Different Types of Party Dress Codes
The different types of dress codes for parties can range from super formal to very casual. How do you know what to wear? There’s no need to worry; you can easily figure out the types of attire that parties call for.
Party dress codes have gotten a little more complicated than in the past. Where invitations used to specify “formal” or “semi-formal,” “black tie” or “business attire,” now you might receive an invitation stating “beach casual” or “festive chic” or “fancy cocktail.” What is your host trying to communicate? We’re here to help you decipher different types of party dress codes.
Traditional Dress Codes and What They Mean
Super-traditional dress codes assumed that everyone who’s anyone knew what they meant. They were developed in an age long gone by, which might explain why the two top levels of dress are defined by what color tie men wore, rather than the much more complicated issue of what style, color, and length of gown the ladies would wear. There is something comforting about the old ways, though, because even though the descriptions are very concise, they’re still very clear:
Formal or White Tie – if you receive an invitation to a white-tie event, your social strata is high altitude indeed. This code is rarely used, usually for diplomatic or royal events. You may see gentlemen dressed in white tie and tails for the Nobel Prize ceremony, dinner with the Queen of England, or an embassy ball. Gentlemen wear white bow ties, white waistcoats (vests), and black tailcoats—top hat and cane optional. Trousers have satin ribbons or braiding down the legs. Ladies wear floor-length gowns and—to go the full My Fair Lady—long, beyond the elbow gloves.
Black Tie – in a nutshell, this means men wear tuxedos, traditionally with cummerbunds and white, pleated shirts with French cuffs and cufflinks. You might often see this dress code at formal dinner parties. Matching black trousers with satin trim are part of the ensemble. On award show runways these days, there are fewer cummerbunds and more creativity with lapels and shirts, but the basic idea—a formal black suit with a bow tie—is pretty much unchanged. Ladies have a little more flexibility with a black-tie event. Traditionally a long gown is still de rigueur, but ladies can get away with hi-low hems and waltz- or tea-length dresses. Tasteful short (not mini) cocktail dresses are acceptable as long as they are of a quality and style that reflect the height of the occasion. Black tie is a chance for women to splurge on gorgeous Terani evening gowns that are a little more daring than would be worn to a formal, white-tie event.
Black Tie Optional – this is a category that hosts who really wish their guests would dress up use, knowing that the most some of those guests will do is don their best dark business suit. If men own a tuxedo, this is their chance to bring it out of the suit bag. “Optional” does allow gents to jazz things up a bit by substituting a colorful, seasonal bow tie and cummerbund combo or adding a classy gold bracelet. The “optional” also acknowledges the reality that most men no longer own their own tuxes because they simply don’t get a chance to wear them often enough. Black tie optional accepts this reality, and gentlemen may wear their best business suit and long tie. Black tie optional expands the options for ladies. This code strongly implies that a floor-length gown would be a bit much. Instead, a classy cocktail dress or just-below-the-knee number that moves well for dancing would be the right thing to choose.
Semi-Formal – basically, this means business attire with more leeway for women to notch up from a work dress to a knee- or waltz-length evening dress. This code is for retirement, anniversary, graduation, and other milestone parties. These occasions that don’t require the full-on tuxedo treatment but that are still occasions call for business suits and dresses appropriate for the time of day and season of the year.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail dress codes typically strike a balance between formal and casual. There are some essential tips for attending cocktail parties, but if you’re not sure what to wear, a little black dress is a classic choice. Also, sequins and spangles are fine—it’s drinks, so it’s supposed to be fun. Many people will come for cocktails straight from work, so business suits or dresses made to go “from day to evening” are fine.
Other traditional codes – “dinner jacket” basically means that the trousers don’t have to match the jacket. Traditionally a dinner jacket was white, with a black bow tie. Now, dinner jackets come in a rainbow of colors. Ladies would wear elegant cocktail dresses to an event with a “dinner jacket” code.
“Morning dress” is formal attire for daytime events. Men wear grey cutaway coats, vests or waistcoats, and long ties or cravats with striped or solid trousers. The cravat requires a detachable wing collar. Only the most devoted dandies wear this getup, but when they do, it looks great. Ladies wear tea- or ankle-length dresses for formal, daytime events.
Creative Categories
While some get-togethers might be more formal, there are fun dress codes for parties, too. Party hosts have gotten awfully creative with their dress codes. If you can’t figure out what “lounge lizard” means, just ask the host what they had in mind. Otherwise, the time of day, the location, and the reason for the party can be your guide. Most people have figured out what “business casual” means—and it doesn’t mean Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops—but “beach casual” just might. Hosts typically communicate dress codes to their guests and may ask you to dress consistently with a theme, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear a costume. You can still be elegant while gently evoking the era or an ethos your hosts are trying to create.
“Smart casual” comes around often, and it simply means you should spruce up your business casual a bit. Add some classy accessories and a great pair of heels. “Casual” means guests should be comfortable but not sloppy. You’ve been invited to a party, not to help your friend haul a dresser up four flights of stairs or paint their living room. Jeans or khakis with a nice blouse or a stain-free shirt will do for casual, and flats, loafers, or classic sneakers (not running shoes) will do.
If you’re looking for a cocktail dress or formal gown, you’ll find the perfect dress at Effie’s Boutique. These tips should help you figure out those different kinds of party dress codes so you can show up looking appropriately stunning.
