February 2019   |   59  

This term means the event is formal but not as strict as black tie. Men should 

wear dark suits and women should wear a formal cocktail dress. But if the urge 

to get extra fancy arises, you can wear a tuxedo or long gown. It’s better to be a 

little over dressed, than a little under dressed for most scenarios. 

Black Tie Optional/Formal

You’ll most likely run into this dress code for a 

daytime, semi-formal event, like a work lunch or 

conference. Code deciphered: suit and tie for men 

and tailored dress or pantsuit for women. Think 

whatever is business appropriate for your career, 

and then elevate it. 

Business Formal

Does this mean a Hawaiian printed tuxedo? A sequin bikini? Receiving an 

invitation with a resort formal dress code can be confusing. You may see this 

written for an event actually held at a resort, a country club or garden party. 

It means looking nice while being comfortable for a warm weather reception. 

For ladies, this usually means a fun and festive dress and cute sandals and for 

men this will often be a light colored suit. Think simple and chic. 

Resort Formal

Semi-formal, otherwise 

known as dress code limbo. 

It’s not formal and it’s not 

casual. It’s not a tuxedo or 

evening gown and it’s not 

offi ce attire; it’s a wide range 

of style choices. How formal 

or casual you lean depends 

on the time of the event and 

you’ll often see this dress code 

for holiday parties and some 

weddings. 

Semi-Formal

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