Formal Wear
Occasions for Formal Wear
Oftentimes, dressing in formal wear means you are celebrating a special occasion or attending a special event. Going to a high school prom, a wedding, a ball, or an awards show usually require formal attire. Other events such as grand openings, nights at the theatre, anniversary dinners, and birthday parties may not require formal wear, but are good excuses to get dressed up if you are in the mood to.
If you are hoping to fit in perfectly at the event, you may want to ask other people who are attending what they are wearing or refer to the invitation for specifications in dress code.
Different Types of Formal Wear
In order to indicate dress code expectations, the following terms are often included on invitations:
- White Tie: an affair that enforces a very strict dress code. Also referred to as full dress, white tie attire calls for a black tail coat, trousers, a vest, a bow tie, a collared shirt, white gloves, and cuff links for men. For women, a white tie event requires a very formal dress, shoes, and jewelry.
- Black Tie: an event that requires very formal attire. Men wear vests, collared shirts, and formal bow ties or ties, while women wear long dresses or gowns with elegant accessories and footwear. Creative black tie is a variation of black tie with more color and unique accents, where you can add your individual style to your outfit.
- Formal: similar to creative black tie, formal events accept individuality, yet still require elegant attire.
- Semi-Formal: an event that offers some leeway as to what guests are required to wear. Anything from suits and evening dresses to collared shirts and skirts constitute acceptable attire.
- Lounge: an event where typical attire includes suits, vests, and ties for men and dresses or nice skirts for women.
- Business Formal: an event that requires that attire be suitable for both men and women, no exceptions.
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