Dress Code Guide
Never wonder what to wear again. Our comprehensive dress code guide explains every dress code from casual to black tie, with specific outfit ideas for women and men.
Understanding Formality Levels
Dress codes exist on a spectrum from most casual to most formal. Click on any dress code below to see detailed outfit recommendations.
Formal Dress Codes
For black tie events, galas, formal weddings, and professional corporate settings.
Business Professional
Most FormalThe most formal business attire for corporate environments, interviews, and important meetings.
Tailored suit (matching jacket and pants or skirt)
Two or three-piece suit in navy, charcoal, or black
Black Tie
Most FormalThe most formal evening dress code requiring gowns and tuxedos.
Floor-length evening gown
Black tuxedo
Cocktail Attire
FormalSemi-formal evening wear perfect for parties, receptions, and special events.
Little black dress (LBD)
Dark suit (navy, charcoal, or black)
Black Tie Optional
FormalA formal dress code where tuxedos are welcomed but dark suits are acceptable.
Floor-length gown
Tuxedo (preferred)
Semi-Formal
FormalA versatile dress code between business casual and black tie.
Cocktail dress
Suit (doesn't need to be black)
Business & Everyday Professional
For office settings, business meetings, and professional environments.
Casual & Relaxed
For social events, weekends, dinners, and relaxed settings.
Smart Casual
CasualA versatile dress code that blends casual comfort with polished style elements.
Nice jeans (dark wash preferred)
Dark jeans
Resort Casual
CasualRelaxed yet polished attire for vacation settings and upscale casual venues.
Sundresses
Linen pants
Casual
Most CasualRelaxed, everyday clothing for informal settings and gatherings.
Jeans
Jeans
Quick Comparison
| Dress Code | Women | Men | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Professional | Tailored suit (matching jacket and pants or skirt) | Two or three-piece suit in navy, charcoal, or black | 5 |
| Black Tie | Floor-length evening gown | Black tuxedo | 5 |
| Cocktail Attire | Little black dress (LBD) | Dark suit (navy, charcoal, or black) | 4 |
| Black Tie Optional | Floor-length gown | Tuxedo (preferred) | 4 |
| Semi-Formal | Cocktail dress | Suit (doesn't need to be black) | 4 |
| Business Casual | Blouse or nice top (silk, cotton, or polyester blend) | Button-down shirt (with or without tie) | 3 |
| Smart Casual | Nice jeans (dark wash preferred) | Dark jeans | 2 |
| Resort Casual | Sundresses | Linen pants | 2 |
| Casual | Jeans | Jeans | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of dress codes?
The main dress codes from most casual to most formal are: Casual, Smart Casual, Business Casual, Business Professional, Semi-Formal, Cocktail Attire, Black Tie Optional, and Black Tie. Each has specific expectations for both men and women.
How do I know what dress code to follow?
Check the invitation or event details for dress code instructions. If none is specified, consider the venue, time of day, and type of event. For work settings, observe what colleagues and leadership wear. When truly unsure, ask the host or err on the side of being slightly overdressed.
What is the most common workplace dress code?
Business casual is the most common workplace dress code in modern offices. It allows for professional appearance while providing comfort and some personal expression. However, specific expectations vary by industry and company culture.
Can dress codes be different for men and women?
While the formality level is the same for all genders, the specific outfit options differ. For example, black tie requires tuxedos for men, while women can choose between gowns, elegant dresses, or formal pantsuits. Our guides provide specific recommendations for both.
Need Help Choosing What to Wear?
Use our interactive Dress Code Decoder tool to get personalized outfit recommendations for any occasion.
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