Formal wear ranges from business formal to white-tie.
The dress code for any formal event can include semi-formal, formal, white-tie, black-tie optional and black-tie. The next time you are invited to a formal event or party check the invitation to see if the type of formal wear is specified. But if the invitation does not specify anything other than that the appropriate party attire is formal, there are certain rules you can follow, or you can call the host to ask specifically how formal your attire should be.
Instructions
Formal Wear for Men
1. Dress for a black-tie optional party by wearing either a tuxedo or a dark suit. Pair dark suits with a white dress shirt and a subtle and conservative tie. Always wear black dress shoes and black dress socks.
2. Go black-tie with a black tuxedo paired with a formal white dress shirt and a black bow tie. Pair a black cummerbund or vest with a tuxedo as well as black cuff links, black dress shoes and black dress socks. For a summer event or cruise, you can substitute a black tuxedo jacket for a white one.
3. Dress in a white-tie ensemble by pairing a black tail coat with matching pants that have one satin stripe down the sides, a formal white shirt, white vest, white cuff links, white or gray gloves, a white bow tie and black dress shoes and socks.
4. Dress for a business formal party by pairing a dark suit with a dress shirt, tie and dark color dress shoes and socks.
Formal Wear for Women
5. Wear a floor-length gown, cocktail dress or a dressy little black dress to any black-tie or black-tie optional party. High heels and an evening clutch complete this look. Jewelry is optional, but if you do, keep it simple and classic.
6. Pick out a floor-length formal gown for a white-tie event. Cocktail length dresses are not acceptable at white-tie events.
7. Wear a business formal outfit to a business formal party. You can choose a business suit, or a work appropriate dress. But if you wouldn't wear it to the office you shouldn't wear it to a party. Low and high heels are both acceptable for a business formal event.
Tags: black dress, business formal, dress shoes, black dress shoes, black-tie optional, dress shirt, formal event
