10 types of dress codes for formal events

There are so many formal events with their different expectations, as far as dress code is concerned. How do you navigate this maze and ensure that you’re properly dressed for every event? Here’s a guide to help you navigate 10 dress codes for formal events.


White Tie

White-tie events are the most formal and have made their way down from the Victorian era. Women attending a white tie event are expected to be dressed in fancy, full-length evening gowns, which are almost always paired with long gloves as the major accessory.

Black Tie

The black-tie dress code comes from the Regency era and is often the dress code for many weddings. Women attending black tie events are expected to wear floor-length dresses made from materials, preferably silk.

Black Tie Optional

Black tie optional is a dress code that implies that your host would prefer if you followed the traditional black tie dress code as much as possible. However, they would accept elegant dresses and suits. So, you need to tone down on the black tie outfit while still maintaining the formal appearance.

Business Formal

This formal dress code almost is almost always worn for business and corporate events such as meetings, conferences, and business dinners. You should wear clothes that are perfect for a business setting, meaning ladies should wear shirts and suits coupled with skirts or suit pants. Dresses aren’t allowed for business formals.

Cocktail Attire

The name Cocktail attire implies that the event is more laid-back and is not as formal as other events. Since these events are relaxed, you have fewer restrictions on your outfit.

The appropriate cocktail attire is cocktail dresses, which are often knee-length and made from lacy materials.

Dressy Casual

Although casual is stated in the name, you’re not free to go full-on casual yet because Dressy casual, which is also called smart casual needs to be a balance between formal and casual dress code. So, you need to find a middle ground between evening gowns and casual gowns.

However, you have a wide range of skirts, blouses, and dresses across several colors to choose from; just make sure it isn’t too casual.

Formal Gala 

When attending a formal gala or having a night out at the opera, the best outfit is a sophisticated, expensive, dress with statement jewelry that’ll perfectly fit the occasion.

Business Casual

If you work in a corporate office, you’ll most likely have to do this a lot, with a comfortable, polished outfit that still looks professional enough to meet clients. You can get a colorful knee-length dress and comfortable shoes, but don’t look like a party-goer.

Wedding dress code

Weddings will almost always come with a wedding theme, but in case they don’t, you can go in a long or knee-length cocktail dress. Elegant dresses and dresses made of too much white are a no-no, and accessories shouldn’t make too much of a loud statement if you’re a wedding guest.

Prom dress code

Prom is a formal event, so you need to wear formal attire, especially a full-length dress, but a midi-dress could also suffice. Long Prom Dresses and Mermaid Prom Dresses with matching shoes are perfect. However, dresses that are too short, tight, too revealing, or expose your cleavage won’t be allowed by many schools for prom, so you have to be careful when choosing those Sexy Prom Dresses.

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