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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