Dress Codes on Invitations Defined in Detail

As I was looking through the sample book at my local stationary/printing shop, it struck me how many of the invitations had a dress code listed: "Business attire", "Festive", "Black and White", "Cocktail dress", etc, etc. In my personal life, I had noticed a proliferation of these dress codes myself, even from e-vite invitations! But since these samples were actually from paid jobs within the last year, I have to conclude that this trend was becoming wide spread.

But when I received the second phone call in as many days from a friend asking me what to wear to a party we had been invited to ("what the heck does 'festive casual' mean?"), I knew the time had come for a translation guide.

The first thing to do is to disregard the dress code section and focus on the rest of the information on the invitation.

1. What is the occasion? There is a difference between dressing for a class reunion, and dressing for the office picnic, but both can ask you to wear something "festive".

2. When is the event taking place? Daytime is more casual than night. Colors and types of fabrics also come into consideration. You wouldn't wear your bright yellow shoes in the winter, nor would you wear gray wool in the summer.

3. Where is the event taking place? A wedding at the beach is different from a wedding at City Hall and both are different from a wedding that takes place in a church or synagogue.

4. Who is going to be there, and what kind of impression do you want to make? A networking party full of business contacts calls for a more conservative approach than a speed dating event. In the first one, you'll want to communicate your competency and professionalism, and in the second, your attractiveness and approachability. Yet both can be held in a restaurant, and both can suggest "business casual" attire.

Now that you have a general foundation of how to dress for the event, it's time to interpret the dress codes:

Festive = This one is easy. The hosts do not want you to wear black. And unless you're actually going to one of these events, festive does not mean something you'd wear to a circus, a luau, or Mardi Gras. For the daytime, festive means bright colors or florals and comfortable shoes. For the evening, metallic's, big jewelry---basically, a toned down version of what you'd wear New Year's Eve.

Casual = Sigh. This single word is a minefield in terms of dressing. Casual means the party giver's want you to feel comfortable and at ease, and not, as some people seem to think, "wear your oldest sweatshirt". Think, instead, of what you would wear to a first date. For daytime, non-religious events, or events in someone's home, jeans would be OK. Khakis, or capris paired with a cute top and a flat shoe would be even better. Make this outfit a little more formal by wearing a skirt instead. For evening, jeans that are dressy in terms of color (dark rinse) paired with dressy flats or a small heel. Depending on the environment, you can wear a camisole, blouson or a peasant-style top.

Cocktail attire = The intended look is sexy, sophisticated and fashionable. What the women of Sex and the City wore when they, well, went out for cocktails. A tastefully short, fitted (not tight!) skirt, and a blouse that is either form fitting, or one that shows some skin. For a more conservative look, a sheath dress. The key here is to wear strappy heels.

Business attire = What you would wear to a job interview. Unless you live/work in a very casual or young environment, business attire still means at least a coat and tie, if not a suit, for men. Women should then strive to match the same level of formality. For daytime, this means a pair of pants in a fabric other than cotton with a matching jacket or cardigan. A knee-length dress is another alternative. In either case, wear shoes which cover the toes. For evening events, wear the same outfit, except in dark colors.

Business casual = Taking a cue from the men once more, business casual means a button down or collared shirt and pressed khakis. The women's version would be dark rinse jeans or khakis in a full cut or trouser style, a collared shirt or polo with a vest, sweater, or casual jacket worn over it.

Western = Remember, this is a theme, and not a Halloween outfit. Therefore, choose ONE, and only one of these items: Cowboy boots, cowboy hat or gingham shirt or skirt. Then pair with ONE and only one, of the following: oversized belt buckle, bandana, denim skirt.

Disco, or 70s = This is really popular right now, and considering how retro all the current styles are, should be easy to pull off. For daytime, you can pair a tunic or peasant top with jeans, and accessorize with beads, floppy hat, or white sunglasses. For evening, any of these styles will convey the feeling: a metallic top, a flowing, silky sleeveless top in a jewel color. Pair with white or black flared pants, and high heeled sandals.

Black and White = I've also seen "all white" parties. It seems easy enough, but it's actually difficult not to look like the ice cream man, a mime, or a bride when dressing for this. Avoid the dreaded wait staff look by starting with white as a bottom piece. If the theme is all white, pair with a white eyelet top. If the theme is black and white, a black mock-turtleneck, or other fitted top in black looks very mod.

Creative = My guess is, the hostess specifies this when she wants everyone to look unique. Tragedy strikes when a guest interprets creative to mean dressing like their eccentric Great -Aunt Edna, the failed opera singer. Avoid this mistake by erring on the side of subtlety, or channeling a tortured Beat artist instead. The foundation would be a dark colored dress, skirt or pants. Wear with a top that is eye catching because of it's color, style, or material. Alternately, you can wear all-black, then accessorize with animal prints or large ethnic pieces.

Black Tie = "Opening Nights" of the ballet, Symphony or Opera, formal receptions with government officials, or evening weddings are usually black tie. This is probably the easiest event to dress for, since there is little room for interpretation. Wear a floor length dress, in any color except all white and in any fabric except cotton or wool. Add strappy shoes. That's it.

Black Tie optional = The choice is whether to wear a floor length dress, or a knee length dress. The right choice depends on the age range of the people attending, and location.

In summary, the most important thing to remember is to let the occasion, place, time, and location of the event determine what you are going to wear. Dress codes should only serve as a confirmation that you have chosen your outfit appropriately.