Dress Code Guide: From Casual To White Tie

Invited to a wedding with a specified dress code? It seems few things cause anxiety like a misunderstood dress code.

How do you know if you will be over dressed? What if you show up more casual than others?

The main dress codes are:

• Casual
• Dressy Casual/Cocktail
• Semi-formal
• Formal
• Black-Tie
• Black-Tie "Optional"
• White Tie

You may understand what a casual dress code is, but how casual can be confusing.

You may not understand the difference between semi-formal and formal, and you would not be alone.

The most confusing dress code by far, however, is black tie optional. Have no fear, we have it all spelled out for you. And when you understand the basics, dressing appropriately - and looking fantastic - becomes much easier.

This guide is for both men and women!

We also dive in to appropriate colors and fabrics, based on the dress code, the season, and the time of day. In addition, the venue must be considered. A wedding on the beach or a wedding in a ballroom may call for different interpretations of the same dress code.

To read more about this subject, see our blog "Dress Code Guide: From Casual To White Tie".