Dress codes

What each invitation dress code asks of you, from white tie to casual, for women and men.

A black satin bow tie, a tuxedo lapel and a white rose boutonniere

Find the code printed on your invitation, then see the hem, fabrics and shoes it expects.

From white tie to casual

The dress code guides

Formality 1 of 13

White tie

White tie is the most formal evening dress code: a floor-length evening gown for women, and a black tailcoat with a white vest and a white bow tie for men.

Formality 2 of 13

Black tie

Black tie is a formal evening dress code: a tuxedo with a black bow tie for men, and a floor-length evening gown or a very dressy cocktail dress for women.

Formality 3 of 13

Black tie optional

Black tie optional means a tuxedo is welcome but not required: men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie, and women wear a gown, an elegant midi or a dressy cocktail dress.

Formality 4 of 13

Formal attire

Formal attire asks for evening-level dressing just below black tie: a floor-length gown, an elegant midi or a sleek jumpsuit for women, and a dark, well-tailored suit and tie for men.

Formality 5 of 13

Cocktail attire

Cocktail attire is a dressy, party-ready dress code: a dress that ends around the knee or a little below, or polished separates, for women, and a suit and tie for men.

Formality 6 of 13

Business formal

Business formal is the most conservative business dress code: a dark suit with a shirt and tie for men, and a suit or a tailored dress with a jacket for women.

Formality 7 of 13

Festive attire

Festive attire is a cocktail-level dress code with an invitation to have fun: sparkle, rich color, velvet and seasonal touches for women and men.

Formality 8 of 13

Semi-formal attire

Semi-formal attire sits between casual and formal: a cocktail dress, an elegant midi or dressy separates for women, and a suit and tie for men.

Formality 9 of 13

Beach formal

Beach formal is formal dress adapted to sand, sun and sea air: a long or midi dress in a light fabric for women, and a light suit in linen or cotton, tie optional, for men.

Formality 10 of 13

Garden party attire

Garden party attire is polished daytime dress for an event on grass: a floral or pastel midi or knee-length dress for women, and a light suit or a blazer with tailored trousers for men.

Formality 11 of 13

Dressy casual

Dressy casual is a step above everyday clothes: a polished dress, or a skirt or dressy trousers with a nice top, for women, and a blazer with tailored trousers, no tie needed, for men.

Formality 12 of 13

Smart casual

Smart casual is relaxed clothing worn with care: tailored trousers or a skirt with a neat top, or a simple dress, for women, and chinos with a collared shirt and an optional blazer for men.

Formality 13 of 13

Casual attire

Casual means comfortable everyday clothes that are clean and put together: a sundress, a skirt or nice trousers for women, and chinos or good jeans with a polo or button-down for men.

Set by the theme

Themed attire

A themed dress code asks you to dress to a theme the hosts have named, such as a decade, a color, a place or a mood, at the level of formality the rest of the invitation suggests.