Special Occasion Dress Guidelines
Formal Wear Tips and Advice

What are the special event dress guidelines or formal dress codes and what do they mean?

Ever been invited to an event and don’t quite know what to wear?
What’s the difference between formal wear and semi formal?
What is black tie?

Relax we’re here to provide the definitions, tips, guidelines and advice so you look and feel great no matter what the dress code. Holiday season, party, gala, wedding, cruise, formal wear...

If you are attending a special event, the invitation may indicate a clothing/dress code. If it doesn't, it’s a good idea to call the event planner or someone who's attended before, to check what’s expected.  When in doubt dress a little more formal.

If you are the event organizer put the dress code on the invitation, your guests will appreciate it.  People want to know what is expected so they don't feel uncomfortable.

So here are the special event/wedding dress codes and what they mean.

Special Event Advice – Dress Guidelines for Special Occasions

White Tie Dress Guidelines
(means ultra formal, rarely seen except White House Balls or Buckingham Palace)

For men:
Think of Fred Astaire in tails. This means a black short jacket that doesn’t fasten in front with two long black tails (tailcoat jacket). A white wing collar shirt, white vest and white tie (that's why it's called white tie) are also worn.

In North America we tend to go with a cutaway jacket look, in Britain they prefer a double-breasted style tailcoat.  Black silk/fine socks long enough to hide your shins. Black shiny/patent leather shoes. Click here to see President Bush demo the look with the Queen.

For women:
Think long gowns like at the academy awards.  The queen’s tiara is optional but the look is as formal and expensive as you can afford to buy, borrow or rent.

Style for Success Tip - Men can rent formal wear so why not women? Now women's high fashion and accessories are available to rent. Check your Yellow Pages or web under formal gown rentals.

Black Tie Dress Guidelines
(means Tux and long dresses)

For men:
This means the tuxedo (no tails).  The most attractive and classy look for men is the classic black tuxedo with black tie, white dress shirt, cufflinks & studs (to replace buttons).

Top it off black silk/fine socks and black shiny/patent leather shoes and a vest or  cummerbund (the waist wrap – remember the folds face up to catch the crumbs - that's why it's nicknamed a crumb-catcher)

For women:
Black tie means glitter and glitz, evening/long dresses usually strappy or strapless with sheer hosiery and rich strappy, even Metallic sandals/pumps.

Style for Success Tip - Men can go for other tux colors but they aren’t as classic for black tie and so if you're buying one, you will get much longer wear and better value with a classic black tux.  If renting, you can go for a more fashion forward look.



Formal dress guidelines
(sometimes called - Black Tie Optional, most cruise ship formal evenings are at this level)

For men:
This means wear a tux but a dark suit can also work. (See tuxedo advice above.) If wearing a dark suit, a white shirt and dark tie works best. Dark dress socks and well shined dark dress shoes.

For women:
Long dress or a cocktail length dress (around the knee) is also an option. Again rich strappy shoes or satin. Accessories/jewelry with shine.

Semi-Formal dress guidelines
(aka - also known as - Cocktail or Holiday Attire, more formal Christmas party or wedding)

For men:
Good quality dark suit, white shirt, dark tie with dark socks and black shoes
(lighter colored suit, brighter colored shirt and tie will work for a day time event)
 
For women:
Cocktail dress or dressy pant suit is an option
Sheer hosiery, dressy pumps

Informal dress guidelines
(aka - Business Attire)

For men:
This means standard business wear. Could be a suit but more likely dress pants and a sports jacket with or without a tie, colored shirt or fine gauge knit sweater/polo shirt.

For women:
A dress, pantsuit or a skirt with or without a jacket.
Add some bright accents/accessories.

Business Casual dress guidelines

For men:
A jacket is not necessary (but preferable - see SFS Secret below) colorful shirt/fine gauge knit top and tie is optional.  It’s still a special occasion so If jeans are worn make sure they are dark and in good shape.

For women:
Colorful sporty looks. Jacket recommended with skirt or pants.

Casual dress guidelines:

For Men:
No jacket or tie required.  If wearing jeans, darker are better, but we suggest khakis rather than jeans, for a little more class.

For women:
Pretty well anything goes (but see our Style for Success Secret below)

Style for Success Secret  -
Weddings and special occasions are just that - special occasions.
To look a little classier and feel more confident, try to dress at the same level as the top dressed 20% of people attending the event.

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