Dress Codes

Have you ever received an invitation that read, “Black Tie Optional” or “California Casual?” What? I don’t live in California! How do I know what they wear there? And a flurry of questions runs through your head as to what would be appropriate to wear. Behold, your dress code guide below. 

Black Tie - usually referring to social gatherings and fine dining
Men: Your only option is a tuxedo. A dark suit is not appropriate. Simple, classic tuxedo with black bow tie.
Women: A beautiful cocktail dress would be okay, but traditionally black tie means an elegant long gown.  

Black Tie Invited - usually referring to social gatherings and fine dining
Men: Your host is inviting you to wear a tuxedo but you will not be turned away without one. Your only other option is a dark (black) suit. Anything less formal would not be appropriate
Women: Black tie invited is the same as black tie; an elegant long gown or beautiful cocktail dress.  

Black Tie Optional - usually referring to social gatherings and fine dining
Men: If you would like to wear a tuxedo, you should feel welcome to do so, but your host has no preference. If you choose not to wear a tuxedo, wear a dark (black or navy) suit and tie.
Women: Black tie optional is the same as black tie; an elegant long gown or beautiful cocktail dress. 

Business Casual - referring to business attire, but also used by some restaurants
Men: Khakis, slacks, button down collars, and maybe a sport coat, but wearing a tie is inappropriate. Jeans and a suit and tie are not appropriate business casual.
Women: Simple skirts, pants, blouses and dresses that are comfortable and more conservative would be appropriate for the office. Jeans are not business casual. 

California Casual - referring to business attire
Men and women: California casual for men and women is the same thing - anything goes. Jeans, t-shirts, polos and casual button-ups are the norm. In the summer, shorts and sandals are even acceptable.  
Casual - referring to social gatherings, business and dining
Men and women: Casual attire refers to clothing that is informal, comfortable and appropriate to the setting and the occasion. For a beach party or backyard barbecue jeans, shorts and t-shirts are fine, but for an afternoon wedding you would still be better served with a pair of slacks and button-down shirt, or summer dress.  

Cocktail Attire – usually referring to social gatherings and some fine dining
Men: A suit and tie, or coat and tie will be appropriate. A cocktail party at a four star restaurant will be dressier than at a friend’s house.
Women:  Pull out the LBD (little black dress) Cocktail attire is usually a cocktail-length dress or dressy slacks and heels. It should be more fun and flirty, than formal.  

Creative Black Tie - generally seen referring to social gatherings, and some fine dining
Men: This is as formal of an occasion as the other black tie variations, but offers men the option to wear some of the trendier styles of tuxedo. Perhaps he might choose a black tuxedo shirt with a collar stud instead of a bow tie, or a brightly patterned vest or cummerbund.
Women: There is generally no difference in the creative black tie and other black tie variants, though it does allow for more daring styles of dresses.  

Dress Casual - generally seen referring to social gatherings, and some fine dining
Dress casual is one step up from business casual. The main rule of thumb is no jeans, and something slightly more conservative and ‘dressier’ than your standard business casual attire. For example, men should choose slacks and button up shirts over khakis and pullovers, while women should choose a nice dress over separates.  

Formal Attire - generally seen referring to social gatherings, and some fine dining
Formal attire follows the same rule as black tie for both men and women, although by not specifying black tie the option is available to be a little more creative if the setting is appropriate. (For example, wearing the tuxedo without a tie, or a woman wearing dressy separates as opposed to a dress.)  

Informal - generally seen referring to social gatherings, and some fine dining
Informal attire should be appropriate to the setting and the occasion, but casual. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are fine for game night but if it’s a baby shower, a casual dress or button down is appropriate. usiness casual, cocktail attire, cock