Dress Codes Explained: From White Tie to Casual (Cheat Sheet)

Invitations and offices use dress codes as shorthand. Here's what each one means, from most to least formal, with what to wear.

1. White tie

The most formal. Rare: state dinners, some galas.

• Women: floor-length evening gown, formal gloves optional.
• Men: tailcoat, white waistcoat, white bow tie, patent shoes.

2. Black tie

Evening galas, formal weddings.

• Women: floor-length gown or very elegant cocktail dress.
• Men: tuxedo, black bow tie, patent or polished shoes.

3. Black tie optional / formal

• Women: long dress, elegant midi or dressy separates.
• Men: tuxedo or dark suit and tie.

4. Cocktail

Evening parties, many weddings.

• Women: knee-to-midi dress, dressy jumpsuit, elegant separates.
• Men: suit, tie optional.

Full guide: cocktail attire.

5. Semi-formal

Similar to cocktail, often daytime.

• Women: midi dress, tailored separates.
• Men: suit or blazer and trousers, tie optional.

6. Business formal / professional

Conservative offices, important meetings.

• Women: suit or tailored dress, closed-toe shoes.
• Men: suit and tie.

7. Business casual

Most offices.

• Tailored trousers or skirts, shirts or knits, optional blazer. See business casual for women and business casual for men.

8. Smart casual

Dinners, events, relaxed offices.

• Dark jeans allowed, blazers optional, clean leather shoes or minimal sneakers. See smart casual dress code.

9. Casual

Everyday clothes, but clean and appropriate for the setting.

Special codes

• Garden party: light fabrics, block heels or flats.
• Beach formal: linen suits, flowing dresses, sandals.
• Festive / holiday: your usual dress level plus sparkle or velvet. See Christmas party outfits.

When in doubt

Ask the host. If you can't, go one level up from your guess.

Dress codes for work events

• Conference: business casual; comfortable shoes for long days of standing.
• Client dinner: smart casual to business, depending on the client; ask a colleague.
• Company party: usually cocktail or smart casual with a festive touch.
• Team offsite: casual, but avoid anything you wouldn't wear in the office.

Quick decoder

If an invitation uses an unusual phrase ("festive attire", "creative black tie", "elevated casual"), find the closest standard level above and add one personal twist. When in doubt, it's easier to remove a blazer or tie than to add one you didn't bring.

Try it with your own closet

Tell Wardrobely's AI stylist the dress code and venue and it builds an outfit from your clothes. For weddings specifically, see wedding guest outfits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most formal dress code?

White tie, followed by black tie.

What's the difference between cocktail and semi-formal?

They're similar; cocktail is usually evening and slightly dressier, semi-formal can be daytime.

What does "dressy casual" mean?

Usually the same as smart casual: polished casual pieces, no athletic wear.