You get an invitation with the who, what, when, and why…but it’s up to you to figure out the WEAR (ha). The mystifying dress codes can confound, confuse, and frustrate. It can also be a really good excuse to go shopping (whether that’s in a store or in your friend’s closet). Here is a handy guide to help you figure out what dress codes mean. Like what is snappy casual? I don’t know what to wear to a snappy casual event.
“Dress codes.”
1. Casual
So I think that many people would feel it unnecessary to define casual but if an invitation took the time to specify casual they at least mean “cute.” So maybe don’t show up in sweatpants or in your norts and cozy t-shirt. I like Emily Post’s advice here: make sure it’s clean. No holes.
Vanessa Abrams rocking some casual chic!
2. Dressy Casual (read: Date Casual)
I have heard this referred to as “snappy casual” or “Creative casual.” And while I think people who use those terms are looking to get some weird fahsion faux pas, this can be a fun one. You can take your causal style and get a little fancier, maybe add some more vibrant accessories, or swap out jeans for a skirt. Add some interesting details to your shirt, or throw on a blazer. You can show a little more of your personality here, while not being worried about needing to be super-fancy (read: highly uncomfortable).
3. Business Casual and Business Formal
We’re going to a lot of interviews and networking meetings. There are a lot of variable factors here- what kind of industry are you involved with? How casual is your interaction (coffee? interview?). I would always err on the side of more conservative and nice than on the casual side of this. Steer clear of the jeans, unless paired with a very nice top/blazer/shoe option and ONLY IF THEY ARE DARK, DO NOT HAVE HOLES AND ARE FITTED TO YOU. Skirts, heels, blouses, cardigans: all of these fit under both of these and you can dress these up or down as you please. If it is SPECIFIED business formal–wear a damn suit. You’ll look great, feel great, and make a fantastic impression. Also: times are changing and so pantyhoes: OPTIONAL (#bless).
If anyone can do business attire it is Blair Waldorf. Get creative ladies! Be bold! But keep some traditional elements intact.
Also… my mom would kill me if I didn’t include her advice: IRON IRON IRON because who wants a wrinkly first impression.
4. Festive Attire
What is “festive attire?” Do you want to me to wrap myself in tinsel? Depending on the time of year, this can turn into “resort attire” or “snappy formal.” Excuse me? These are typically cocktail parties that would normally be cocktail attire but they have a special occassion or theme or location that dictates your creativity a little more. So for festive attire, add some sparkle, add some sheen. Go edgy, be hip! Leather, sequins, heels, clutches, GREAT jewelry, statement pieces (bonus points if these things are red, green, white, gold, blue, or silver… depending on your festivities!) For resort attire (first let me apologize that you’re friends with people who throw resort attire function (we all know people like that are better than common parties). Go with a nice maxi-dress and some islandy wedges, sandals, bags, large beads, woody/natural accessories and have some fun with fabric and print here.
Snappy formal… well I’m going to go ahead and say that’s cocktail attire. THE perfect time to pull out the LBD, or the LWD, or the LRD, or any L__D. Pretty short dress, or nice slacks and a great top. Add heels. Bonus points for a cocktail ring! And you’re set.
Sparkles ALWAYS say festive, no matter what the holiday/occasion.
5. Semi-formal
Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean you’re kinda formal. It means a suit for men and when men are wearings suits, women should get fancy. I would equate this to cocktail attire, but maybe just a little bit on the fancier side. Bonus points if it’s a date function and you somehow (not necessarily color) coordinate with your date.
Even more bonus points if you can get the Serena boob triangle down!
6. Formal
MORE DRESSES, but the nicer ones that you would feel awkward wearing anywhere except an occassion. Seperates here that are very fancy are also encouraged! (Also please note that for women who want to wear menswear-chic or true menswear, just follow the rules for guys (which are to follow)).
7. Black-tie
VERY fancy short dresses are allowed, but I’m always down for any excuse to wear a floor length. Black tie can kind of run the gamut from realllllly fancy to really fancy; make your judgement on the event and on others you know who’ll be there. If it’s “creative” black tie have fun with colors, accessories, or other additions (hair anyone?!). If it’s not specified “creative,” I would err on the traditional/conservative side as many of these will have older people that you want to network with and make a good impression upon.
8. White-tie
Floor length is basically necessary at this point. It can be very tricky to avoid the regularly gendered fashion regulations here, but if you’d like to opt out of the floor-length gown, a great fitted tux could work so long as you’re willing to work it.
Except for maybe avoid yellow, black, AND ruffles all in one ensemble…
9. FOR THE MEN (and menswear wearers)
https://www.jackthreads.com/thethread/2014/07/01/decoding-the-dress-code
Jackthreads is the best place ever for men looking to dress like men. While I don’t recommend blowing your budget on everything J. Crew, it’s a great starting point for learning appropriate wear and tips for great style (a specific type of style, but a classic one nonetheless).