If you’re attending an event, then chances are there is a dress code. It might not be explicitly stated, but there will be a way you’re expected to dress. For example, you might be ‘hanging’ with your friends at a pub, then you probably wouldn’t want to turn up in a suit. Likewise, if you were heading to a formal gala, black tie may be expected of you.
Dress codes are important for the ‘feel’ of the event. In professional settings, a dress code conveys that you are professional, smart, and serious. In casual settings, it means that you have clothes that you can relax in. If you don’t follow the dress code, and everybody else does, you may feel out of place. In business settings, you may struggle to find work. In casual settings, people will just find things a little bit awkward.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the main dress codes. We’ll go from casual, to formal and give you an idea of when they’re best used and the ideal type of clothing to wear.
Casual Dress Code
Casual is when you’ll be pulling out the t-shirts, jeans, and trainers. These are clothes that you can relax in. Casual clothing is often one of the best ways to express who you are as a person, since you won’t need to be pigeonholed into wearing a suit or something like that.
Casual clothing is used when you want to be relaxed. You’ll wear it at the weekend, with most meetups with your friends and, in rare cases, if you’re in a much more relaxed work environment.
Smart Casual
Smart casual is the evolution of casual. Here, you’ll be introducing polo shirts, button-downs, chinos, and loafers.
This is the dress code to go for when you want a level above casual, but don’t want things looking too smart. Many businesses go for smart casual clothing. They’ll be fine if you turned up in a polo shirt and a pair of decent trousers (not jeans). It might also be the type of clothing you’ll wear if you’re going out to dinner. Probably not dinner at The Ritz or something, but Nando’s.
Business Casual
Most businesses, in their day-to-day operations, will require business casual clothing. This is when you wear a shirt with a collar, some smart shoes, and a decent pair of trousers. You won’t need to wear a tie for business casual.
Business casual will be used around ‘smarter’ office environments. If you’re heading to a conference where the dress code clearly isn’t something much smarter (more on that soon), then business casual will be the way to go. Your average meeting at work will also likely require business casual.
Business Professional
A corporate workplace will almost demand business professional. For example, many banking jobs, insurance, legal work, etc. With business professional, you’ll need to wear a suit. Muted colours, complete with some smart dress shoes. Blue and black suits go down a treat here. Yes. You’ll need to wear a tie.
This is also the type of clothing you’ll want to turn up to an interview wearing, especially if it is a corporate job. If you have a proper professional business meeting, or you’re meeting a lot of clients, business professional is expected. Well, unless you’re told otherwise.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire will have you wearing a dark suit, polished shoes and, in many cases, a tie. You might need to check the dress code to be sure.
Cocktail attire is the type of clothing that you’ll wear at weddings, or upscale parties. You’ll rarely wear cocktail attire in a business professional setting unless you’re attending a fundraiser or something like that.
Black Tie
Black tie events require you to wear a tuxedo, smart white shirt, and a bow tie. Ideally, your clothing will be in darker colours. This means black or dark blue. You’ll wear smart shoes.
Black tie is usually required for weddings, galas, and award shows.
White Tie
Most people will probably never need to wear white tie. It is reserved for the most formal of occasions. White tie requires you to wear a tailcoat, waistcoat, patent shoes, and a white bow tie.
The event will almost certainly tell you what the dress code is when you’re expected to wear white tie. In the UK, it is pretty much reserved for royal banquets, Ascot, and some incredibly formal events. Most people won’t ever need to buy a white tie suit and will rent if required.
Tips for Dressing for Each Occasion
If you’ve been invited to an event, you’ll need to determine what the required dress code is. In most cases, it should be easy. You’ll either know based on experience or, if you’re lucky, the invitation will tell you explicitly what the dress code is. If not, there are a few things you can do:
- Contact the host of the event. They’ll tell you what the dress code is.
- Check the venue. Many venues have required dress codes.
- Look at past ‘similar’ events. Consider what other people are wearing.
Other than that, think about the setting you are in based on the advice we gave above e.g. most professional environments will require business professional clothing. Most award ceremonies will require black tie.
With most of the ‘smarter’ dress codes, stick to clothing without patterns, and darker colours. Casual and smart casual is about the only time you can really experiment with the clothing that you wear. If you’re unsure of how to look, make sure that you look up photos of the dress code in action. It’ll show you the exact type of clothing you should wear.
Men’s Dress Codes Explained
It is always important to dress appropriately for an event you’re attending. It’ll show professionalism. It’ll show sophistication. In the case of casual clothing, it’ll show off your personality. It is important that you always choose the right clothing for an event. This will ensure that you dress appropriately and make the right impression.
We suggest all men have a decent collection of clothing in their wardrobe. This will ensure they are prepared no matter the dress code situation.
Looking for a suit for your next occasion. Explore our collection of suits to hire from Rathbones Tailor.