Decoded: The Dos and Don'ts of Every Dress Code
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A black-tie event is the epitome of formal. Cocktail-length dresses are only allowed if they are extremely dressy and sleek.
What to Wear: A formal floor-length gown is preferred. Also allowed: a dressy cocktail dress or your best LBD paired with fancier jewelry, which will elevate the overall look.
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A black-tie-optional event is still dressy but not as strict. In other words, you can wear a formal evening gown, but no one will look at you twice if you choose to wear a cocktail dress.
What to Wear: A formal floor-length evening gown, fancier cocktail dress, a tux-style pantsuit, or LBD.
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As the name suggests, this is a dressy event that is still meant to be primarily social and enjoyable.
What to Wear: A cocktail dress (obviously), LBD, or a shorts suit in more formal fabrications, plus a sleek pair of heels. Flats are not recommended but can work in certain situations.
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This is a professional look that isn’t overly dressy. Think something you could definitely wear during the day (on the conservative side) but would feel comfortable wearing at night.
What to Wear: An open-collar shirt or sweater with a pencil skirt or trousers. You can also wear a dress, as long as it’s not provocative.
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Imagine what you would wear if you were giving a very important presentation. That’s essentially how you should dress for a business-formal event.
What to Wear: A tailored, polished dress with a blazer or a pantsuit. Whatever you wear, style it with appropriate heels. This is not the time for flats or super-high club shoes.
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Your average brunch look will work.
What to Wear: A skirt (either long or short) and a plain tee, nice jeans with a button-down blouse, or a cotton sundress. Flats are fine.
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Think black tie with some breathing room. Still formal and dressy but with a smidge of playfulness thrown in.
What to Wear: A dressy cocktail dress, floor-length evening gown, or LBD, plus fun and unique accessories.
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Think Olivia Palermo on just about any given day. A look that is casual but not at all lazy or frumpy.
What to Wear: A dressy blouse with jeans and heels, a skirt and top set, a crisp pantsuit, or a dress. Flats are acceptable as long as they are not overtly casual (i.e., no sneakers).
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As the name suggests, a semi-formal event is just that: semiformal. It’s certainly still dressy, but not as much so as a black-tie-optional event.
What to Wear: A cocktail dress, LBD, floor-length skirt and blouse in appropriate fabrics (like silk), or dressy separates. You can also wear a long dress if you wish.
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This is the most extravagant of all the dress codes—perhaps that’s why the Met Gala utilized it in 2014. Think full ball gown, elbow-length gloves, and all your best jewelry.
What to Wear: A floor-length evening gown (mandatory), gloves (optional), and your best jewelry. Your dress should incorporate luxe fabrications like lace, silk, and chiffon.
