You’re invited to a gala… or a fundraiser… or a seminar luncheon, and the dress code is spelled right out for you in black and white, but what does it really mean? How do you actually translate it into something you can put on your body?
Dress codes can be difficult to decipher at times, so we’ve enlisted the help of Mena, a super chic fashion stylist and owner of Style Me Mena) to help guide us with answering the all important ” What do I wear?”
Here’s her run-down of the common dress codes, what they mean and some fashionable ideas.
Are you ready? Hold onto your hat… or black tie… whatever the occasion may be!
CASUAL
Casual is basically a non-dress code, and you can wear comfortable clothing. Pull out your favourite jeans! You can opt for a comfortable tee or dress things up a bit with a stylish top, jewellery or even a blazer. Depending on the nature of the event, your footwear can range safely from sneakers to heels to boots.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: For outdoor events, sneakers are better as heels can sink into soft ground.
BUSINESS CASUAL
Business Casual is what many people would typically wear to work at the office. Dress pants or a pencil skirt with a fashionable top is appropriate, or even a sharp jumpsuit. . Stay away from graphic tees and jeans! Add heels or dress shoes, a structured purse, and simple jewelry.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: Wear your hair in your everyday style, and avoid overdoing it with makeup or perfume.
SMART CASUAL
Smart Casual (or dressy casual) is basically a combination of casual, business casual, and business dress codes, where you can combine them into a “smart” ensemble. It’s safest to go with nice slacks or a skirt, though you could also wear a nice pair of dark jeans dressed up with a collared or otherwise dressy top. Throw on a blazer for an extra touch of class.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: For Smart Casual, you should look sharp, stylish, and neatly put together. Mix in some fashion statements to look fresh!
BUSINESS
Business attire is more sophisticated than Smart Casual often signalling the need for suits and dresses. Wear a business suit or business style dress. Add colourful accessories and upgrade your jewellery or shoes.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: For Business and Informal dress codes, stick to business colours like black, navy blue, dark green,grey or brown.
SEMI FORMAL/COCKTAIL
Semi-formal attire is more fancy than business attire but just a notch below fancy gowns.
This is the perfect time to break out that little black dress. Most women will wear a classy short evening dress, though you may also opt for dressy separates.Cocktail dress or an office-appropriate dress with statement jewellery. Add a small handbag, bolder makeup (eyes or lips) and heels.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: Ladies should avoid very short dresses and skirts that are shorter than 1 inch above the knee.
FORMAL /BLACK TIE/ BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
Formal, Black Tie and Black Tie Optional events are among the most fancy of all dress codes, and you will likely be surrounded by a crowd full of tuxedos and floor-length gowns.
You are safest wearing a long, floor-length evening dress. A very fancy dress that is not floor-length may also be appropriate.
STYLE ME MENA TIP: Add a clutch or small embellished handbag, bolder make-up, party-ready hair, statement jewellery,and party heels.
* For Black Tie Optional, tone down the sparkle.
EXTRA STYLE HINTS
Still not sure what to wear? You can ask your host, check with other guests, check the organization’s website for past events, or take your cue from the invitation style.
Need stylish outfit ideas to wear when you’re hosting? Check out Mena’s Do’s and Don’ts for looking your best when hosting. And if you need help with a hostess gift – check out these 22 unique hostess gift ideas (that don’t include wine)
Joyful Hostess Tip: follow Mena on social media! She’s got loads of great advice, tips and tricks for creating stylish looks. Plus inspo that will have you looking at your wardrobe differently.
