We asked style experts to demystify the complicated world of party attire for women and men.
Customers frequently ask the company’s personal stylists about which styles will fit wellandfit within a certain dress code.
And it’s not only womenmen are stumped, too.
Photo: Mensent Photography
Black Tie Dress Code
Think formal attire and glamorous detailslike a state dinner or an awards show.
Be especially mindful about not spilling out of necklines and slits.
Black Tie Attire for Men
A tuxedo with a black bow tie.
“Make it a real tie, not a clip-on,” Guillemette says.
Whether you rent or buy, select a trend-defying notch- or peak-lapel jacket with one or two buttons.
Cocktail Dress Code
Cocktail attire translates to semiformal.
Think elegant party dress and a great pair of heels.
But keep the hemline modest: two inches above the knee max.
Whichever you choose, fancy footwear is mandatory.
Cocktail Attire for Men
Go for dashing and timeless.
“Wear a dark suit that’s a well-fitted, toned-down version of a tux.
That’s what separates it from what you would wear in the boardroom,” says Guillemette.
“Stick to a white shirt, a dark tie, and black cap-toe oxfords.”
For the final touch: Give those dress shoes a respectable shine.
Festive Dress Code
Also known as holiday attire, creative cocktail attire, or dress-to-impress.
It means to bring the razzle-dazzle.
And you’re free to never go wrong with a statement coat.
Prefer to lose the stuffy Windsor knot?
Think easy and breezy with a touch of elegance.
Dressy Resort Attire for Women
Balance fashion and function.
Gold wedges, beaded sandals, or embellished ballet flats are posh enough for the occasion.
Instead of black, pick white or a shade that plays up the natural surroundingsblue, coral, yellow.
Dressy Resort Attire for Men
Leave the serious jacket and tie at home.
That means a simple, neutral suit or a sheath dress.
“Look to Jackie O. for inspiration,” Lockard says.
In this case, it’s okay to carry your everyday bag.
But keep your hemline around the knee and your neckline conservative.
Business Attire for Men
“A gray or navy suit is best.
Black is too funereal or maitre d’ish,” says Himel.
A dark chalk-stripe or windowpane pattern works, too.
Add a natty tie, a white or pale blue dress shirt, and polished brown shoes.
Smart Casual Dress Code
Smart casual translates to dressy casual or casual chic.
Think a dress-up/dress-down hybrid like denim and diamonds.
Sharpen up further with a blazer and Golden Globes-worthy earrings.
Smart Casual Attire for Men
“Aim for date nightno suits or ties,” says Loose.
Sport a tailored oxford shirt with flat-front chinos or sleek wool pants.
But if the event is more pub than lounge, switch to dark denim.
Can’t quite figure out what the hosts intend with that “chic” dress code?
Definitely get in touch with them to understand the parameters.
Chic Attire for Women
The key is in what precedes the “chic.”
For California chic, think breezy clothes, like linen pants and flowy dresses.
Look for clothes with a 1920s vibe, of courseflapper-era dresses and plenty of crystals or diamonds.
Chic Attire for Men
Again, you’re going to want to look at that descriptor.
Gatsby chic for a guy includes a full suit (with a vest!
), and a fedora, of course.
Casual Attire for Women
Your host may actually be saying, “We’re easygoing.
Just come on by and don’t stress about it.”
It’s also smart to take a cue from the host.
Casual Attire for Men
Everyday clothes that are clean, in good condition, and unwrinkled.
(Yep, the bar is pretty low.)
Try a Henley or a button-down with jeans or, in the summer, shorts.
Whether boots or sneakers, the footwear should be well-kept and stylish to elevate the whole look.
What Does “Black Tie Optional” Really Mean?
It doesn’t mean “Go out and buy a new outfit.”
Expect a lot of hemlines that hit around the knee at a black tieoptional affair, says Guerard.
But if you do go short, the dress should be awards-show fancy.
Here are five ways to figure out what to wear when no dress code can be found:
