Got wedding invites or starting a new office job? You might be wondering, “What should I wear?” Dress codes like business casual, cocktail, or black-tie can be tricky to figure out. It’s normal to stress about picking the right outfit—you want to look good and feel confident, whether you’re at a corporate office or dancing at a wedding.
With a big event coming up, it’s time to decode the dress code. We asked stylist Kenzie Welch to explain each one and share simple tips to style them to match your vibe.
Casual
A casual dress code is the easiest to understand. It doesn’t mean wearing your old sweatshirt, but it’s all about feeling comfy and relaxed. Stylist Kenzie Welch says, “Casual is comfortable, low-key, and effortless.” Think of your favorite Instagram street style or a simple T-shirt and jeans. It’s more about feeling good than looking perfect.
Smart Casual
Now that you know how to dress casual, what’s “smart casual”? Stylist Kenzie Welch says it’s not as complicated as it sounds—just a step up with a bit more polish. “Smart casual is like business on top, party on the bottom,” she explains. For example, pair a T-shirt and jeans with white sneakers and a blazer, or add glasses or a tote bag. You can even wear a suit but make it relaxed with sneakers or a fun graphic tee. It’s just casual with a touch of class!
Business Casual
Business casual can be tricky, especially with Gen Z trying to figure it out on TikTok as they start office jobs. Stylist Kenzie Welch says it varies by workplace, but it’s really about looking your best while still being yourself. “We’re redefining what dressing up for work means,” she says. It’s about wearing work-appropriate clothes that show confidence and professionalism. Think closed-toe shoes and modest outfits, but you can still add your own style with fun colors, patterns, or accessories that feel like you.
Cocktail Attire
When wedding season hits, it’s time to dress up! Invites with vague terms like “garden party attire” or “dress to impress” can be confusing, so it’s best to keep it simple. Stylist Kenzie Welch says cocktail attire usually means a dress at or below the knee—nothing too long like a gown with a train. A maxi dress works, but skip anything super formal. Heels, like kitten or block heels, are a good choice for comfort, but definitely avoid sneakers.
Semi-formal
When you hear “semi-formal,” you might think of high school days, like dressing up for dinner at Olive Garden before a dance. As an adult, semi-formal is similar—fancy but not too much. Stylist Kenzie Welch says, “You can wear a long dress, a midi dress, or even a gown, but keep it simple and not too flashy.” So, skip the sparkly prom dress from junior year, but a sleek satin midi dress would be perfect.
Business Formal
Starting your first big office job or going to a key networking event? You’ll want to look sharp. Unless the vibe is casual, assume business formal is the way to go. Stylist Kenzie Welch says it’s about a super polished look: “Business formal means a suit and a professional vibe.” Stick to closed-toe shoes and keep accessories simple. You can show your style with a colorful suit or a fun blouse, but don’t let your outfit steal the spotlight—keep it professional.
Black-Tie
Getting a wedding invite or charity event with a black-tie dress code can feel stressful. The term isn’t super clear, so it’s okay to be unsure about what to wear. Stylist Kenzie Welch explains, “For men, black-tie means a tuxedo or white dinner jacket. For women, it’s a long, formal gown.” She adds that women should avoid anything too youthful and go for something elegant and chic instead.
Black-Tie Optional
Wondering what “black-tie optional” means and how to avoid looking too casual or too fancy? Stylist Kenzie Welch explains it’s pretty straightforward: “You can wear a formal gown or tuxedo, but it’s not a must.” Men can go with a suit, while women can choose a gown or a floor-length dress. You don’t need your absolute fanciest outfit, but keep it elegant to fit the vibe.
White-Tie
If you love shows like Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, you’ll be excited for a white-tie event. Stylist Kenzie Welch says it’s the fanciest dress code, like dressing for royalty. “White-tie is super formal, so go all out,” she explains. “Wear a stunning gown, and you can add gloves to make it even more elegant.”
