We all know how it feels to arrive at an event or a location only to find we’ve misunderstood (or not even thought about) the dress code, and we’re dressed inappropriately. Whether it’s too formal or too casual, you’re sure to be embarrassed, uncomfortable, and unable to truly focus on what you’re meant to be doing, whether it’s an important business meeting or an evening of fun.
With that in mind, this guide on how to dress for any occasion should help you choose the right clothes and make sure you get it right when it comes to dress codes. Read on to find out more.
Think About The Occasion
It might be that whatever you’re meant to be doing and wherever you’re meant to be going, the invitation – if there was one – didn’t include a dress code. Perhaps you can’t see any information online either. In this case, it can be somewhat confusing to decide just what you should be wearing, and this is where mistakes can be made. However, there is one thing you can do that will help you; you can think about the occasion itself.
For example, if you’re going to a wedding, you’ll have a good idea of what to wear. The same goes for a business meeting or a day out with the kids to the zoo. By thinking about the place you’re going, what you’ll be doing when you get there, and even what time of day you’ll be arriving, you can much more easily determine exactly what it is you should be wearing.
Casual
Of course, if there is a dress code, this narrows the options down right from the start, as long as you understand what the dress code means. Let’s take casual for example. Casual can have a wide variety of different connotations, from old clothes that can get mucky to ‘smart casual’, which has a wide definition.
If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is opt for something in the middle. For example, a t-shirt is fine, but perhaps wear a more formal jacket or cardigan over the top. Jeans and tennis shoes are okay, but make sure they are clean and in good repair. If you’re really unsure, take a change of clothes with you, so you can more easily blend in if need be.
Semi-Formal
If ‘semi-formal’ is seen anywhere on an invitation, you’ll have a lot more idea of what is needed. For men, this usually means a suit, or at the very least a shirt and smart pants, although a tie isn’t often needed. A plus size little black dress will fit the bill perfectly; these always look good and never seem out of place. Alternatively, a summer dress or a blouse and skirt or more formal pants would work well too.
Remember that this is semi-formal, not formal, so don’t go over the top. On the other hand, wearing a ballgown to a semi-formal event is exactly how to feel self-conscious.
Formal
As we’ve mentioned above, some occasions certainly call for a more formal outfit, and if this is the case, the choice is much easier than any other type of dress code. For men, a tuxedo is the best solution, and for women, this is when the ball gown will be appropriate. You can really go to town and accessorize with as much as you want, and it’s almost impossible to go too far when it comes to formalwear.
