elements like a vest or dark colored shirt or straight necktie. Your other option is a formal dark suit and necktie that is clean and sharp. (Don’t wear a bow tie with your dark suit unless you are looking to make a style statement.) Typically the tie is on the dark side but it can have some color or formal elements like silver color or sheen. For example tone on tone, a grey or black shirt with a black tie is a sleek look with a bit more personality. And don’t forget a great shoe!
Cocktail Attire
A cocktail attire dress code typically means a suit and tie or cocktail dress and allows you to have more choices with your look. It is still an occasion to dress up, but not to the level of a full-length gown or tux. Still, with so much ambiguity, cocktail attire could mean different things depending on the venue, the time of day, and the season. The goal is to create an elegant look wearing a dark suit or a knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress, and therefore there is little worry about being overdressed. (Unless you opt for a long dress — then ensure it’s a less formal look and fabric so as to not appear overdressed.)
Hers: A traditional cocktail dress is the most straight forward choice (they share the name after all!) but dressy suits or jumpsuits paired with heels or formal flats are also appropriate. During the day, think lighter colors and embellishments for a fresh, lighter style. In the evening opt for darker hues and bolder embellishments such as sequins or feathers, remembering that the goal is to look dressy without taking away from the bride. When in doubt, a well-cut dress, a pair of heels or dressy flats, with sparkling jewelry and accessories will always work for a cocktail event, no matter the venue or time of day.
His: A suit (with or without a tie) is the appropriate attire for cocktail attire dress code. Go with darker hues in chillier months or for evening events, but it’s okay to wear lighter grays or blues in warmer weather or for daytime celebrations. As for shoes, opt for a nice pair of dress shoes.
Semiformal or Dressy Casual
This one can be a little tricky because of it’s built in flexibility, and falls a just below cocktail attire. Without clear guidance on what's expected, it can be difficult to decipher what the happy couple would like guests to wear. In general, semi-formal dress codes call for a more relaxed look and it's a way of asking guests to wear something nice without requiring them to purchase an expensive dress or formal suit that they may not wear again. While cocktail attire is all about eye-catching patterns, colors, and statement accessories, semi-formal wedding attire is more understated. Daytime, and especially daytime outdoors, will definitely lend itself to more casual options, while nighttime and indoors will lean more towards dressy options.
If you're unsure of what to wear, a great rule of thumb is to lean into what vibe the venue is giving — a barn inherently has a different feel than a ballroom. You will still want to keep your outfit within the parameters of semi-formal but with a slant in the right direction and a nod to practicality — i.e. go with a block heel if there is lawn or cobblestones.
Hers: For dresses anything from a mid- to knee-length is most appropriate for this level of formality, so stay away from floor-length gowns. While heavy beading and other formal elements should be avoided, a dressy dress, jumpsuit or suit separates including pants are all appropriate for semi-formal wedding attire options. Especially those in fabrics featuring minimalistic patterns and/or more toned down colors. In general opt for more simple and minimalist accessories, for example block heels over stilettos and simple gold or silver jewelry over ornate pieces. But do use accessories to your advantage: they can elevate something on the casual side or tone down a fancier ensemble. (Think chunky simple heel versus rhinestone-covered stilettos or gold hoops versus sparkling drop earrings.)
His: Dress shirts and ties aren't required, nor are matching suit pieces. You can mix and match suit separates, work a sweater into the outfit (a great option for fall or winter). Or skip the tie and keep the shirt and suiting sharp. The key is to avoid the stale business world connotations that most suiting conjures up A semi-formal event allows you to embrace embrace your own style with flourishes such as a particularly vibrant tie, pocket square, lapel pin, or jewelry that you couldn't necessarily get away with at the office but that will make for a unique look. if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal. And don’t forget shoes are another great way to mix it up with a cool casual pair of shoe mixed with suiting or a dress shoe to amp up your chinos.
Festive
This dress code is relatively new and will leave many guests scratching their heads. To break it down, Festive attire allows you to have fun and play around with your looks. Though it usually implies cocktail level attire festive could mean different things depending on the venue, the time of day, and the season so take this into consideration. For example a home wedding versus formal ball room or beach. .Women are encouraged to wear party attire featuring bolder colors, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes. Men should sport a patterned or textured suit, jazzed up with a bright tie or creative pocket square or colored shoes..
Hers: A skirt or dress with a hem past the knee.
His: Dress pants or khakis, with a collared shirt and a belt.
Nicole in summer dress and hat.
Beach Formal
This suggests an elegant beach wedding—so dress to impress, but also dress for the elements (sun, sand and water). And remember to choose appropriate footwear for the terrain!
Hers: A formal summer dress at floor or cocktail length with flat sandals. Makeup and hair should be natural and appropriate for the environments- perhaps up if it is windy.
His: A summer or light colored suit, tie optional. Linen pants and a jacket are also acceptable. Pair with dressy loafers in a light color.
Aricia in gingham outfit.
Smart Casual
A “Casual” dresscode generally, means anything goes—but keep it tasteful you are still attending an event. “Smart Casual” or “Dressy Casual” refers to more dressed up versions of your casual looks.
Casual
Casual attire will typically indicate that the wedding is being held outdoors and means the event will be much more laid-back. With that said, jeans, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers are absolutely not appropriate unless specified by the couple. Women can wear a summer sundress or a floral patterned mini, with wedges or dressy sandals. Men should choose to wear dress pants or khakis paired with a collared shirt, with the option to also style their look with a tie or sports jacket.
Hers: A summer sundress, stylish jumpsuit or a skirt or pant with a nice blouse.
His: Dress pants with a button-down shirt.
More Wedding Dress Codes & Tips:
Remember not to wear white or very light-whitish colors, and further, avoid matching the colors worn by the bridal party. Also in general avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or flashy that might over-shadow the bride or groom. Even at a casual-attire wedding avoid clothes that are overly casual, like jeans and sneakers.
Check your invitation for additional clues - a more formally written invitation implies more formal and/or traditional dress. Get in touch with the organizer or host/hostess and ask for a clear explanation, or ask if what you were planning to wear is okay. use context clues to decide what to wear, like the formality of the wedding invitation, the venue, the time of day, the season, and the religion of the ceremony.
White Tie: This is the most formal of all dress codes, think State Dinners and the Oscars. For Him - Wear a tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a white pique vest and a bow tie. Formal black shoes and even white gloves are appropriate. For Her - Wear a long formal ball gown. Glamorous makeup and dramatic jewelry and hair are appropriate.
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