The dress code is an important element in the everyday life of each of us. We apply it more or less consciously whenever we choose clothes for a particular occasion. As a concept of dress code, it has been functioning in our society for a short time, although as a phenomenon it was present earlier.
What, When and Where to Dress?
Dress code (with the rule / code of clothing) came to us along with Western capitalism. It is connected with the development of the economy and clothing industry. Since we have more choice and a free hand in shopping, he has appeared in our social life. So what is dress code? It is simply a set of rules and rules regarding the selection of clothes and accessories suitable for a given situation. It belongs to savoir-vivre.
Types of dress code
Dress code divides the entire wardrobe into subgroups, which matches the individual occasion. We distinguish seven types of dress codes: formal, semi-official, business classic, business casual, casual, free every day, cocktail. The boundary between these subgroups is becoming more and more fluid – this is the result of the increasingly common play styles, fashion conventions and breaking certain rigid rules.
In spite of everything, we still have to know each type of dress code. Each of them has its own separate rules, the breaking of which continues to threaten with the customary faux pas.
Official (formal) – White Tie
The official dress code is the most essential. He’s leaving him. Today, it applies only at the highest-level holidays – for example during state ceremonies. Evening costumes belong to him. Women are obliged to wear long dresses, gloves, arm coat (shawl), built-up shoes and expensive jewelry. Men’s dress code in this case is a tailcoat, fitted trousers with two stripes, a white bow tie and a shirt of the same color – starched, with a rolled-up collar.
Semi-formal – Black Tie
A semi-official dress code is simply a less restrictive formal outfit. Today, the official outfit is very often replaced. Ladies, it is true that the evening gown still applies, but it can be substituted in cocktail times in some situations. On the other hand, gentlemen exchange a tuxedo for a tuxedo, a white bow tie for black (hence the name black tie). For this they have their pants with a single stripe and just like in the official style – a white shirt.
Cocktail ( informal)
Cocktail dress code, otherwise known as informal, is still included in the group of official clothes. Cocktail dress is very common today. These are the clothes that will be found in the wardrobe of each of us and are for special occasions – weddings, christenings, banquets. It is simply a lighter, contemporary evening dress (usually after 20.00).
A cocktail dress for ladies should reach to the knees or be longer. For this you should dress lighter shoes – shuttles or sandals. Selection of jewelry at your discretion, however moderation is recommended. In contrast, a dark suit, a long-sleeved shirt, a tie, and dark shoes are required. As for the accessories, it would be best to have a watch with a shield.
Dress Business Code
Business outfit – a classic in an office edition
When it comes to business outfit, it primarily depends on the dress code in a particular workplace. A business dress code is generally understood as a uniform. It is worth noting that even today; office work can take many forms. The classic business outfit is a standard costume in white, black, navy blue or brown.
For ladies, this is elegant blouses or shirts, jackets, knee-length skirts or trousers, covered shoes, no or a complete limitation of jewelry elements. On the other hand, a man should wear a navy or graphite suit, a light, toned shirt, a light tie and dark leather colors.
A more casual business outfit?
Today, of course, a lighter version of business outfit is allowed. It is a free business outfit. It is still an elegant version of the dress, but it gives more comfort. Ladies’ sets still have to be toned down, but instead of strictly adhering to the costume (navy and skirt / trousers); women can wear cardigans, suits or elegant dresses. Men, in turn, under the casual business outfit, may dress jackets in brighter colors or even polo shirts.
Different variants of casual outfits
Casual is an everyday outfit, comfortable. We dress him after returning from work. However, nowadays casual may not be equal. Hence the next distinction – casual and smart casual outfit. The latter type is derived from the standard free style, but is simply more elegant.
Smart casual is not a typical outfit, but one that prefers, for example, young people in schools or adults, going to the city after work. It is most often used by people who are characterized by a sense of style and are guided by fashion trends in the daily selection of stylizations.
The Most Common Mistakes in Dress Code
As you can see, the various types of dress codes are not so strict – many elements interweave. This is because the occasions that were once official have become more intimate today. There are a few common mistakes that we usually make when adjusting the styling.
First of all, we mix categorically different styles (eg casual and office) or completely confuse the outfit and occasion – for example, by establishing an informal stylization at the official ceremony or vice versa.
Sometimes we also dress an elegant dress, which, however, is too bold – she discovers the back, underarms, cleavage, belly or is inadequate length.
Another mistake is the selection of mismatched accessories with jewelry.
In turn, the most common mistake in the men’s dress code is putting on a light suit for the evening, forgetting to unclip the button in the jacket when sitting down and mismatching the attire to the figure of the body. Often the problem is also the selection of the right length of the tie.