What does black tie dress code mean? Black tie dress code for men: formal male style. What to wear for men

Stylists have long thought out a move that allows a person to easily and without any doubt determine the clothes that will be appropriate for a particular occasion, event. This exceptional technique is called dress code. This concept has long been known to many people. However, its full meaning is not open to many of us for perception. What it is? Also the Black Tie dress code will be part of this article.

Dress code: what is it?

You should start with the very etymology of this phrase. Translated from English, the concept represented sounds like "clothing code". Such a loud phrase already speaks of its significance and concreteness. Making a conclusion from this concept, you should remember the definition.

A dress code is a certain style, a set that is strictly suitable for a specific event, institution or organization, for a certain occasion or a short life span.

In order to understand in more detail what this definition is, you need to find out what rules the dress code regulates. Clothes must match them.

Basic codes (regulations)

1. Informal style (Cocktail). Also called Business Attire. This code implies the regulation of business suits for both men and women.

2. Court Dress Style. This type of dress code can be called, in fact, dead, since its application is reduced to the very minimum. This is the court code. Otherwise - the rules of court dresses.

3. Business casual style (Dressy or, in other words, Resort Casual). Also known as Country Club. This code can be called almost business-like. More precisely, it is a simplified, lightweight business version. For women, it provides polo in combination with a bottom made of lightweight fabrics (capri pants, elongated shorts, trousers). And for men, a shirt or polo in a duet with trousers made of light fabrics is regulated.

4. Style Formal (also called Full Formal). It is also called Full Dress or Formal Attire. This is a truly festive code for women to choose a ball gown. For men, he dictates a white or light-colored tailcoat. It is provided for trips to appropriate activities during the day. In the evening - a black tailcoat combined with a white bow tie. This code is also referred to as White Tie.

6. Boutonniere (scarf).

The tuxedo is the most important part of this set. Therefore, the next section will be devoted to it.

The Right Tuxedo For Black Tie

The main criteria for a truly good tuxedo are fabric and quality cut. The best material is wool interspersed with diamond or gold thread. The fabric should not be rough to the touch. Thin wool is the best option. A characteristic feature of the tuxedo is the lapels made of real silk. The trousers are lined to the knee.

Black Tie Optional: what is it?

Black Tie Optional - the dress code in this wording means the right to a flight of imagination of the event participant. This allows the lady to change a floor-length evening dress for a few elegant wardrobe items (for example, a nice skirt combined with a luxurious blouse).

For a strong half of humanity, a tuxedo is optional. His male guest has the right to change to a more comfortable suit. Nevertheless, it should be appropriate for the level of the event and look really good.

Several nuances of business style

The business dress code speaks for itself by its name. When going to work, business meetings, you should adhere to exactly this regulation. For women and men, business suits are the best option. They should be dark or just calm colors. For ladies, it can be both trouser and skirt suits. Women need to adhere to a certain rule: the length of a skirt or dress is not higher than the knee.

The appearance of one of the marks “white tie” or “black tie” on the invitation card requires special care when choosing an exquisite outfit. Knowing the requirements of formal dress codes allows you to be appropriately prepared for a gala event, an official reception or a dinner party, whether it be a Nobel Prize award ceremony or a meeting with the Queen of England. Despite the similarity of names, dress codes for white tie and black tie for women differ significantly in terms of outfits, suggest different locations for the event. Let's consider their differences.

White tie: strict adherence to the rules

This is the toughest dress code, typical for such official events as a charity ball, a reception at the head of state, international evening receptions, the presentation of a prestigious award and others. His requirements: strict (preferably black) evening floor-length, the length of which should in no case be higher than the ankle, classic-style shoes with high heels, stockings. At celebrations of this kind, you cannot flaunt with bare hands, gloves will be the salvation here. In the classic version, they should be white and above the elbow (or match the sleeve length of the dress, if available). It is permissible to use a fur cape in an outfit. A small clutch or reticule will become a harmonious completion for the aristocratic image of a society lady.

Women's appearance is also subject to strict requirements of this dress code. Hair must be collected in a high hairstyle, and evening makeup should be applied to lips and eyes. As for jewelry, you will have to forget about jewelry; jewelry with natural stones, which are quite acceptable to rent for the event.

Black tie: solemn, but with some liberties

This dress code is typical for formal evening events such as theatrical premieres, celebrations such as Christmas parties, exhibitions and creative presentations. Everything here is as decorous and strict as in the case of the white tie, but some frivolity is allowed. Along with a long evening dress, cocktail styles enjoy the right of priority, and although the color of the dress is not so important, its monotony is preferable. Models with flashy bright colors are simply unacceptable. But open arms, back and shoulders, as well as loose hair are allowed. The main thing is that the outfit does not look vulgar and is not overly frank.

The choice of footwear should be taken seriously. She is matched to the evening dress. Laconic shoes without decorative trim or decorated only with textile bows are relevant.

The black tie dress code is much more common than the white tie, which may be why it has several subspecies:

1. Black tie invited is typical for cocktail parties, family and corporate events with a large number of invited people, dinner parties. This dress code offers ladies more options when choosing clothes. An evening dress, cocktail dress and even an exquisite trouser or skirt suit are acceptable. Heeled shoes are a must.

2. Black tie option, as well as creative black tie are in demand at presentations, corporate parties, and fashion shows. They favor dresses of various lengths, incomplete evening dresses, skirt or trouser suits. Creative black tie is characterized by clothes, in the cut of which there is an extraordinary creativity... As the final touches, jewelry and shoes with heels are relevant.

The Black Tie dress code is one of the more popular. This is the dress code that may be required at many special events, for example: at a wedding, dinner party or theatrical premiere. Of course, at these events, women should appear in evening dresses, and men in suits or tailcoats. This version of the dress code does not regulate the appearance too strictly, but it has a number of rules that must be followed. If you are looking for an evening outfit and are wondering if it will fit into the Black Tie framework, from this article you can learn more about this type of dress code for men and women.

Black Tie is the second most stringent dress code for events. It is used in many formal evening ceremonies, receptions, dinners, balls and other social events. Where can you get an invitation to a similar event with a Black Tie dress code? It can be a wedding of friends, a dinner timed to coincide with a business conference, or even just a ceremonial premiere in a theater or the opening of a major exhibition. If a certain outfit is required for a celebration, this will be indicated in the invitation.

How is Black Tie different from other dress codes? Consider the various existing regulations for outfits.

  • The strictest dress code is White Tie. It must be admitted that modern events are becoming less formal, this option is outdated and almost never used now. Even for the Oscars, the dress code will be less restrictive. White Tie for men involves a black tailcoat, a vest with three buttons, a white bow tie and a white scarf. A cane has traditionally been an optional accessory for a man, but nowadays it is difficult to imagine such a thing, no matter how solemn the event is. For women, White Tie requires a full-length evening dress with closed shoulders, gloves, heels, jewelry with natural stones and a neat styled hairstyle.
  • White Tie is followed by the less formal Black Tie. For men, a black or blue suit and a black bow tie are allowed, while for women, evening dresses and heels are still required, but open shoulders, loose hair and jewelry are acceptable. Given that White Tie is rarely used, this dress code is considered traditional for most special events and ceremonies.
  • While the Coctail dress code is considered much less formal, it is often used at a variety of social events. It allows almost any suit for a man in dark colors, and a bow tie can be replaced with a tie or even do without these accessories. As for the women's outfit, it is for such occasions that the so-called cocktail dresses are invented. These dresses include both floor-length styles and models with a length just above the knee.
  • Smart Casual or Business Casual are two names for the same dress code that is used for corporate events. If other dress codes have strict regulation of appearance, the business dress code is very vague and conventional. Of course, it means a formal suit, but the nuances depend on the specific organization.
  • Finally, there is a dress code for masquerades and costume balls. It can be absolutely anything - it is installed by the organizers of the celebration.

As you can see, Black Tie is the most popular strict dress code, since white bow ties and women's gloves are now extremely rarely required even at world-class events. However, Black Tie itself is diverse - now, even at serious events, there are less and less formalities, and each organizer can understand the Black Tie dress code as something different. To systematize different variants, a special classification was even introduced. These subcategories are rarely used, but it is useful to know about their presence:

  1. Black Tie optional is a dress code that allows for a slightly looser fit. Representatives of the stronger sex can wear a jacket instead of a tailcoat, and instead of a bow tie - a regular tie. For women, dresses are not permissible to the floor, but with a length below the knee.
  2. The creative Black Tie dress code focuses on accessories. Men can afford a bright colored tie, while ladies can afford an original clutch and jewelry that does not fit into the classic canons.
  3. The Black Tie invited dress code is the strictest of the Black Tie varieties. A man should certainly be with a bow tie, a tailcoat instead of a jacket is often desirable, and a woman should have a floor-length dress and a miniature clutch bag.

In invitations, you rarely see such a gradation - the most often mentioned is simply Black Tie, which can mean all of the above. However, if you are not sure what is implied, it is of course best to stick to the most stringent option.

Black Tie Dress Code for Women

Especially a lot of time and effort is taken by the search for a woman's attire for a celebration. If the men's suit is much more regulated, then in the women's evening look, various styles of dress, color, texture of fabric, hairstyle, shoes and accessories are possible. If you are looking for a dress for an evening event with a Black Tie dress code, make sure your outfit and look meets the following criteria:

  • Most often, it is worth choosing a dress to the floor - this is what distinguishes the Black Tie dress code from Coctail. A length below the knee is sometimes acceptable, as a slightly less formal option, however, if you are not sure if this will be appropriate, it is better to avoid unnecessary questions. If you do choose a dress with a midi length, make sure that the neckline is not too deep in the dress - the shorter the cut, the more discreet the top should be.
  • Dresses should be made of dense fabric - translucent options on such official event will look very vulgar.
  • It is quite possible to choose dresses with bare shoulders and bare arms.
  • The color of the dress can be chosen at your discretion.
  • Shoes must be worn with heels. Most often, these are high stiletto heels, shorter and wider heels are considered more casual shoes.

  • Unlike the White Tie dress code, this format allows for costume jewelry instead of jewelry. However, it must be expensive and smart.
  • The hairstyle does not have to be high and smooth - even loose hair is allowed, however, of course, it must be neatly styled.
  • There are no special recommendations regarding makeup, however, of course, it should be. Light makeup needs to be applied to the entire face, and it is customary to highlight either eyes or lips in an evening make-up, but you cannot paint both brightly at the same time.

Fashionable evening dresses

How to choose the latest outfit that would meet the requirements of the Black Tie dress code? If you are looking for a dress for a formal event, use the following tips.

  • Turquoise, navy and emerald tones are the latest trend in evening dresses. These sophisticated, sophisticated shades are perfect for any occasion and will refresh your look. In addition, these colors are neither too bright nor too pale. They are quite versatile - such dresses will look good with both bright and neutral accessories.
  • Now the trend is a completely red bow. If you manage to pick up a dress, clutch and tone-on-tone shoes, you will definitely look relevant. At the same time, try to keep the style of such a dress as closed as possible, otherwise there is a risk of looking vulgar.
  • Black dresses will always be relevant. This is a kind of classic that suits absolutely everyone and allows you to create a stylish, elegant look. A black dress will be a kind of base for any look - you can create an absolutely discreet bow by adding black or white accessories, or diversify your outfit with bright colors.
  • Natural beige, peach, brownish purple and warm pinks have always been trendy. Among the colors of this palette, everyone can choose an option that will perfectly emphasize the color of hair, eyes and skin. These subtle natural colors will help create a stylish and harmonious evening look.


  • Velvet dresses are now at their peak. They will be an excellent smart option for the autumn-winter period. Long velvet dresses will be more than appropriate. Tight cuts with a velvet texture are now a little outdated, but free flowing models look very interesting.
  • It is worth considering dresses in metallic colors - silver or gold. These shades attract attention, so it is better to choose the most closed style so that the image does not turn out to be deliberately sexy.
  • Dresses with pleated skirts are another popular modern trend. Such styles look both strict and feminine at the same time. They are perfect if you prefer natural makeup and deliberate carelessness in your hairstyle.
  • Straight dresses with a round neckline are in fashion. This cut as simple as possible refers to the retro style and allows you to create a discreet and elegant look. This is exactly the case when the most closed dress can look very attractive - especially if you complement it with stylish accessories and unusual makeup.
  • Greek style dresses are also in vogue now and are perfect for an event with a Black Tie dress code. Lightweight, flowing fabrics look simple and natural at the same time - they will make you look young, fresh and direct. For connoisseurs of natural beauty, this evening dress is especially suitable.
  • Full girls should pay attention to straight cut dresses, which will be loose enough and will perfectly help to hide possible figure flaws. Moreover, choosing long dress, you can focus on the neckline.
  • Slender girls can perfectly suit the fashionable sheath dresses now. They look stern, feminine and will perfectly help to emphasize the shoulders, waist and hips.
  • Lush dresses are almost impossible within this format of the holidays, because their modern models are usually shortened. Nevertheless, if you want to add volume in the hips, nothing prevents you from choosing the now fashionable style with a peplum or with flounces.

Fashionable makeup and hairstyles

Makeup and hairstyle are integral parts evening look... Often they are even more important than the dress itself, because first of all we pay attention to the person and his face. Consider the latest trends in evening hairstyles and makeup.

  • Hollywood curls are a win-win for your evening hairstyle. Neat soft curls will give the look a natural look, but at the same time will look well-groomed. In addition, with such styling, any hair seems more lively and voluminous.
  • Smooth hairstyles for the evening are also very relevant now. Most often, these are tufts, although tails are also acceptable. Such hairstyles will look especially good with bright makeup. However, it is worth considering that such options are not suitable for everyone and not for every dress - it all depends on the type of face and figure.
  • Asymmetrical styling will also look very appropriate this season. These can be tails or tufts on one side, strands released on one side, or simply curls laid on one side. Such styling options always look very unusual and help to diversify the formal look.


  • Natural, almost invisible makeup can now be relevant even as part of an evening look. If you want to look young and straightforward, light makeup can be a great option - especially if you have a bold, flashy dress.
  • Lovers of highlighting their eyes in evening make-up often make a smokey ice make-up. It is very easy to apply shadows in this way, and they always look great if you choose the right color. However, under such makeup, a rather restrained hairstyle and a closed dress are needed so that the image is not vulgar.
  • Bright lips in evening makeup are also in fashion now. Dark berry and plum shades can be especially relevant. They will require the most inconspicuous makeup on the eyes. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that dark lipsticks can look like a quote from a retro style, so you should not do such makeup under dresses that will also refer to retro aesthetics. Dark lipsticks are suitable for modern styles, and for classic outfits it is better to choose more modern shades - now wine shades of red, raspberry and fuchsia are in fashion.
  • Blush can help make your look look fresher and more well-groomed. They are almost always required, no matter what kind of makeup you want. In evening make-up, the cheekbones can be even more accentuated than in daytime - especially if a photo shoot is planned at the event, it will look good. However, be careful when using red and pink blush if you highlight your lips in makeup - this combination can look too unnatural. Best for bright evening makeup take beige and brown shades to indicate cheekbones.

Black Tie Dress Code for Men

For men, it is much easier to choose an outfit with a similar dress code. Almost all the details of this look are very strictly regulated - you just have to choose a suit that will fit well. When choosing clothes, do not forget to consider the following nuances.

  • The shirt in this dress code must be exclusively white. Sometimes optional and creative options allow for pastel colors, but traditionally it is white color and should be followed, unless the organizers themselves have mentioned other options.
  • Traditionally, Black Tie required a tailcoat, but a jacket was possible in some cases. Now tailcoats are becoming more and more old-fashioned and almost always wear ordinary trouser suits with jackets for such a dress code.

  • The color of the suit should be predominantly black, although navy blue will work in most cases. The dress code tends to become more and more informal, so it is quite possible to come to many events in a dark blue or even blue-gray suit - the main thing is to avoid a bright blue saturated color.
  • Better to choose a bow tie. In some versions of this dress code, an ordinary tie is possible, but this tradition has not yet had time to take root. The butterfly should be exclusively black and exclusively set, not finished.
  • It is customary for men to combine such a suit with plain black unvarnished leather boots.
  • Optional accessories such as a watch, black leather strap, cufflinks and a scarf in the left pocket are welcome, but can be neglected.
  • When going to an official celebration, do not forget about the general rules that are typical for any dress code option. For example, socks should be a couple of shades darker than trousers if you have a blue suit. They should also be long enough so that the skin is not visible when crossing the legs. The jacket is traditionally fastened with one button. Also, if you do decide to wear a regular tie instead of a bow tie, its length should reach the edge of your trousers. Compliance with all these rules will allow you to create a harmonious solemn image. You can rate this Black Tie dress code in the photo.

In the evening, a Black Tie dress code may be required for a wedding, family holiday, a corporate event or at a major social event. This version of the dress code is considered not too formal, although a more formal version is not used almost anywhere. There are a number of general requirements for the appearance of guests at such an event, but many of the nuances remain ambiguous and are regulated at the discretion of the organizers. One way or another, it is not difficult to dress for such an event - any dress with heels on the floor should suit women, and any black suit with a bow tie should suit a man.

Black Tie Dress Code Rules Video

The concept of a dress code, which is still something distant and unusual for many, is gradually entering our lives. It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with what the inscriptions on the invitation cards mean, so as not to be in an awkward situation, becoming a black sheep at a solemn event. The most common dress code is black tie, the translation of which speaks for itself. "Black tie" is something formal, strict, solemn. The black tie style is sometimes called Tuxedo, which means “tuxedo,” or BT for short. Do not think that only men can dress like this. This dress code also applies to women. Unlike the strictest one, which is the white tie, the black tie dress code implies going out in formal, but evening dresses. We are not talking about royal receptions, but about evening parties, going to the theater, and wedding ceremonies.

Black tie dress code types

Of all the existing types of this dress code, black tie invited is the most strict, but it still hints that the atmosphere at the event will not be very festive and pompous. This type of black tie for women means that the dress should be cocktail, smart or evening, but not pretentious. Preference should be given to floor-length models of a straight silhouette, made of satin, silk or velvet. A minimum of decor or its complete absence is welcomed.

The black tie optional subspecies are outfits that can most often be seen on Hollywood stars during various prestigious film awards ceremonies, at premieres and social events. This type of black tie invited differs in less high requirements. So, dresses falling under the black tie optional dress code should be simply smart. The type of fabric, cut, length do not really matter. The main thing is that the image is festive and solemn. By the way, within this type of dress code, strict ones are also welcome.

Well, the most free and original type of black tie, within which it is allowed to carry handbags, jewelry, bijouterie and even extravagant accessories, is the creative black tie dress code. Fabrics with fashionable prints, simple cut, experiments with geometry in color schemes - a woman can afford everything to look attractive and feel comfortable at the same time.

Fashion trends

In each season, designers present incredibly beautiful evening dresses in new collections. Obviously, in order to comply with the black tie dress code, there is no need to limit yourself to strict and boring outfits. You can choose a gorgeous dress in which the bodice is trimmed with lace, the skirt is made of multilayer tulle. Models with rich decoration, skillful embroidery, rhinestones and beads are interesting.

Prefer to look more discreet? This is easy to achieve in an evening gown with large, soft ruffles, a recognized trend proposed by Balenciaga. Femininely accentuating the shoulder line, hem or bodice, these unobtrusive and delicate decorative elements create the effect of lightness.

Dress - code. Quite recently, this word was completely unfamiliar to us. Now we are increasingly faced with events that require a certain appearance and form of clothing. Tuxedos and tailcoats are more and more in demand, and the once mysterious ciphers in invitations - Blact Тie, Casual, Semi-formal and others - are becoming more and more common. How to avoid getting screwed up and dress according to the dress code? Our article will help you with this.


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- This is a set of rules regarding clothing and a person's appearance, not only at work, but also at social events. In business circles, dressing according to the dress code means showing that you belong to a certain circle of people, being one of your own.

A person who is going to an official celebration cannot do without knowledge of secular etiquette. We can talk about a visit to a closed nightclub with strict face control, a semi-formal dinner at a pompous restaurant, a charity evening, an embassy reception or a wedding. Such events, as a rule, are accompanied by a wish or even a requirement to dress in accordance with a certain dress-code indicated on the invitation. Consider the most common designations and their abbreviations that you can find on invitation cards.

What can you face

With us, most often you can come across an indication of the form of dress in invitations to various official evening events. At the same time, the most common dress code is Black Tie, A5, Formal, much less often you can find White Tie. The rest of the conventional signs are by and large used only in the West. We have a very popular non-standard dress-code, that is, not accepted in international practice, but invented by the organizers of the event, for example, Total Black (in black from head to toe) or Orange Party (they are waiting for you in something orange). Business people can bring an invitation to an afternoon or morning event marked Bb or Btr.

In addition to the instructions on the dress code, you can find other important symbols on the invitation cards. These may include:

  • S.t. (sine tempore - lat.) - exactly, on time, without delay;
  • C.t. (cum tempore - lat.) - with a delay of no more than a quarter of an hour (academic delay);
  • R.S.V P (R? Ponse S "il Vous Plait - fr.) - please reply
Ignoring the latter is the biggest violation of secular etiquette. If you are invited to a presentation, ball or reception, regardless of whether you are going to attend or not, first of all, call or write an answer. Your reply must be delivered no later than the eve of the celebration.

If the invitation does not indicate "For two persons" and the desired presence of a spouse is not separately stipulated, it is better to appear unaccompanied. Business events also do not imply the presence of a spouse, unless he (s) is a participant or participant in the business. As a rule, the companion must be brought to entertainment social events - balls, charity evenings, concerts, dinners.

Business etiquette is more stable because it does not have class restrictions, but serves only as a "work uniform" that is comfortable for everyone. Nevertheless, significant changes are taking place here - over the past decades, society has consistently destroyed the rules and taboos associated with business clothes. The "Friday standard" has appeared, the world wide web has spread its networks widely, allowing you to work without leaving your home, you can increasingly see people dressed in casual in the office.

International Dress Code Table

Bb (Business Best): "the most strict and expensive business suit" - high business style Business Best - equipment for very important and influential meetings of major leaders.
  • Possible events: responsible business meeting, especially with foreign partners, business reception.
  • Man's clothes: the best business suit, usually dark blue, possibly striped, single or double-breasted, with a dazzling white shirt (preferably with double cuffs and cufflinks) and a red tie with a pocket square. The shoes are exclusively black oxfords or derby shoes.
Oxfords (or Oxford shoes) (English) - a kind of classic leather men's or women's low shoes with laces with special perforation and stitching, as well as with a characteristic openwork patch between the vamp and ankle boots.

Unlike Oxfords, they have open lacing and side details sewn over the toe of the boot. The tongue is usually integral with the front of the boot.


Bussiness Best:

  • For a woman: a gray, blue or beige suit, a white blouse-shirt, a tie, nude transparent stockings, black or suit-colored shoes, with a low heel (3-5 cm).


Btr (Business Traditional) or Undress: "traditional business attire" or "casual attire". Вt - traditional business style - plain or combined suit for men, jacket dress and trouser suit for women for office work;
  • Possible activities: a business meeting.
  • clothing: regular business suit


White tie, Ultra-formal (Cravate blanche - fr.) - WT: "white tie". The most formal men's suit for a formal occasion, the most strict secular dress code. Its rules have not changed since the 50s of the twentieth century.

  • Possible activities: evening reception at the president's, wedding of the ambassador, ball, presentation of the prize, etc.
  • Men clothes: tailcoat with white bow tie, patent leather shoes and pocket watch. The vest must be white and never black, otherwise you may be mistaken for a waiter. White gloves are welcome.
  • Woman clothes: full evening dress: an evening dress "to the floor" is rather conservative in restrained colors, preferably gloves (depending on the length of the sleeve - so that the hand is as hidden as possible), stiletto heels and tiny evening bag... You can throw a fur cape or bolero over your shoulders. Jewelry only made of precious stones, preferably diamonds. Do not: loose hair, make-up a la nature, you need evening hairstyle and makeup, bare hands

Black Tie (Cravate noire - fr.): "black tie" - BT - official Black tie - the second most severe dress code, formal evening wear, including a tuxedo.
  • Possible activities: Formal evening reception, such as Christmas or wedding, theater premiere, etc.
  • Men clothes: obliges a man to wear a tuxedo (to which, unlike a tailcoat, black butterflies are worn), a sash and black, non-patent leather shoes with laces.
  • Woman clothes: a cocktail dress, but the length must be below the knee, or a long evening dress. Decorations are allowed from semi-precious stones or expensive jewelry, the absence of furs is acceptable. Avant-garde designer dresses, boots and hats are not welcome. Shoes are just shoes.


Formal: "formal evening event" - official evening event... Usually means the same as the Black Tie dress code, but sometimes can imply a more fashionable look, a creative approach.
  • Possible activities: same as Black Tie.
  • Men clothes: Charcoal / navy tuxedo (preferred) or dark formal suit with tie, white plain shirt and silk discreet tie.
  • Woman clothes: cocktail dress or Coco Chanel little black dress, long dress or evening set of separate items (for example, a perfect tailored trouser suit or formal skirt with a jacket). Sandals and flashy jewelry are excluded.

: "black tie welcome".
  • Possible activities: a dinner party in a pretentious restaurant, a corporate banquet, a family celebration with a large number of guests, etc. When it comes to a cocktail, we usually mean an evening, but not too festive event, usually with drinks and a buffet table.
  • Men clothes: with this designation, it is better to wear a classic tuxedo.
  • Woman clothes: cocktail dress, long dress, fancy costume.


: "black tie optional".
  • Possible activities:
  • Men clothes: the tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit with a tie.
  • Woman clothes: cocktail dress, evening separates (separate items of clothing that do not constitute a set), elegant suit.


: "black tie, creative".
  • Possible activities: similar to the Black Tie Invited Dress Code.
  • Men clothes: this dress-code assumes a wider field for the interpretation of a formal suit, fashionable novelties are acceptable. Tuxedo with unconventional accessories or unconventional colors. When in doubt, wear a classic tuxedo with a colorful, but not "clown" vest, or an informal tuxedo with a dark shirt without a tie.
  • Woman clothes: a long or short dress or evening outfit such as a lace or sequined skirt paired with a thin cashmere jumper.


Cocktail Attire: "cocktail"... A lighter version of the formal dress code.
  • Possible activities:: same as Black Tie Invited.
  • Men clothes: suggests a dark suit, shirt, tie, or even lack thereof.
  • Woman clothes: a cocktail dress, a suit with a skirt or pants, or a little black dress and a string of pearls. However, do not wear the complete set: earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Semi-formal: "semi-formally". The most tricky dress code. It seems to allow freedom, but strictly in accordance with the event.
  • Possible activities: similar to Black Tie Invited.
  • For a man: usually a tuxedo is optional. For events after 18-00, preference should be given to a dark suit. Until that time, let's say an ordinary suit with a tie.
  • For woman: after 6 pm it is better to wear a cocktail dress (long dress is not welcome). Until this time, an elegant suit or daytime suit is acceptable, but fancy dress... Defiant frankness is not acceptable


A5 (After Five): "after five". Such designation may be supplemented by others, for example. Otherwise, A5 means" Cocktail".
  • Possible activities: any evening event starting after 17-00. Concert, theater, business dinner, cocktail.
  • Clothes for men:a suit is assumed, not necessarily a business one. Any colors, a tie is not required.
  • Clothes for women:a cocktail dress or fancy separates, such as an embroidered open top and skirt. Alternatively, a smart suit with a skirt or trousers.


A5c (After 5 casual) or Dressy Casual: (after 5 pm).
  • Possible activities: similar to A5.
  • Men clothes: the word casual should not mislead you. We are not talking about used jeans, but about trendy and trendy clothes from designers or famous brands, regardless of whether you wear a smart jacket or a silk turtleneck. When in doubt, wear a casual business suit with a smart shirt and no tie.
  • Woman clothes: it is better to choose an elegant feminine suit or an elegant day dress.

Casual: - free style of clothing. This is the only dress code that allows jeans, with the exception of ripped jeans.
  • Possible activities: corporate partysuch as a picnic, etc. For nightlife, parties, clubs, without going overboard.
  • Clothing: the nature of the event should always be taken into account. In some cases, it is better to dress elegantly than casual. A casual dress code is encouraged: new jeans or other trousers, expensive sneakers or shoes, a nice sweater or shirt, a suit, preferably in dark shades, but a different color is also allowed.


Informal: "informally" - means the same as "casual".

Ce - leading casual style Casual Executive - conventionally laid-back - an expensive, elite style of clothing for big leaders, but not a business suit. In a way, this is an invitation for business people to show how restrained and solid they can be even in a situation where they are asked to forget about conventions. Casual clothes should be casual, but extremely neat and effective.

Casual travel - casual, travel-friendly - The dress code for men is usually indicated on invitations to the racetrack. Includes a poplin shirt, a pearl gray five-button vest, a solid tie, a wool flannel jacket and trousers with an arrow.

Cm - generally accepted everyday style Casual mainstream -Casual casual style in the office or at social events. Each company has its own nuances, for example, somewhere it is allowed to wear a jacket with jeans, in some corporations they require a strict suit and tie.

In America in business circles there is such a thing as safe choice... At business meetings - meetings within the framework of one corporation, at which no companions from outside are present, it is permissible to come in a pullover worn over a shirt.