Know the different dress codes and how to apply them in each occasion
Know the different dress codes and how to apply them in each occasion. When we receive an invitation to an event, we are often assailed by doubts about how we should dress. If in a long or short dress, if in light or dark colors, if it is correct to use shiny fabrics, and with rhinestones, among others.
Also, it happens that in the same invitation, how we should dress for that celebration is specified. If, like many people, you do not know what the dress codes are, it is possible that understanding the guideline of the event costs you a little.
We know that social norms are sometimes a bit complicated. Especially when memorizing them, and even more so when many names are correctly in English. However, it is necessary to consider them for specific occasions in which we must dress in a particular way.
For this reason and to dispel doubts, in addition to helping you understand the world of etiquette, today we will talk to you about the 8 dress codes or dress codes that exist. And thus, you can know what each one consists of, what to use them for, and therefore dresses in the right way at all times.
What is a dress code?
The dress code is a group or set of rules establishing the appropriate and correct way to dress for a specific event or occasion.
These norms have been created considering the person’s gender, social status, occupation, place, purpose, circumstances, occasion, and even marital status.
They are summarized in the set of norms that determine the socially accepted way of dressing for each occasion. However, there may be variations or exceptions to the norm, and the dress depends on the place, the weather, the time, customs, etc.
How do dress codes work?
These serve as a guide to how to dress.
And in general, you have very specific rules that establish. For example, that light colors are used for daytime events, while dark colors, glitter, and satin fabrics are reserved for the night.
Whoever organizes an event is the one who indicates in the invitation the type of dress code that must be followed and by which the party will be governed.
Still, these rules today are not strict but serve as a support to knowing how to dress appropriately.
Types of dress codes
Informal or Casual
There are no rules or regulations as such. It is the clothing used for day-to-day, excluding the workplace, where there are demands when dressing. So, any clothing, style, or color is accepted. Allowing for garments such as worn jeans, sneakers, basic t-shirts, tennis shoes, etc.
The sports style is very common in this label, denim and sweatshirts. It is also an excellent opportunity to dress and bring out your style. Since, in this type of modality, without rules, everything is found in what you use daily, for your errands, eating with friends, going to the library or the park.
It is also identified as a free way of dressing. Therefore, it should not be used for work unless it is remote, taking care of the appearance at the time of a video call or meeting in this way.
Smart-Casual
However, it is linked to the previous category in a more organized way and with clothes that are perhaps a little more elegant or careful. Here, the casual is mixed with the formal to create a simple and sophisticated style simultaneously.
If any clothing is allowed in the casual or informal, here the appearance must be taken care of much more. So, it is common to see: Jeans without wear or tear, blazers, shirts, pants, and accessories. Also, more striking handbags, sneakers, sandals with running soles, even some kitten-type heels, and ballerinas.
The goal is to achieve an intermediate point and look casual but neat. It is also an excellent opportunity to impose your personal style and give your own touch to your look.
Semiformal
It corresponds to a lower level than the cocktail-type code, being semi-formal, more relaxed, and less rigorous.
Since women are allowed to wear pants and shirts, but respecting the rule of light colors for the day and dark for the night.
Business Casual or Semi-Formal
This type of dress code is for the work environment and refers to that professional image without falling into exaggerations of formality. With the exception of other codes, sportswear is not allowed here. However, wearing different pieces such as sweaters or more striking jackets is possible.
Prints, touches of color in clothing and accessories, open or closed shoes, and medium or high-height stumps are allowed. As well as neutral and dark tones, suits, and shirts in light or colored tones.
Skirts must be straight to the knee and with a shirt and jacket. As for makeup, it should be natural and sober but always favoring the face. With respect to hair, this can be variable according to the area in which you work but always groomed.
Business Professional or Formal
It is also a dress code applied to the work environment. Although it depends on the normal one imposed by the specific company, it must generally be formal, elegant, and have a very professional image.
Tailored garments are indicated for this type of place. And special attention should be paid to the length in the case of skirts since they should reach the knee or above it without leaving much distance.
The colors to be used must be neutral and solid. For footwear, this must be, without exception, closed with medium or high heels. Concerning makeup, as in the informal, this must be neutral and discreet. And the hair is equally arranged, either loose or collected.
Cocktail or little black dress
This type of dress is versatile since it is suitable for different occasions, such as baptisms, communions, business events, civil weddings, dinners, and inaugurations, among others, wearing a more creative and daring look.
In the case of night events, one of the main garments is the little black dress. This is ideal for all these occasions and can be well above the knee, and skirts are also well seen.
The appearance to wear in these cases is elegant and refined without being extremely glamorous. Therefore, the inclination for dresses and short skirts, shirts, tailoring sets, and delicate and straightforward accessories, small handbags, medium-heeled shoes- high platforms. And in terms of makeup, it can be more striking than a neutral one, but without overshadowing the clothes.
Etiquette or Black Tie
It is elegant but not extremely rigorous. It is used for formal events such as galas, dinners, weddings, and business events, the long suit being the preferred choice. However, depending on the occasion, a length below the knee with a somewhat more daring style is great, but always with high heels.
Regarding the color, as indicated above, it will depend on the time at which the celebration takes place. Always trying to limit ourselves to using two colors at most, in their plain versions. And in the case of prints, that these be small and discreet.
The appropriate cards are the small and subtle clutch style. For shoes, preferably, use high sandals. And as for accessories, lean towards fine jewelry in gold, silver, and crystals, avoiding fantasy pieces.
Makeup must be careful, asking for it to be more striking than the previous categories, and hair, whether loose or tied up, must be neat and worked.
Rigorous Etiquette or White Tie
It is the so-called etiquette dress par excellence and the most rigorous, formal, and demanding category in terms of dress codes. It is treated and applied to extreme formal evening events.
So consequently, women should wear a long dress, which can have a train, in dark colors, plain, bright themes, rhinestones, necklines, and high, plain sandals that match the dress.
The accessories must be very fine and elegant so that they look of good quality. The use of watches is prohibited for this occasion except for the jewel type. The hair must be tied back, and the makeup can be striking in these cases, highlighting the eyes and lips.
For the occasion, there is a specific way of dressing. So, starting today, or you have excuses for not being right when attending a particular place or event.
