It is always lovely to receive an invitation to an event. It’s even more pleasurable if you know how to dress to the requested dress code.
Invitation Dress Code
White Tie (Formal) – This is as formal as it gets. Wear a floor-length evening gown that fits you perfectly (and covers you). Gloves are preferred, but optional.
Black Tie (Formal) – Try to think like a movie start and project a bit of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour. Traditionally, a floor-length evening gown is required dress. An elegant cocktail dress is permitted if the event starts before 8pm.
Creative Black Tie – This is a new one on the scene. The gown will still be full-length but the styles will be much more avant-garde (trendy). If you don’t have a gown that is “out of the box”, feel free to use some stylish accessories to accompany your gown.
Black Tie optional – This is a slightly more relaxed version of formal dress. A cocktail dress or a floor-length gown will be equally acceptable.
Cocktail (Semi-formal, After Five) – A cute little cocktail dress is called for, with a hem-line below mid thigh. A little black dress (appropriate hem-line) with lovely accessories would be welcome.
Festive (Holiday, Creative Cocktail, Dress to Impress) – This dress code is usually used to accompany a holiday. Feature the holiday colors and wear a party dress with sequins.
Business Formal (Office Appropriate) – Wear a tailored dress or pantsuit. Make sure that you are aware of the office dress code.
Business Casual – Wear pants/skirt and blouse or a nice dress. Again, be sure to consider any dress code that your company may have.
Casual dressy (Casual Chic, Smart Casual) – This is just a dressier version of what you normally wear. For example, you may add a smart set of boots, scarf, and accessories.
Casual (Come as you are) – The focus here is to just be comfortable. Jeans and sneakers are perfectly acceptable, if that is what your friends are used to seeing you dressed in all the time.
If you still have any confusion, contact your host (probably the person who sent you the invitation) and ask what they are wearing. Don’t feel anxious about contacting the host, as making guests feel comfortable is part of their hosting duties.
Did you find the dress code that you were looking for?
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