You get the invite in the mail. Attire: semi-formal. What the heck is semi-formal? We’ve all been there. Not knowing how to dress at an event can leave us feeling awkward and out of place. And, while it can be good to get creative, taking too much license with dress codes can make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. From white tie to leisure attire, here’s what to wear.
White Tie
There is no getting around this type of dress. White tie means ultra formal. Period. Break out your dark tail coat, trousers with the vertical satin stripes, and your best white collared shirt. Now for the namesake of the event. The white tie. Don’t leave home without it. Traditionally worn as a bow tie, the white tie is the signature element. White tie can also mean top hats and white gloves, but they are outdated and don’t need to be worn here. Most white tie events are held in the evening, but if they are held before dark, they call for morning dress. Morning dress is often distinguished from evening dress by color. Morning suits, as they are called, are often grey.
Black Tie
Though less formal than white tie, black tie occasions call for very formal dress. We’re talking a classy black tuxedo with matching trousers, a white shirt, and a black bow tie and cummerbund. You may also want to accessorize your tuxedo with cuff links and shirt studs.
Black Tie Optional
Finally, you have some choices to make. Don’t let them lead to disaster. Black tie optional means you could wear a tuxedo or a suit, but why not dress it up. Most guys will opt for the easy way out and wear a suit. Why not stand out and wear a tuxedo.
Formal
Don’t confuse a formal event with a black tie event. Formal means you should wear a classy suit and tie. Not a tuxedo.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal is still formal but has a little more room to have fun. If it’s in the evening, wear a dark jacket. Headed to a daytime event? Wear a light jacket. You have to have a jacket. Throw in your best shirt while you’re at it and carry a tie with you just in case.
Cocktail
Here’s your chance to have some fun. Cocktail attire means you should wear a jacket (light or dark depending on the time of day) and a brightly colored shirt. You don’t have to wear a tie to these types of events and can spice things up with your favorite colors, textures, and patterns. Maybe you even break out that handkerchief or don an ascot. It’s up to you!
Business Casual
Business casual is a more toned down look that should be classy and professional without being too stuffy. Wear nice pants with either a button-down shirt or a nice polo. A sweater might also do the trick. You don’t have to wear a tie, but keep those shirt tails tucked in for crying out loud!
Country Club
You may not encounter country club dress very often. But, when you do, here’s how to shine. Dress nicely but comfortably with slacks and a tucked in polo shirt. You can relax a little here, but leave the t-shirt and jeans at home along with your plaid.
Leisure
Leisure doesn’t mean letting it all hang out, but it does mean you can afford to get comfortable. How comfortable? You can wear a nice pair of jeans and a nice shirt, but check for armpit stains and leave undershirts covered up.Google+