There are so many different terms for dress codes these days. And if you aren’t knowledgeable about them, it could spell embarrassment for you in the future. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dress codes and what they refer to.
Casual Dress Code For Women
A casual dress code essentially refers to clothing you feel most comfortable in. This could mean a simple shirt and jeans or skirt combo, paired with sneakers or flip-flops.
But basically, the casual dress code calls for any clothing that you would wear on a daily basis.
Business Casual Dress Code For Women
Meanwhile, business casual refers to clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear but still gives off a professional impression.
Business casual attire usually consists of blouses and slacks or knee-length skirts, loafers or dress shoes, and light accessories. Lifestyle by PS previously suggested some business casual outfit ideas we can look into for inspiration.
Smart Casual / Dressy Casual Dress Code For Women
Think of smart casual attire as the dressy version of business casual. It’s the attire that is appropriate both for the office and cocktail hours.
While the clothing pieces themselves are similar to business casual, the Balance Careers explains that smart casual allows more flexibility for personal taste in fashion. Here, your colour palette isn’t limited to certain hues.
This gives you an opportunity to show off your unique style.
Business Formal Dress Code For Women
The business formal dress code means you should project an air of seriousness. This is where blazers, pantsuits, and high heels come into play.
You can wear midi dresses, but they have to be complemented with jackets. Neutral colours are the usual choice for business formal attire.
Beach Formal Dress Code For Women
This dress code is often reserved for outdoor social events and summer weddings, particularly beach weddings. Light, flowing fabrics, flats, and sandals are usually the go-to pieces for this kind of attire.
Pretty Me recommends floral print dresses because they fit the beach setting. But you can also go for jumpsuits and wedges for grassy occasions.
Cocktail Dress Code For Women
Knee-length dresses usually account for cocktail attire. This is what you’d wear to bar events or parties. You can be playful or sensual with your picks, and go wild with colours.
Of course, never underestimate the power of a simple black cocktail dress, too.
Black Tie Dress Code For Women
The TrendSpotter states that black tie requires a sophisticated level of dressing, considering it’s one of the most formal of dress codes. Long dresses or floor-length gowns are the appropriate choices here, but cocktail dresses are also an option.
Since black tie mainly refers to the men’s attire, women have free reign over which colours to wear.
White Tie Dress Code For Women
White tie is a step higher from black tie and is, in fact, the highest level of dress code. This is where you have to dress to the nines! It is usually enforced in royal events, presidential dinners, and formal balls.
This means long dresses too, but a lot fancier. Traditionally, women wear long white gloves too for such events, but they’re now just optional. When dressing for white tie occasions, think about an Oscar-worthy look.
Written by Gina Brown
