When we get an invite to an event or a wedding, one of the first things that comes to mind is the question: “What am I going to wear?” This q can send us into a full-on spiral, resulting in countless FaceTime calls to friends, hours spent scrolling TikTok for inspo and our wardrobes pilled all over the floor.
Thankfully, dress codes can take a little bit of the stress out of choosing an outfit. They offer guidance as to the kind of garments to choose and just how dressed-up you really need to be. However, dress codes come with their own set of questions, too: Can I wear a short dress to a ‘cocktail’ event? What does ‘black tie optional’ even mean? Wait, since when is WHITE tie a thing?
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions we’ve got you, DW. Ahead, Cosmopolitan Australia has broken the most common dress codes down as a guide for event dressing. Scroll on for what to wear and what not to wear to these events.
White Tie
White tie attire is more formal than black tie, but a far less common a dress code. Typically only used for galas, balls or maybe even a wedding, and also known as “full evening dress,” we might not all have an appropriate dress in our wardrobes, so it’s important to have a guide on what is and isn’t acceptable.
For men, there are a lot of little rules to be aware of. Required is a black tail coat with black trousers, a white collared shirt with a white vest and white bow tie with white gloves. For accessories, cufflinks, shirt studs and black patent shoes with black dress socks are all pretty much a requirement.
There’s a lot less detail for what women should wear to a white tie event, but a floor length gown is a must. Gloves and an up-do for that classic, very formal look are also a safe bet.
Black Tie
One of the more common dress codes, black tie is traditionally quite a strict dress code. Typically, black tie attire calls for a floor-length dress for women, and a black or white tuxedo with a bow tie for men. Black tie leans formal and is the perfect opportunity to dress up more than you typically would — think beautiful dresses, an iconic pair of heels and glitzy jewellery. Being one of the more fixed codes, there are a few dos and don’ts to be aware of.
A rule of thumb for men is that dark colours (mostly black) are the only acceptable ones to be sporting for black tie events (bright colours are off the cards). Oh! And you shouldn’t wear a tie for a strict black tie dress code — opt for a bow tie instead.
For women, black tie is a relatively easy dress code to follow. Think floor length dresses that are simple yet elegant (more elevated slip dress than full-blown ball gown). We would steer clear of a lot of patterns but you can add interest and excitement with accessories — think jewellery, a tiny but powerful purse, or a stand-out pair of heels.
Formal
For many of us formal can be quite a confusing dress code to navigate. Also sometimes referred to as “black tie optional,” it’s very vague and is becoming much more flexible for different events. This dress code is mostly used for weddings, corporate events, more upscale dinners and events and while it traditionally would require women to wear a floor length dress, it’s becoming much more fluid, while still being formal and upscale.
For men, a classic suit (either two piece or three piece works), still in traditional, neutral colours is the way to go, but if it’s slightly more upscale you can also opt for a tux as well. To accessorise, dress shoes and a tie is essential.
For women, there’s lots of room to be creative. Floor length dresses are of course a go-to option, but a tasteful suit or mini/midi dress can also pass for a formal event. Accessorise with a playful bag or pair of heels to add a bit more character to your look.
Cocktail
While far more common than the other dress codes we have spoken about, cocktail is still confusing. It sits somewhere in between daytime and formal events and can also be referred to as “semi-formal.”
A casual suit, without a tie is considered a go-to for men. A crisp shirt with chinos and a casual blazer, without the need for dress shoes is a good start.
For women, a cocktail event would require a dress, above or just below the knee is usually the way to go. In this day and age though, there’s a lot of wriggle room to experiment with length, colour, texture, but as a rule of thumb, dresses made out of linen or cotton are usually considered too casual for a cocktail event.
Smart Casual
More elevated than a casual, daytime look, smart casual is one of the easier dress codes, but does slightly differ depending on the event you’re attending. If you’re going to a work lunch, what you wear may differ from what you wear to a wedding with seemingly the same dress code, however it’s still quite easy to navigate.
For men, there’s plenty of options. Think pared back suits, pants and a sports jacket, a linen shirt, or even a more refined pair of straight leg jeans.
For women: If we’re thinking weddings, a midi dress, set or pared-back suiting would work, or for a more casual event, a matching set with pants or even a skirt, dressed up with heels, or down with a pair of flats or loafers.
