How To Dress Properly According To the Invitation

For black tie, men wear a black tuxedo jacket and matching pants; a pique or pleated front white shirt; a black bow tie; a black cummerbund or a vest; black patent leather shoes, black socks, and no gloves. Women can choose between a floor-length gown or a short, dressy cocktail dress.

When the invite reads “black tie optional,” men have the choice of a black tuxedo or a dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. Women have three choices: a gown, a cocktail dress, or dressy separates.

For “creative black tie” men can add a touch of whimsy to a black tux, like a colored or pattered bow tie. Women can jazz up their gown or cocktail dress with a feather boa, interesting shawl, or eye-catching jewelry.

Wear a dark business suit with a white shirt and conservative tie to a “semiformal” event if you’re a guy, and either a cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and blouse if you’re a woman.

Think “bright,” “sparkly,” and “colorful” when the invite says “festive attire,” which is basically cocktail party attire – business suit for men, and a cocktail dress or dressy pants outfit for women – with a holiday-themed accent.

Men, wear a sport jacket or blazer, slacks, and an open-collar shirt if the invite says “dressy casual” or “business casual.” Ladies, wear a dress, a skirt with a fashionable top, or a sleek pantsuit for dressy casual and a skirt or slacks, and a shirt or sweater for business casual.

Look good in whatever you’re wearing and you can get away with breaking some of the previous rules.