Event Dress Code Revealed

Fashionista’s all around, don’t be ashamed if you are clueless to the rules of event dress code. We get confused sometimes also. So let us clarify what it means when you read, Black Tie, Formal, Black Tie Optional, Semi-formal, Cocktail and Casual. You want to be the life of the party not the over/under dressed attendee
When you see the label Black Tie this is the crème de la crème. The one event you can get your glitz and glamour fix and not stick out like a sore thumb. For the gentlemen this means tuxedo attire. It can range from a two piece or a three piece tuxedo. You can choose from a bow tie or neck tie with a dark suit in black or navy. Although a light colored tuxedo is not advisable, do not wear a white tuxedo to a wedding or funeral. For women Black Tie means gowns. Floor length and any variation of width. Do not show up to the event in a dress at or above the knee. Formal attire is the same as black tie but women you can get away with wearing calf length dresses if the width of the dress is a-lined with dimension. For men a tuxedo is still required.

I will admit I was recently invited to an event that says Black Tie Optional. This confused me; can I wear a cocktail dress? It gave me the idea for this article for my own clarification and our Portland Fashionista’s. The word optional is what threw me off; depending on the formality of the event optional is just that, you have the option to wear a suit and tie if not a tuxedo. Tuxedos are welcome. For women, gowns are encouraged but cocktail attire is acceptable. One inch above the knee is reasonable you do not want to look like you are going to a party and not a formal event. Dimension in the dress is not required a sleek sexy look will suffice for a Black Tie Optional event.

Semi-Formal invitations allow men and women off the hook for tuxedos and gowns. If the event is after six o’clock in the evening men are required to wear a dark suit and women a cocktail dress. For men you may forgo the tie for the event but do not unbutton your shirt. If you decide against the tie go with a pocket scarf to add an accessory to your look. For women, your little black dresses are perfect for this event. Again watch the length above the knee; you will be able to wear that short dress at a cocktail party event.