A breakdown of what to wear for business casual, smart casual, cocktail wear, black tie and white tie events

1. Deciphering Dress Codes
Business Casual
Smart Casual
Cocktail Wear
Black Tie
White Tie

2. Business Casual - Women
Separates or a dress are both fine
for business casual
Tailored pieces are ideal, but avoid
anything which looks uncomfortable
or too formal; the overall effect
should still be quite relaxed
Heels aren’t necessary, but a pair
that you can walk in easily will keep
your look professional
Aim to look professional but stylish –
choose classic looks over trendier
options – and keep in mind that it should
be appropriate for a workplace

3. Business Casual - Men
Start with a classic button-down or
polo shirt
Khakis, chinos or other smart
trousers are best
Ties are optional
In cooler months you can layer on a
sweater, blazer or a light suit jacket
Aim to look professional but stylish –
choose classic looks over trendier options
– and keep in mind that it should be
appropriate for a workplace

4. Smart Casual - Women
Add a smart top and a pair
of heels
Accessorise with a
statement bag or
jewellery, but avoid going
over the top
Attention to detail is key;
make sure your hair and
makeup is co-ordinated
with the rest of your look
Somewhere between casual and formal, but not too dressed up
A pencil skirt is a great choice, but you can also go for a dress or some
well-cut trousers

5. Smart Casual - Men
Team a pair of smart trousers
with a collared shirt
Ties aren’t required
A suit jacket is optional, but a full
suit is too much
Finish with a relaxed pair of shoes
– loafers are perfect, trainers are
too casual
Somewhere between casual and formal, but not too dressed up

6. Cocktail Wear - Women
Cocktail dresses tend to fall above the
knee, but definitely aren’t mini length
A little black dress is the ultimate
failsafe, and can be accessorised with
jewellery
But colour is also invited with this
dress code – look for jewel tones and
keep to elegant styles
Tailored trousers, especially cigarette
pants, work equally well with a dressy
top and heels
A big step up from smart casual, this usually
means a semi-formal evening event

7. Cocktail Wear - Men
Choose a dark-coloured suit and tie to
play it safe
If it’s an event with a creative crowd you
can experiment with colour a bit more –
but still keep it smart and evening
appropriate
Depending on the venue, atmosphere
and event type, you might be able to
forgo the tie
A big step up from smart casual, this usually
means a semi-formal evening event

8. Black Tie - Women
A full-length gown is usually most
appropriate
Depending on the venue and the event
details, a formal cocktail dress might
work
Accessorize with elegant jewellery and
a clutch bag, if required
Finish with a pair of standout heels
Mostly seen at weddings, charity events and very formal
parties or dinners

9. Black Tie - Men
A tuxedo (without tails) would
be ideal
Choose a classic tux jacket with
satin-striped trousers, a
cummerbund and a bow tie
Alternatively, a dark suit with a
classic white shirt and black tie is
usually fine
Mostly seen at weddings, charity events and very formal
parties or dinners

10. White Tie - Women
For such a formal event, a floor-length
gown is expected
Opera length gloves are optional and
depend on the occasion
High heels are essential
Wear your hair up and add sparkling
jewellery – this is the time to go all
out
This dress code signifies an incredibly formal event – nights at the opera, dinner with
dignitaries or high profile galas or ceremonies.
Renting clothes that you wouldn’t otherwise
buy is definitely an option

11. White Tie - Men
You’ll need a black tailcoat, in short or
waist length
Tails should reach the back of your
knees
Wear it with a starched white shirt and a
white bow tie
Cummerbunds are ideal, but not strictly
essential
The trousers should also be black, with
satin seams on the outside leg
This dress code signifies an incredibly formal event – nights at the opera, dinner with
dignitaries or high profile galas or ceremonies. Renting clothes that you wouldn’t
otherwise buy is definitely an option
White kid gloves, a black top hat, a white
boutonniere and white silk scarf are
optional accessories depending on the
occasion, but aren’t usually expected