Got a party coming up but unsure about the dress code? No worries! We've listed the most common dress codes so you don't have to stress about what to wear and can focus on fully enjoying the festivities.
When dressing for a party, you should always take into account the dress code mentioned in the invitation. This is polite towards the hosts, but it also improves your own party spirit: you'll look your best and avoid any fashion faux pas!
If the invitation doesn't specify a dress code, you can ask the hosts, for example, when you RSVP. The usual practice is that the invitation states the man's attire—tailcoat, tuxedo, or dark suit—while the woman dresses in a corresponding outfit. It's important that the outfits of companions match the same level of formality.
Dark suit
A man's dark suit means a black, dark blue, or dark gray suit. It's often used as a dress code for events like weddings. Black leather shoes and a subtle tie or bow tie complete the look. The most festive tie color is pearl gray.
The formality of a woman's outfit depends on the starting time of the event, and the color is up to her. Events starting before six are usually more casual, so a woman can wear a suit, pantsuit, or dress. For events held after six, you can opt for more festive materials. Pumps and a small handbag are great companions for a woman's party outfit.
Tip! For a dark suit event, women can also wear lovely, summery, and trendy maxi dresses, which you can find in Emmy's dress selection.
Tuxedo
The tuxedo is a common dress code for evening events, such as annual celebrations or more formal weddings. The tuxedo should be black or dark blue, but for less formal events, it can also be colored.
When a man wears a tuxedo, a woman should wear a knee-length or full-length slim evening dress or a festive pantsuit. The long evening dress suitable for a tuxedo should not be as showy as the gown worn with a tailcoat. The longer the dress, the more formal the occasion.
Tailcoat
The tailcoat is the most formal of dress codes and is worn at events starting after 6 pm, such as the Independence Day Ball or academic ceremonies. The tailcoat is always black or dark blue and is worn with a white vest. The shoes should be black, thin-soled patent leather shoes.
With a tailcoat, a woman can wear a striking, full-length, and often strapless evening gown. Go for a long hem! Choose elegant, festive shoes and a small, strapless evening bag to go with the gown. Gloves can also be worn if desired. If the event is during the day, a woman can wear a long-sleeved dark formal dress.
Tip! Tailcoats and evening gowns are only used on rare occasions, so it's worth hunting for them second-hand.
Casual and Cocktail
Casual and Cocktail dress codes are common but informal. The nature of the event and the venue play a big role in outfit choice. Casual attire is more festive than everyday wear but more relaxed than a dark suit. Smart Casual is a neater style, where a man can wear a blazer and a collared shirt—without a tie. A woman can choose, for example, a neat skirt. The Cocktail dress code guides women to wear a shorter cocktail dress, such as a little black dress. However, with cocktail attire, you can also play with colors and patterns.
Tip! Instead of the traditional little black dress, try a jumpsuit and high heels.
Emmy's selection of pre-owned designer clothes offers party outfits, suits, and accessories for every occasion and dress code.