We are in the midst of the ceremony season, and the nightmare of getting your look wrong at an important event is just around the corner. Weddings, baptisms, communions, and other celebrations are occasions where great importance is always placed on the outfit, so you must be careful and respect the dress code.
To help you choose your look so that you can be impeccable, we have drawn up some useful rules and suggestions, starting with the premise that the basic rule to follow to avoid mistakes is always common sense.
What is a Dress Code?
Dress code is a term that defines a style code. Even if it is not written anywhere, there is a standard to follow for every social environment. For example, on a workday, at a post office, at a birthday party, at a meeting with a teacher, at a university exam, or at dinner with your significant other: the right clothing is different for every circumstance.
Would you ever show up to your high school graduation exam in a pair of flip-flops? Or to a romantic date in a tracksuit? Therefore, it is implied that in every social event there is a certain dress code to be respected, which becomes more formal the more important the event is.
However, these rules are not set in stone, and when we talk about events and ceremonies, much will depend on the organizer's requirements. In fact, for many events and social parties, the invitation itself indicates the dress code that all guests must follow.
Dress Code: the guidelines you need to know
For every type of clothing reserved for events, there is an expression that requires a specific look. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the dress codes you might be asked to wear.
White Tie Dress Code
This dress code calls for tailcoats for men and evening gowns for women. It is an indication of a very formal look. Usually, this type of requirement is not given, except for celebrations such as the Nobel Prize ceremony.
Black Tie Dress Code
The level of elegance required for Black Tie is just below that of White Tie. In this case as well, only traditional evening gowns are expected for women. For men, a tuxedo is a trendy option that never goes out of style.
Both in the case of White Tie and Black Tie, we are dealing with formal dress codes where glamorous details should not be missing.
This means that in these cases you should wear a long evening dress and high heels paired with other accessories to highlight their elegance. Add a necklace or a pair of dangling earrings to your look, but not both. An evening bag is a must, such as a metallic clutch that can be suitable for all your parties.
Cocktail Dress (dark suit)
This is probably the most common level of dress code for weddings and implies that the attire should be elegant, but without overly strict rules. A cocktail dress for women is usually a knee-length dress , but you can also choose longer dresses, or even some distinctive trousers.
For men, a dark suit (grey or navy blue) with a shirt and tie will suffice.
Smart Casual
When it comes to informal weddings, as well as brunches or birthdays among friends, one often leans toward the Smart Casual style. In this case, you can opt for a skirt or a classic pair of trousers and pair them with fashion accessories.
For men, suits without ties are acceptable, as are blazers or a shirt with a pair of traditional trousers. In any case, polos and jeans should be avoided.
Dress Code: what to wear as a wedding guest
A wedding is one of the most significant moments in life, so it is only right that guests show up in appropriate attire. Beyond specific requests, there are rules that you must always follow when you are invited to a wedding.
Read the invitation carefully
It may seem like a trivial suggestion, but the first thing to do when you receive a wedding invitation is to study it to see if a dress code or a theme to follow has been set. Every style choice must be respected, so you should contact the bride if you have any doubts.
The location can also provide you with the right guidelines for selecting your outfit: a historic villa requires a more sophisticated look, while a farmhouse allows for a more informal, but never trivial, style.
Furthermore, the time and the type of ceremony (civil or religious) are key factors: the former demands more formal attire, while the latter, a more traditional one.
Long or short dress?
Here, the rules to follow are quite clear: in the morning, we recommend a knee-length dress or a suit for a sophisticated look without going overboard. In the evening, however, you can choose between a midi dress or a long dress.
For trouser lovers, a jacket-and-trouser set or a jumpsuit can be a classy choice, provided they are not too flashy and respect the standards of elegance required for a wedding event.
Colors to wear
Wow people with delicate and sophisticated shades, such as peach, lavender, and pearl grey, if the celebration takes place in the morning. At dusk, pair your outfit with emerald green, navy blue, and burgundy.
And for baptisms, confirmations, and first communions?
Spring brings many other special occasions, such as baptisms, confirmations, and first communions: events that require a refined and polished look.
In these cases, you can be a little freer in your choice of outfits. Consider dresses in soft and delicate colors, dresses with floral prints or patterns, but also a double-breasted jumpsuit.
In some cases, you can even choose a more casual style, combining more informal pieces with elegant ones. The goal is to be well-dressed but informal at the same time.
In this case, you could pair a dress with sneakers, or wear a blazer with a top and trousers.