What is the dress code?

A dress code is a standard of dress established for a special event or some occasions with a special environment. So, when we say that a place or event has a particular dress code, that means it has a set of rules that determine what we can wear there. 

Sometimes you get an invitation to an event, business lunch, friend’s party, or work meeting, and find a note referring to the dress code. You will wonder what you should wear to ensure you’re appropriately dressed. It isn’t your own problem; it is a common one!

 It’s easy to pick an outfit that fits the dress code if you follow some simple guidelines. ‘But always remember that The golden rule here is: rules are always meant to be broken.

What are the 5 most common dress codes? 

Casual Dress Code

In general, this dress code means that you can wear comfortable, informal clothing.

But that doesn’t mean you can wear anything you want. You have to follow a few guidelines:

• Avoid short skirts.
• Avoid shorts.
• Avoid very low tops.
• Avoid anything that realistically wears to work out. 

For men, you can wear Jeans with a shirt and a blazer.

For women, you can wear casual dresses or jeans with tops. 

Smart Casual Dress Code

This one is the most confusing dress code because it means you can still wear casual clothing, but it should look very neat like formal clothing.

This dress code is common in creative or tech workplaces.

• Make sure your clothes are in good condition, wrinkle-free and clean.
• Avoid, Sandals and make sure your shoes are clean.
• Avoid miniskirts and shorts.

For men, you can wear denim, or suit pants with a shirt, without ties.

For Women, you can wear denim with blazers, and both Flats or heels are acceptable. 

This dress code must be with a degree of polish, such as adding jewelry to your outfit.

Business Casual

This dress code is less formal than semi-formal business wear, but still gives the impression of a professional look. In this one, you can also wear your jewelry and accessories to express your sense of style.

• Make sure your clothes fit you properly.
• Choose solid colors for clothes.
• Avoid denim.

For men, you can wear casual with button-down shirts without ties. 

For women, you can wear clothing suitable for the office – including dresses, pants with blouses and skirts. Also, It is right to wear tailored pants with a nice top.

Semi-Formal Dress Code

Also called the cocktail dress code, it is slightly less formal than the formal dress code.

• Choose midi or above-the-knee dresses.

For women, a formal top with a skirt or pants, a midi / above-the-knee hem, or an evening pantsuit. You can have a look at Hama Yassen’s latest collection in 2023 at khood fashion.

This collection combined the Semi-Formal Dress Code and the formal Dress Code.

For men, you can wear a suit, a tie is optional. 

Formal Dress Code

Sometimes people get confused by the terms which accompany a dress code – formal vs black tie or White tie.

The white-tie dress code

 Also called the full evening dress or the ultra-formal dress code, is the most formal of all dress codes. It is like what you see in international award shows, weddings, and Ballroom Dancing.

For women, formal floor-length gowns with gloves; elaborate hairdressing, often hair in an updo-style, and extreme jewelry.

For men, a tailcoat or suit, white vest, white shirt, and white bow tie 

The black-tie dress code

Usually, this dress code is seen in evening social functions, and weddings.

midnight blue tuxedo suit

For women, floor-length formal gowns are usually in black color.

For men, a black or midnight blue tuxedo suit, white shirt, and a black bow tie.

Business formal dress code

This dress code is used for formal business meetings, 

For women, formal business suits with formal skirts or tailored dresses. 

For men, a business suit, dress shirt, vest, tie, and pants.

Written By Rania Abu Jbarah