What is the dress code?

A dress code tells us briefly (with one or two words in English) what is the appropriate clothing for a given occasion. It may be dictated by the host or be of an implicit nature, and its function is to help us not to clash.

Therefore, know the different dress codes and their respective rules it is key to dress well. It should be noted that in some of them two people can interpret it in different ways and both be correct:

White tie

It is not usual to receive invitations where this dress code is stipulated, since it is reserved for highly relevant occasions, such as official ceremonies and certain weddings. This is the highest level of formality, so requires a great dress outfit.

Usually, a morning coat is worn when the event is daytime (for example, the Ascot races) and tailcoats when held at night or indoors (for example, the Nobel Prizes). Let's see what each of the two garments consists of:

Chaqué

The top part of the morning suit consists of a white shirt, gray silk tie, gray double-breasted waistcoat, jacket (black or gray) with back skirts buttoned at the waist with a single button, and gray gloves and top hat. At the bottom he wears gray and black striped pants and shiny shoes.

Frac

The top part of the tailcoat consists of a starched front shirt and a hard bow tie collar, a white bow tie, a white piqué waistcoat, a black jacket with skirts cut horizontally at the waist (with single or double breasted), white gloves and a top hat. black. At the bottom he wears black pants and shiny black shoes.

Black Tie

If this semi-formal dress code is stipulated on your invitation, it is probably a party. The garment used is the tuxedo. The English call it a dinner jacket and the Americans call it a tuxedo. However, they all refer to the same thing.

It is an evening jacket that, unlike the normal suit jacket, its lapels are made of shiny fabric. Although it is manufactured in many colors, midnight blue is the most appropriate if you want to follow the rules of this code to the letter.

Complete the look with a white dress shirt, black oxford shoes (they can be shiny or matte) and a bow tie and pants in the same color as the jacket. Sashes and vests are optionalBut it must be borne in mind that they have a function that some may consider important: to prevent the shirt from showing between the button of the jacket and the waist of the trousers.

When it comes to a Black Tie Creative has a free hand to use colors and patterns. It should be noted that it is necessary to evaluate the context to avoid going too far and ending up out of tune in the event in question.

Cocktail

Originally, the cocktail or cocktail was taken between tea time (the custom was born in England) and dinner. In the 20s it became so fashionable that it served to inspire a type of clothing that was neither day nor night. Consider a slim-fit dark suit (maybe with a bit of glitter to differentiate it from the office), white shirt with tie and dress shoes.

Cocktails can have different levels of formality. Depending on the characteristics of the event, it is appropriate to relax the dress a little, dispensing with the tie and even substituting the shirt for a turtleneck sweater. In any case, it is always advisable to have elegance in your sights.

Business

It is the strictest office dress code. Requires a conservative suit (dark or pinstripe), white or blue shirt, tie, and black dress shoes.

Business Casual

These two words tell us that you have to dress formal, although no need to create a uniform effect. Likewise, it is allowed to incorporate prints and lighter colors. Consider a jacket, dress pants, shirt (better if accompanied by a tie) and loafers.

Smart casual

Here you can do without the tie and use navy blue chinos or jeans instead of dress pants. A generally accepted image of this dress code is a navy blue blazer, a light blue shirt with a buttoned collar, brown chinos, and brogue shoes.

Casual

Non-dress garments are used. Since it encompasses many styles, it is necessary to consider the context. For example, if the occasion calls for a certain sobriety, unstructured blazers are a good idea. If it's something more relaxed, consider a plain jacket. The same happens with footwear. Athletic shoes are allowed, but it is important to choose ones that fit the context well.