WHAT NOT TO
WEARA Review of “Dressing for the Occasion”
FormalWHITE TIE
Women: A floor-length ball gown is a must. Accessorize with opera length gloves, glamorous jewels, and up-do hairstyles.
Men: Wear a short or waist length black tailcoat (tails should reach the back of your knees,) white bow tie, starched white shirt, and a cummerbund (optional). Sport high-quality black pants.
When to wear it: When it indicates it on the invitation
BLACK TIE
Women: Gussy up in a floor-length ball gown. A very dressy cocktail dress may be acceptable depending on the venue of the event.
Men: Wear a dark suit or a tuxedo without tails. Pair with a white shirt and a tie, or a bow tie with or without a vest and a cummerbund.
When to wear it: charity fundraisers, political dinner parties, weddings.
Semi-FormalWomen
Short afternoon or cocktail dress; finger-tip to “tea” length
A “little black dress”
Dressy separates
Men
Dark, business suit
Matching vest (optional)
Dress shirt
Tie/Bow-tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Business Formal
Women
Suit
Business-style dress/Blazer
Dress with a jacket or modest and nicely made dress. No “gauzy/flimsy” materials.
Heels, low or high
Men
Dark business suit
Matching vest (optional)
Dress shirt
Conservative tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Smart/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. NO
flip-flops.
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. Usually no jeans; definitely NO SHORTS. Loafers; NO SANDALS.
When to wear it: company party, daily work attire, business lunch
meetings, office parties, business luncheons, upscale brunches
Dressy Casual
Women
Avoid wearing denim, tennis shoes, and cotton tees. Instead, opt for black
pants, tailored capris/ankle pants, or a skirt. You could also do a sundress
that you pair with a flat, or sandals/wedges that are dressier than flip-flops.
Men
Wear pants and a dress shirt or polo with a leather loafer, oxfords, or a slip-on
shoe. Avoid sport shoes.
Avoid showing up with wrinkles or clothes one size too big, too small, or in a
non-coordinating color. A tie is optional but definitely NOT needed.
When to wear it: church, dinner, or an invite received via phone or e-mail
MAKE NOTE OF THIS…
Some people view Business Casual and Smart Casual as two separate things… & some call “Dressy Casual”…”Smart Casual”
“Smart casual” (as some define it) allows the combination of business, formal, and casual in…well…a “smart” look. While ties don’t show in business casual, they are often part of the smart ensemble alongside vests, jackets, cardigans, and even hoodies.
SMART CASUAL Business Casual
CasualWomen
Sundress
Long or short skirt
Khakis or nice jeans
Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
Plain T-shirt (no crazy slogans or gigantic logos), polo shirt, nice sweater
Casual button-down blouse
Men
Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
Nice, flat-front shorts—depending on occasion and climate
Plain T-shirt (no gigantic logos or crazy slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals
Which type of dress is this?The next slide will tell you if you are
right.
Semi-Formal
Which type of dress is this?The next slide will tell you if you
are right.
Semi-Formal or Business Formal
Which type is this?
Most likely business formal; the color of the suit makes it a tad less dressy than a dark suit.
Which type is this?
Casual
Which type is this?
Smart/Business
Which type is this?
Smart Casual
On the right?
Semi-Formal
How about this one?
Casual
How is Mindy Kaling dressed?
Formal; gown length tells you. (and the red carpet )
What about Taylor Swift here?
This could be dressy casual, smart casual, or business formal. I wouldn’t call this business casual.