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Defining Dress Codes – What to Wear for Every Occasion

With so many different dress codes out there, it can be difficult to know what to wear, even when the type of dress requested is stated on the invitation.
Laura Hunt, an image, fashion, and beauty consultant at Freeway Fashion, says you should always ask what to wear if you’re invited to an event with an unfamiliar dress code.

“Depending on how well you know the person who sent the invitation, you can place a call to them directly,” Hunt says. “If not, there is usually a contact person listed on the invite, including a contact number. If you are not comfortable placing a phone call, you can send an email.”

Hunt and Tannya Bernadette, a wardrobe stylist and 2009 Fashion Marketing graduate from The Art Institute of Seattle, decode what to wear for the following dress codes.

SMART CASUAL

Women: Wear a pencil skirt or dress pants, paired with a silk or button-down top and high heels.

Men: Opt for dressy trousers, paired with a collared shirt and loafers.

When to wear it: office parties, happy hours, business luncheons.

DRESSY CASUAL

Women: Avoid wearing denim, tennis shoes, and cotton tees. Instead, opt for silk pants, dress pants, or a skirt. Pair with a patent leather flat, or one with nice embellishments such as a bow, buckle, or a print.

Men: Wear trousers and a dress shirt with a leather loafer, oxfords, or a slip-on shoe. Pair with a blazer or sport coat. Avoid showing up with wrinkles or clothes one size too big, too small, or in a non-coordinating color. A tie is optional.

When to wear it: church, dinner, or an invite received via phone or e-mail.

COUNTRY CLUB CASUAL

Women: Choose an open-necked or polo shirt. You can also opt for dresses and skirts with minimal accessories.

Men: Wear an open-necked or polo shirt, paired with khakis. Accessorize with leather shoes and a belt.

When to wear it: cruise lines, the country club, friend’s home for dinner, nice restaurant.

BUSINESS CASUAL

Women: Put on a skirt, khakis, or dress pants paired with long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tops. A casual dress and flats are options as well.

Men: Wear a button-down or a polo shirt, paired with khakis, or dress pants. If you so desire, layer with a v-neck sweater, a blazer, or a sport coat. A tie is optional.

When to wear it: company party, daily work attire, business lunch meetings.

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Women: Wear a shorter dress with some frill. The classic little black dress makes for great cocktail attire, and is the easiest to show your personality by accessorizing to suit your mood.

Men: Wear a dark suit, coat, and tie. Opting for dark jeans paired with a jacket and tie is also acceptable at some cocktail events, depending on how casual the atmosphere is.

When to wear it: adult birthday parties, evening social events.

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