WE ARE SHEDDING LIGHT ON DRESS CODES AND BREAKING THE RULES WITH CREATIVE ALTERNATIVES.

Undaunted by the pressure of current trends, we are here to help you dress to match your purpose and be creative with breaking the dress code as you show up confidently.

Why Dress Codes Exist

Culturally, dress codes exist for the sake of uniformity. Dress codes were invented to relieve attendees from the hustle of deciding what is and what is not appropriate for a particular function and have been the norm over time.

In this guide, my goal is to help you understand the occasion, gain insight into the expected dress code, and help you know when it’s okay to break away from such regulations.

1. Come As You Are Dress Code

If there is a least stressful outfit is this.

It Doesn’t mean you pull up the crinkly shirt lying on your laundry chair without a second thought. No. This is your clean, fitting, everyday wear outfit. For instance, dark-rinse denim with a Henley, classic pocket t-shirt, slim-fit shorts, a polo shirt when warm, and maybe a pair of minimalist leather or canvas sneakers.

When the host says, come as you are. Try upping your dress code by half to replace jeans with chinos or linen trousers.

2. Casual Dress Code

Low-key and informal with an extra touch. A recommendation: Layers. You can never go wrong with layers.

3. Smart Casual Dress Code

You have a dozen options for this. All you need is to narrow your options to the time of the day and the weather, and you are set. Tailored buttoned shirts, chinos, and a bomber or leather jacket is your fastest pic. Replace dress shoes with leather sneakers in a neutral tone. Fit and Texture is your guide on hitting the jackpot with this one!

4. Business Casual Dress Code

Sounds like work, right? Probably do away with the sneakers and put on some dress shoes. Try a smart casual look like loafers and a crew-neck sweater over a subtly patterned button-down. Anything that gives in to corporate ‘uniform.’

5. Garden Casual/ Dressy Resort/ Outdoor Wedding Dress Code

Summer in the tropical. This is an excellent opportunity to leave work clothes in the closet and introduce whites, tan and vibrant colors in solid form and bolder prints. All this fun and comfort outside of the house paired with chinos and khakis, sealed with sunglasses.

6. Festive Dress Code

This is likely on invitations during festive seasons. The name of the game is sophistication at its best. Velvet, Cashmere, Tartan vests, dress pants, name it. All the winter textures you have waited all year to try out, this is that time. For footwear, you could wear dressier shoes or boots, and don’t forget to swing that dressier overcoat.

7. Cocktail Attire Dress Code

Suit worthy. It can also be used interchangeably with Semi-formal. Whatever it is, ensure a balance between the boardroom and the ballroom—going for something between a tux and what you’d wear at an interview. Go dapper. A dark navy or charcoal suit, a crisp collared shirt, and black dress shoes scream style icon for such an event. Add a colorful tie or pocket square as long as your looks remain polished.

8. Semi-Formal Dress Code

A simple suit, darker colors and subtle motifs, a dress shirt, and a tie. The trick is to go darker at night and lighter during the day.

9. Professional or Business Dress Code

This is a step up or two from your usual office wear, mostly what you wear at work parties and business trips. A classic navy or grey suits with white or pale blue collared shirts. You want to achieve a neat look, not novelty. Drop the black dress shoes for a pair of brown cap-toe Oxfords.

10. Formal Dress Code

Sharp without a tux. My recommendations during summer or daytime would be light grey or tan suit, dress shirt, and silk tie. Wear navy or charcoal suits with darker silk ties during winter or evenings.

11. Black Tie Dress Code

Tuxedo Tuxedo Tuxedo. Black tie events are usually in the evenings, and must be dressed in a tux. This is your time to consult your stylist on what tux works best for you, and don’t forget the freedom to accessorize.

12. Black Tie Optional Dress Code

This is a relief from the pressure of getting a tux, even if your host would prefer you in one. Make sure you give your plain or cap-toe shoes a good shine before you leave. You can wear a suit for this dress code, as long as you pair it up with a dress shirt and a nice black tie.

13. Creative Black Tie

This is definitely for a gala, an artsy benefit, or a red-carpet event—time for your creativity to shine. Prints and patterns are allowed. You can go for a velvet jacket or a black shirt with a colorful bowtie.

14. White Tie

State dinner, a royal banquet, masquerade balls, Mardi Gras celebrations, and the like. Black tie is an understatement in comparison to this. Evening tail coat, tapering swallowtail extensions at the back. You will definitely need a suit tailor.