Types of dress code

The word “dress code” is English and translates as a set of rules/code for outerwear intended for business or social entertainment. It is dictated by society, and often by a certain circle of people who have occupied a certain niche and dictate their own rules in certain places.

Dress code criteria

There are many known criteria that form a specific image.

The main ones:

1. Religious affiliation.
2. Type of occupation (pupil, student, employee).
3. The habit of visiting various public institutions (bars, theaters, restaurants).
4. Pass to private elite clubs (masquerade parties).

In order not to seem ridiculous in a situation where an official invitation contains an unknown combination of English letters, you need to have serious knowledge in this area.

International types and dress code rules

The dress code, as mentioned above, is literally translated as a code of clothing.In other words, this is a certain set of internationally accepted ethical norms and rules that regulate the style of clothing and form the concept of what to wear in a specific situation in accordance with modern requirements.

White Tie - “white tie”

His also called Ultra–formal, and the French - Cravate blanche. This dress code is characterized by the highest formality and solemnity.

It is strictly observed during extremely important events associated with evening presidential receptions, honoring Nobel laureates, and balls on the occasion of the marriage of high-ranking persons.

For men:

• snow-white bow tie;
• a shirt of a similar color, always starched;
• black tailcoat pair (trousers with silk stripes);
• a snow-white vest, fully buttoned with three buttons;

On a note! A black vest will make you look like a service person.

• patent leather boots, like socks, are black;
• A great addition is a pair of light-colored gloves and a formal pocket watch.

For women:

• floor-length low-cut evening dress;
• long gloves resembling an extension of the sleeves;
• high heels and a small clutch bag;
• smooth hair and good makeup;
• expensive high-quality jewelry made of natural stones (can be rented);
• fur cape.

Black Tie - “black tie”

French Cravate noire. Suitable for special, but still less formal occasions: wedding ballroom evenings, premieres of plays, awards ceremony for Oscar winners.

For men:

• instead of a tie - a black bow tie;
• classic black trousers with side delay in silk;
• a snow-white shirt with a stand-up collar, the edges of which are turned down;
• you can wear a black vest or a “cummerbund” (wide belt);
• boots are regular black, gloves are not required.

For women:

• evening or cocktail (if the event takes place during the day) dress;
• high heels;
• beautiful styling;
• high quality jewelry.

Black Tie Invited - “black tie is welcome”

Suitable for a buffet in the evening, a restaurant dinner, a festive corporate event, a presentation.

For men - fashionable tuxedos.

For women- depending on the time of day: a beautiful evening or cocktail dress, an elegant suit is possible.

Black Tie Optional - “black tie is optional”

Corresponds to the previous one, but the stronger half has a choice of a traditional tuxedo suit or a dark classic + a snow-white shirt + a conservative tie.

Creative Black Tie - “creative black tie”

Opens up the imagination within the traditional Black Tie model, allowing for modern additions. Formally, the organizational level is the same as Black Tie Invited.

For men:

• a tuxedo jacket combined with a dark-colored shirt;
• vest in popular colors;
• bow tie in a variegated vein.

For women:

• cocktail variations of dresses;
• colored shoes, scarves, a set of jewelry;
• Experiments with costumes are encouraged.

Cocktail Attire - “cocktail”

Celebrations at the level of social interaction, evening corporate events, buffet receptions when signing an agreement.

For men:

• a dark suit of a classic cut, complemented by a tie or bow tie;
• You can put a watch, chain, or bracelet on your hand.

  

  

  
  

For women:

• cocktail dress (palm length above the knees) with embroidery, lace, sequins;
• a little black dress or your own suit;
• high heel shoes, small clutch bag.

Semi-formal - “semi-formal”

A very peculiar type of dress code, allowing a certain freedom, but strictly corresponding to the solemnity of the event.

For men:

• you can do without a tuxedo;
• During the day, a classic-style suit with a neutral tie is suitable;
• in the evening (after 18 o'clock) - only dark.

For women:

• during the day - a suit, as well as a combination of a light skirt and top, a light dress;
• in the evening – a cocktail version of a dress with a midi length (“floor-length” is not the most suitable option).

A5 (After Five) - “after five”

Correlates with looser parties taking place after five o'clock in the afternoon. The interpretation of this position is simple - ordinary cocktails, but there are also various additions such as A5 Semi-formal.

For men:

• a loose suit in any colors that suit your taste;
• no tie required.

For women:

• costume variations with trousers or skirts;
• A combination of a dress and a jacket, or a regular cocktail one, is suitable.

А5с (After Five casual) or Dressу Casual

For men:

• a jacket in a fashionable color or just a jumper;
• A suit without a tie and complete with a bright shirt is possible.

For women:

• beautiful daytime dress;
• costume design with a focus on femininity and elegance.

Festival Attire - “festive outfit”

Relevant for holidays such as informal communication. When no specific thematic line has been announced, then guests need to be dressed as neutrally as possible, but at the same time festive.

For men:

• a fashionable shirt with an open collar;
• blazer or sporty jacket;
• You can wear a matching tie model.

For women:

• festive dress like a cocktail “mini” or “midi”;
• bright top with skirts or trousers.

Btr (Busines Traditional) or Undress - business traditional style

Translated as a business-cut suit in an everyday version. This is a kind of unique uniform in case of unforeseen meetings with business partners or negotiation receptions. Representatives of the strong and weak half of humanity may give preference to the classic business style.

Bb (Business Best) - “best business suit”

Conservative business uniform for all kinds of receptions, responsible official meetings at the state level.

For men:

• a strict dark suit pair, maybe with a pinstripe pattern;
• snow-white shirt;
• reddish shades of a tie;
• handkerchief in a pocket on the chest;
• cuffs with cufflinks;
• black Derby or Oxford shoes.

For women:

• a classic suit (with a skirt or trousers) made of dark blue, grayish fabrics, as well as in beige tones;
• dazzling white blouse;
• stockings in beige colors (and in the warm season);
• classic “pumps” with a heel no more than 7 cm high.

Casual (Business and Smart) – free business style

This is a daily outfit of clothes at the discretion of the owner. There are no strict rules and prohibitions.

Highlight:

• Business casual – closer to the business style of clothing.

 

• Smart casual - closer to smart (don't wear jeans).

Many girls are horrified and tremble at the mere “dress code” mark. After all, when creating your image, you need to take into account all the nuances of this code. But everything is not so scary if you know certain rules prescribed for each form of clothing.