When event and party organizers are busy scouting for potential party rentals, you as a guest is also busy scouting and hunting for an appropriate party attire. It’s fine to pick any clothes you want for as long as you are aware of the events’ dress code. Yes, there are certain parties who are very strict with dress codes depending on the theme of the event. Since fashion nowadays is also evolving just like everything else around, you still have to keep up with the trend. Etiquette for that matter evolves too, but of course, there are clothing traditions that are strictly being followed.

UNDERSTANDING THE DRESS CODES

Dress Code:
FORMAL

• Is also known as the White or Black Tie dress code. When this you see in the invitation men are suppose to be wearing tuxedos while women should wear long formal dresses, or formal cocktail. A short black dress will also look good on formal occasions.

Dress Code:
SEMI-FORMAL

• The Semi-Formal also known as the After Six Attire does not require tuxes, nor long, formal dresses. For an evening wedding, men are expected to wear suits while women can wear a cocktail dress. While for daytime events, suits are still more appropriate for men, and short dress is perfect for women.

Dress Code:
BUSINESS FORMAL

• Closely similar to the Semi-Formal preference for men, while women are required to put on business-looking dresses or a tailored dressy suit. The goal is to look “strictly business” meaning you should set aside the “sexy and revealing” clothing style.

Dress Code:
COCKTAIL ATTIRE

• When it says “Cocktail attire” on the invitation, it suggests that men should be wearing dark, navy, or charcoal gray suits and a short, party dress for women. A classic, short black dress or a skirt and blouse combination are your best choices. This dress code is common during wedding, holiday parties, class reunions, receptions, and anniversary celebrations.

Dress Code:
INFORMAL

• For Daytime, Informal event: an informal daytime wedding suggests that women can wear a skirt and a top or pants – but no jeans, or a sundress, and high heels are not required. While men can wear chinos or slacks and a shirt, preferably tucked in. No sneakers rather use loafers or oxfords.
• For Evening, Informal event: for an informal evening wedding or event, women can wear a dress or a maxi dress and flat shoes, or a little black dress with subtle heels. Men’s attire is the same as the daytime, but no need to add a tie. Jackets can be added though.

Dress Code:
CASUAL or DRESSY CASUAL

• The Casual dress code means you can wear anything like jeans, shirts, sneakers, etc. for both men and women. But for a Dressy Casual, it’s a bit dressed-up look. Men can put on trousers and a sportcoat while the women can wear any dressy pants and no shorts, shirts or jeans.

COMMON OCCASIONS AND THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ETIQUETTE

There are occasions where you have to strictly follow and be aware of the dress code indicated on the invitation, otherwise your outfit might be out-of-place and that could be very embarrassing.

Occasion:
Wedding

• Old tradition: Avoid wearing black, white, or red.
• New tradition: The white is still a big NO-NO, while black and red are now acceptable.

Occasion:
Cocktail Party

• Old tradition: Cocktail dress.
• New tradition: Still the stylish cocktail dresses, although you can choose from a wider scale of options now. Like a dressy-casual dress code, you can wear a skirt or pants with a special-looking top with details, while fancy flats or heels can be a great finish. No denims, jersey or chino.

Occasion:
Cocktail Party

•  Old tradition: A short, black dress and heels.
• New tradition: Ask the host about the specifics. If denim is allowed, you can throw on a skirt and a blouse with a casual buttoned-up casual suit. Wear dangly accessories and a stylish bag to hit the fashion mark in the event.

FINAL NOTE

Dressing up for an event or a party can be really overwhelming sometimes, but exciting because you get to look your best and discover the clothing styles that look great on you. The event party rentals  Rockland NY and organizing team can take care of the specifics in any party. Even the team should also look their best depending on the dress code and party theme. Dress codes serve as a guide in any event, especially those that are strictly formal or special events.