There are appropriate clothes for different occasions, but sometimes, you have no idea on what is appropriate and what is not. And chances are, you end up going to that event with the wrong outfit, and regret it later on! We don’t want that to happen, so we have compiled a list of the right clothes and outfits to wear on different occasions!
DRESSY CASUAL
Guys: Wear trousers and a dress shirt with a leather loafer, a slip-on shoe or oxfords. Pair with a sport coat or blazer. Avoid showing up clothes one size too big , too small, or in a non-coordinating color. Also, avoid clothes with wrinkles. A tie is optional.
Gals: Avoid wearing tennis shoes, cotton tees and denim. Instead, opt for silk pants, skirt or dress pants. Pair with a patent leather flat, or one with nice embellishments such as a buckle, bow, or a print.
When to wear it: dinner, church, or an invite received via e-mail or phone.
SMART CASUAL
Guys: Opt for dressy trousers, paired with a collared shirt and loafers.
Gals: Wear a pencil skirt or dress pants, paired with a silk or button-down top and high heels.
When to wear it: happy hours, office parties, business luncheons.
BUSINESS CASUAL
Guys: Wear a polo shirt or a button-down, paired with dress pants or khakis. Layer with a v-neck sweater, a sport coat or a blazer. A tie is optional.
Gals: Put on khakis, a skirt or dress pants paired with three-quarter sleeve tops or long sleeves. A casual dress and flats are options as well.
When to wear it: daily work attire, company party, business lunch meetings.
COUNTRY CLUB CASUAL
Guys: Wear a polo or an open-necked shirt, paired with khakis. Accessorize with a belt and leather shoes.
Gals: Wear a polo or an open-necked shirt, paired with khakis. You can also opt for skirts and dresses with minimal accessories.
When to wear it: the country club, cruise lines, friend’s home for dinner, nice restaurant.
LOUNGE
Guys: Opt for a dark suit, paired with a French-cuffed, crisp white shirt. You can go with or without a tie. Opting for a vest instead of a tie adds to the informality of the look.
Gals: Wear a dress that would be appropriate for brunch or afternoon tea. It should fall to, or slightly above, the knee, and not be too low-cut or sparkly. Incorporate a shawl or jacket to cover the arms.
When to wear it: business breakfasts, daytime engagement parties, afternoon tea.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
Guys: Wear a coat, dark suit and tie.
Gals: Wear a shorter dress with some frill.
When to wear it: evening social events, adult birthday parties.
WHITE TIE
Guys: Wear a short or waist length black tailcoat, starched white shirt, white bow tie and a cummerbund. Sport high-quality black pants.
Gals: A floor-length ball gown is a must. Accessorize with glamorous jewels, opera length gloves, and up-do hairstyles.
When to wear it: government ceremonies, weddings, charity fundraisers, the opera.
BLACK TIE
Guys: Wear a dark suit or a tuxedo without tails. Pair with a white shirt and a tie, or a bow tie with or without a vest and a cummerbund.
Gals: Gussy up in a floor-length ball gown. A very dressy cocktail dress may be acceptable depending on the venue of the event.
When to wear it: weddings, charity fundraisers, political dinner parties.
We hope that with this simple list, you would be able to wear the right outfit for the right occasion. Like what they say, “People will stare, make it worth their while.”
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