A dress code tells guests or staff how formal their clothes should be. From most formal to least, the common dress codes are white tie, black tie, cocktail, lounge suit (business formal), business casual, smart casual and casual.
The words on an invitation can be confusing, especially when “smart casual” and “business casual” sound almost the same. This guide explains what each dress code means for men and women, shows the differences side by side, and tells you what to do when you are not sure. The descriptions of formal codes follow Debrett’s, the British etiquette authority.
- White tie: the most formal; tailcoat and white bow tie, full-length gowns
- Black tie: dinner jacket (tuxedo) and black bow tie, evening dresses
- Cocktail: a step below black tie; smart suits and chic dresses
- Lounge suit: a dark suit and tie; women in a suit or dress and jacket
- Business casual: office clothes without the suit
- Smart casual: neat and stylish, but relaxed
Dress codes at a glance
| Dress code | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| White tie | Black tailcoat, white waistcoat, white bow tie, wing collar | Full-length evening dress or ball gown |
| Black tie | Black dinner jacket (tuxedo), black bow tie | Evening dress, long or knee-length |
| Cocktail | Smart lounge suit, velvet jacket or Nehru jacket | A chic dress or smart trouser outfit |
| Lounge suit | Dark or grey suit, tie, polished black shoes | Skirt or trouser suit, or a dress and jacket |
| Business casual | Pressed trousers or chinos, collared shirt, leather shoes | Tailored trousers or skirt, blouse or sweater, closed shoes |
| Smart casual | Jacket, chinos or tailored trousers, tie optional | Dress, skirt or smart trousers |
| Casual | Everyday clothes, clean and neat | Everyday clothes, clean and neat |
White tie
White tie is the most formal dress code, kept for state banquets, some balls and grand evening events. Debrett’s describes it for men as a black single-breasted tailcoat worn open, black trousers with braid, a white shirt with a detachable wing collar, a white waistcoat and a thin white bow tie. Women wear a full-length evening dress or ball gown.
Black tie
Black tie is the most common formal evening dress code. Men wear a black dinner jacket, called a tuxedo in the US, with matching trousers, a soft-collared white shirt and a black bow tie. Debrett’s adds that the bow tie should be self-tied. Women wear an evening dress. Knee-length cocktail dresses are popular, and floor-length gowns are fine too.
You may also see “black tie optional” or “relaxed black tie”. These give more freedom. A man might wear a normal tie instead of a bow tie, or a velvet jacket instead of a black dinner jacket. A woman can choose a short or long dress, or smart evening trousers.
Cocktail attire
Cocktail attire is dressy but less strict than black tie. Men can skip the dinner jacket and bow tie. Debrett’s suggests a smart lounge suit, a velvet jacket or a Nehru jacket instead. Women can wear any dress or trouser outfit that looks chic and glamorous.
At many Indian weddings and parties, invitations may ask for “Indian formal” or “ethnic wear” instead. This usually means traditional outfits such as a sherwani, bandhgala, kurta, saree or lehenga. If you are unsure, ask the host.
Lounge suit (business formal)
Despite the name, a lounge suit is business wear, not something to relax in. Debrett’s describes it for men as a dark or grey suit, a collared shirt and tie, and polished black shoes. Women wear a skirt or trouser suit, or a dress and jacket, with mid-heel shoes. You will see this code at formal day events, weddings and important business meetings.
Business casual
Business casual is office wear without a full suit. There is no single official rule, but university career centres give similar advice. Colorado State University Pueblo’s career centre, for example, says neatly pressed khaki or dark trousers with a long-sleeved, buttoned shirt are safe for men and women. It also lists leather shoes and a leather belt.
- Wear: chinos or tailored trousers, collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, knee-length skirts, loafers or low heels
- Avoid: jeans, gym clothes, athletic shoes, very tight or baggy clothes, and party fabrics like velvet or sequins
Every workplace is a little different, so look at what your colleagues wear, or ask HR.
Smart casual
Smart casual is the most common dress code, and the hardest to pin down. Debrett’s suggests men wear a jacket with chinos or tailored trousers, and possibly a tie, or an open-necked shirt. Women can wear a dress, a skirt or smart trousers. Debrett’s warns that denim, even designer denim, is probably too casual.
Smart casual vs business casual
| Business casual | Smart casual | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Offices, interviews, work events | Dinners, parties, social events, relaxed offices |
| Feel | Professional and plain | Stylish and relaxed |
| Colours | Safe neutrals: navy, black, grey, brown, khaki | More colour and pattern allowed |
| Jacket | Optional; a blazer adds polish | Often a smart jacket or blazer |
| Jeans | Usually no | Debrett’s says probably too casual; some hosts allow smart dark jeans |
What to do if you are not sure
- Read the whole invitation. The time and place give clues. An evening event at a hotel is usually dressier than an afternoon garden party.
- Ask the host. Debrett’s says a quick phone call is the smart way to get it right.
- Go one step more formal. Debrett’s advice is to err on the side of formality. It is easier to take off a tie or jacket than to find one.
- Check the culture. At weddings and religious events, follow local customs about colours and covering up.
Dress code meaning in Hindi
In Hindi, a dress code is usually just called ड्रेस कोड, or पोशाक के नियम, meaning “rules about clothing”. It tells you what kind of clothes to wear for an event, school or workplace.
Looking for more style tips? Read what to wear on a first date and our tips to dress for graduation. To keep your formal clothes looking good, check the laundry symbols on the label before you wash them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most formal dress code?
White tie. Men wear a black tailcoat with a white waistcoat and white bow tie, and women wear a full-length evening dress or ball gown.
What is the difference between black tie and white tie?
White tie is more formal. Men wear a tailcoat and white bow tie. Black tie uses a dinner jacket (tuxedo) and a black bow tie, and women can wear a shorter evening dress.
Can I wear jeans for smart casual?
It is risky. Debrett’s says denim, even designer denim, is probably too casual for smart casual. Some hosts allow smart, dark jeans, so ask if you are unsure.
What is business casual for women?
Tailored trousers or a knee-length skirt with a blouse or sweater, and closed shoes such as flats or low heels. Avoid jeans, gym clothes and party fabrics.
What does cocktail attire mean for men?
A smart lounge suit is the safe choice. You can skip the dinner jacket and bow tie, and a velvet jacket or Nehru jacket also works.
What should I wear if there is no dress code?
Think about the time, place and type of event, then dress slightly smarter than you expect others to. Smart casual is a safe middle choice.
