A Guide To Social Dress Codes For Men (Clothing Etiquette Rules)

When we hear the phrase “dress code” we're most likely to associate it with workplace rules. Lots of jobs still have written guidelines for employee attire – with varying degrees of strictness. Much rarer are dress codes for social events. These written requests for attendee attire are usually only one or two words long, printed on an invitation and meant to be understood by all guests.

Unfortunately – a universal understanding of social dress codes is going the way of cursive handwriting. It has an old-fashioned appeal to some people but most of us don't bother with it anymore. So if you've been invited to an event with a dress code – or you're planning an event and you want to request a specific sort of attire from your guests – look no further!

Formal Dress Code: With Tie

The phrase “formal attire” is misunderstood in modern society. Formal attire does not mean suits and ties! It is a substantially higher dress code – requiring clothes that most men don't own. If you request formal attire on an invitation (and you don't belong to an extremely wealthy and upper-class set), understand that you're probably asking the majority of your guests to go through the rental process. Formal wear for men changes depending on the time of day. In daylight hours, it means morning dress with a tailcoat and vest, while at night it means “White Tie“. Both of these are extremely strict dress codes. It would be unusual (and a bit presumptuous) to request full formal attire for a personal event. Most White Tie affairs are diplomatic events or high-formality award ceremonies (and the occasional British sporting event). Unless you're a high society heir or heiress throwing a bash at a New York hotel, White Tie is probably too strict for your wedding or birthday party.

Semi-Formal Dress Code: Black Tie

Don't let the diminutive phrasing fool you – semi-formal attire is still the strictest dress code most of us will wear in our lives. Like formal wear, semi-formal attire changes based on time of day. In the evening, it is the familiar Black Tie (Tuxedo) ensemble while in the daytime, the “Stroller” (a relaxed alternative to morning dress) is appropriate. Most modern guests will not be aware of the distinction. Tuxedos at daytime events are a common occurrence nowadays. If you, as the host or hostess, wish men to come attired in strollers, it may be worth your while to state this explicitly. Add a phrase such as “Daytime Semi-Formal (Strollers For Men)” in the “Attire” or “Dress Code” section of your invitation. Some men own their own Tuxedos but for the most part, this is another dress code that will force attendees to rent attire.

Use this request sparingly and only for events of great significance like weddings. It would be very unusual for anyone outside of the jet-set to throw more than one or two semi-formal events in his or her lifetime! If you receive a semi-formal invitation, give yourself plenty of time for the rental process. Expect it to take several weeks from your first fitting and outfit selection for the clothes to arrive and be adjusted. Be firm with the sales staff and make it clear that you are only interested in true black tie (or daytime semi-formal) attire. These days, most of the offerings at rental outlets are cartoon-colored costumes for high school proms. This is not real formal and semi-formal wear.

Business Dress Code

A “business” or “business dress” code means one thing for men: matched suits. If an invitation has specifically requested business attire, it's best to err on the side of formality and wear a dark, solid colored or pinstriped suit. Pair it with a white dress shirt, a conservative tie, and black leather oxfords, and you're – no pun intended – in business. There is a certain amount of leeway at social events – particularly daytime ones – so a lighter gray suit or a dark brown one are acceptable. For the most part, though, “business dress” means the more formal end of men's suits. If, on the other hand, the invitation simply says “suits and ties for men”, “casual suits” with lighter colors or more vivid patterns are acceptable. Strictly speaking, this isn't a dress code. But it is a request you will see from time to time on invitations – particularly to dressed-up but light-hearted affairs like brunches and church outings.

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Casual Dress

A “casual attire” invitation is mostly open-ended but there is still the expectation of dressing up for a social event. Neckties are definitely not needed, but a casual jacket could still be worn. Similarly, jeans are acceptable if the invitation says “casual”. Remember, they should be dark, fitted jeans – not plain work jeans or anything with rips and tears. Leather shoes and collared shirts are still preferable. The “casual” code tells you that the hosts aren't putting any stock informality. They want it to be a relaxed event where guests can be themselves. All well and good – but you should still look like you made an effort! It's just polite.

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