How long does it take you to decide what you are wearing for the day? Well, for me, sometimes it’s just a five-minute affair. And yes, there are days when I need to remember to look at the clock while getting my ensemble on point.
I think most of us get confused while picking the right outfit for the right occasion. Or should I say that we struggle to decide the right dress code? And that brings us to the question of the most common dress code.
Decoding Dress Code
The word dress code has now become a part of our daily life. But do we really know what it means? A dress code means some pre-decided norms or restrictions regarding what you can wear for a particular occasion.
It’s fascinating how dress codes can inculcate a sense of solidarity. Also, it teaches you discipline and highlights how you are expected to present yourself for a particular occasion. If you see, it creates a kind of readiness where you just need to follow the guidelines to avoid overdressing or underdressing, like wearing a micro bikini, out and about.
Following the dress code also allows you to worry less about what you should wear for a particular day. Be it stealing the spotlight or letting your persona shine bright, a dress code helps!
The Most Common Dress Code
With so many changes happening in our lifestyles and thoughts every day, no wonder the fashion world will get a new dress code every other day. Don’t get surprised if you get to hear names like “Razzle Dazzle,” “Brooklyn Formal,” or “Summertime Soiree” as dress codes. Getting creative is great, but I don’t think most people know what to wear to suit these dress codes.
So, let’s begin with the conventional ones when we talk about the most common dress code. I hope the discussion will take its course and make us meet with the newer dress code forms somewhere.
Smart Casual
Aha! Smart casual seems to be the most popular and common dress code for the season. Yes, it does not allow you to be overly creative, but it gives you enough freedom to show who you are. In other words, the main trick in getting your smart casual fashion right is twisting it without messing with the polish.
If you are a man and must dress according to a smart casual dress code, try wearing chinos or dark-washed denim jeans with a shirt and blazer. Keep your shoes formal, and you can go for loafers, moccasins, Oxford shoes, brogues, or monk shoes.
Women can flaunt their elegance in a short bodycon skirt and top or a designer dress coupled with a sassy blazer or jacket.
White Tie
White tie occasions like the “Vienna Opera Ball in Austria” and the “Nobel Prize banquet in Stockholm” are flocked by esteemed personalities and achievers. These are the events where the highest level of formal attire and behavior are expected of the attendees.
The most common dress code for a white tie event is a floor-length gown and gloves for women. Women are expected to wear their hair in an up-do manner. Men are allowed to wear vests teamed with suits and white bow ties.
Black Tie
Usually, a formal social occasion will ask you to follow a black tie dress code. Also, most award ceremonies attended by famous movie and fashion icons are considered black tie events. And, oh yes, we are not talking about the Met Galas!
You can wear a classic formal gown of floor length to celebrate your feminine sensibilities for a black tie event. The ideal dress code for men is a classy suit teamed with a black bow tie.
Cocktail
Who does not love cocktail parties or events? Along with letting you indulge in delicacies and exotic beverages, these also allow you to dress up in a fun way. Women can look their sensuous best, flaunting their curves and beauty, as this dress code will enable them to wear dresses with above-the-knee hemlines. For men, a classic suit with a taper cut hairstyle is an ideal ensemble to get ready for a cocktail event. You can also opt for low fade haircut in any occassion.
Lounge Suit
Lounge suit events are formal affairs, asking you to maintain decorum in your dressing. Yes, it is not as strict as a white or black tie event, but it is definitely more formal than a cocktail party. Men can don a formal shirt, tie, and suit while attending a lounge suit event.
Women can select their lounge suit ensemble according to the event’s timing. For example, if it’s a daytime event, a dress of midi or long length is the ideal option. They can wear dresses of the said lengths or formal pants and blazers for evening lounge suit events.
The More Unconventional Dress Codes
Returning to where we started, today, you will see many unique dress codes that make and break the rules of fashion simultaneously. Actually, it’s right. Fashion, an expression of lifestyle, should not remain confined to certain norms and regulations.
Nevertheless, here are some dress codes that are not run-of-the-mill but very interesting.
Razzle Dazzle
If it’s a razzle dazzle dress code, women are to turn up in cocktail dresses and heels. But with a tinge of jazz! or maybe a dragon tattoo, or maybe it’s just reaching! Based on the event’s theme, men can get ready in shirts and suits.
Brooklyn Formal
It’s a new kid on the block. Many also call it the hipster formal dress code, expecting people to maintain a certain level of gravity in their demeanor. Men can wear retro suits or accessorize formal trousers and shirts with suspenders and braces. Women can look their best in pantsuits and heels. They can even go for cocktail dresses or a dressy jacket.
Summertime Soiree
If you want some real fun in your dress code, summertime soiree will become your instant favorite. It brilliantly fuses semi-formal with casual. So, all the women out there wear floral-printed evening dresses, jeans, shorts, and crop tops to make heads turn. Men can look dapper in jeans and T-Shirts or shirts.
Summing Up:
The fashion world, being so dynamic, makes the task of finding the most common dress code difficult. However, since casual occasions usually do not ask you to get decked up a certain way, dress codes are more related to a formal fashion.Then again, the lines are blurring. With dress codes like “smart casual” or “semi formal” gaining more popularity each day, it’s more like a mix-and-match practice until it is not a black or white tie event.
