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Dress codes, explained.
Invitations love a dress code and rarely explain it. Here is what each one means for women, from the most formal to the most relaxed.
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From most formal to most relaxed
| Dress code | What to wear |
|---|---|
| White tie | The most formal: a floor-length ball gown, often with gloves. |
| Black tie | A floor-length evening gown; a very elegant cocktail dress at relaxed events. |
| Black tie optional | A gown, a dressy cocktail dress or an elegant evening suit. |
| Cocktail | A knee-length or midi dress, or dressy separates. |
| Semi-formal | A midi dress, a skirt and blouse, or smart trousers and a dressy top. |
| Business formal | A suit or blazer with matching trousers or skirt. |
| Business casual | Tailored trousers or skirts with blouses and knits; no suit needed. |
| Smart casual | Polished everyday clothes — dark jeans with a blazer, a day dress. |
| Casual | Relaxed and comfortable, but still neat. |
When in doubt
Go one step up
Being slightly overdressed is easier to recover from than underdressed.
Think about time and place
Evening and indoor events run dressier than daytime and outdoor ones.
Ask
Hosts would always rather you asked.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between black tie and cocktail attire?
Black tie usually means a floor-length gown for an evening event; cocktail means a knee-length or midi dress, or dressy separates.
What does semi-formal mean for women?
A step below cocktail: a midi dress, a skirt and blouse, or smart trousers with a dressy top.
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