5 Common Attire Codes Defined and Personalized

Do you know how to dress properly for specific attire codes? It is important to follow an attire code, whether for the workplace, an event or job interview. Even if you think you already know, you could easily discover all too late that you do not know how to dress for a specific attire code. You do not want people to remember you as the individual that showed up in inappropriate attire.

Learn about five common attire codes and discover how to personalize your look.

Business Attire Codes

Interpretation of various business dress attire codes potentially leads to confusion, even embarrassment when showing up for work, a business meeting or office-related event dressed inappropriately. In fact, Chron Small Business warns, “Don’t ignore the standards for particular business settings.”

  • Corporate business attire requires wearing formal business attire in the corporate environment. Pinstripe & Pearls describes formal corporate attire as the “Dressiest and most classy” business attire, with a tailored look for men and women and dark, closed-toe shoes. Women should keep skirt hems at or below the knee and for men, a well kept mens leather briefcase would be a nice addition to your outfit.
  • Casual business attire allows for a more relaxed look at the office; however, do not throw on the jeans, tee and flip-flops. Business casual attire means that men and women have the option to wear nice pants or trousers suitable for the office, paired with a more-casual jacket or cardigan.
  • Smart business casual allows for an even more relaxed look, allowing for a day-to-night look. Slim-fitted pants paired with a nice sleeveless blouse for women and a nice pair of pumps or designer flats keeps the look appropriate for the office and easily transitions into an after work look. Men have the option of wearing nice khakis or slacks. Emily Post suggests a “Seasonal sport coat or blazer,” and loafer-style shoes.

White Tie, Black Tie

Do you have any real concept of attire required for men or women when attending an event deemed “White tie” or “Black tie?” If not, you are not alone. Failing to know the attire guide for each of these formal events easily leads to the potential to show up inappropriately dressed.

  • White tie is the most-formal attire. Reader’s Digest refers to white tie attire as “Typically reserved for events such as state dinners and the Academy Awards.” Women should wear a formal, floor length evening gown. Long gloves are optional; however you may want to complete the look with dramatic jewelry. For men, according to Emily Post, the look requires, “Black dress coat (tailcoat), matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the U.S.” White tie attire for men also requires wearing a white collared shirt, white vest, a white bow tie and black patent-leather shoes.
  • Black tie attire is still formal, yet less formal than white tie attire. Women have the option of a floor length evening gown or dressiest knee-length dress with nice heels. Black tie attire for men requires black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, black bow tie, cummerbund that matches the tie or vest, black patent shoes and black dress socks.

Personalizing Your Attire

Dressing for a specific attire code does not mean that you cannot personalize your look. Wearing a tasteful designer belt adds a personalized accessory to your business attire. Both men and women also have the option to personalize their look with a nice pair of shoes that completes their look. D’Marge suggests wearing a tailored look and to explore appropriate colors.

Explore small prints when permitted, as well as tasteful jewelry. While a cocktail party or an event provides an exceptional opportunity to personalize your attire, never upstage the host. Ladies, always wear appropriate stockings and men, remember to wear calf-length socks to avoid skin showing when sitting down.

Knowing appropriate attire codes provide you with requirements as well as suggestions on how to personalize your look, from white tie to smart casual attire.


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