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A GUIDE TO MEN’S DRESS CODES FOR ALL

OCCASIONS
HOME / MEN'S STYLE

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BY TAYLAH BREWER

Although dress codes are designed to provide guidance on what to wear, they can
often make choosing an outfit more complex. With all their rules and requirements,
navigating your way through each form of attire can be incredibly challenging.
Luckily, you no longer have to go in alone because we’re here to help. In this article,
we break down the most common dress codes, such as cocktail attire, smart casual,
black tie and more, to ensure your every outfit is on-point. Here is our guide to men’s
dress codes for all occasions.

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Contents [show] Men’s Dress Codes

Casual Dress Code
Casual is the most relaxed of all dress codes and is extremely common. As such, it is
incredibly easy to dress for, making it hard to go wrong with your outfit. That said,
there are ways to ensure your casual look is more stylish than most. To do so, try
investing in classic items that never go out of fashion, such as jeans, sweaters,
sneakers, T-shirts, denim jackets and the like. Also, be sure to stick to basic colours to
make coordinating looks easier. Then, create outfits that blend comfort with
contemporary style. You can also add fun accessories and statement pieces for a
personal touch.

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Smart Casual Dress Code

Smart casual is a standard dress code and an important one to get right. To correctly
dress for this style of attire, aim for an appearance that’s more elevated than your
usual casualwear yet still relaxed and comfortable. You can do so by combining
everyday garments with more sophisticated items. Of course, precisely how you
interpret this dress code is up to you. You may want to wear jeans with a T-shirt and
blazer or chinos with a chambray shirt. The choice is yours. Just make sure you strike
the right balance of smart and casual, and that you’re dressed appropriately for the
event you’re attending.

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Business Casual Dress Code

Although often confused, smart casual and business casual are different dress codes.
In particular, the main difference between these two smart yet relaxed codes is that
business casual must also project an air of professionalism. Often called upon for
modern offices, business casual attire doesn’t require a suit. Instead, a less formal
outfit, such as chinos with a sweater or dark jeans with a blazer, works perfectly.
When it comes to selecting a shirt, choose a style that’s ideal for the office, such as a
classic coloured Oxford or checkered button-down. Complete your outfit with smart
footwear like brogues, monk-straps, loafers or Derby shoes in suede or matte leather.

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Business Formal Dress Code

Business formal is a dress code reserved for conservative offices and corporate
meetings/events. It denotes a smart style of dress that is stylish and simple. To dress
business formal, you should select an office-appropriate, notch-lapel suit in a dark
colour, such as navy or charcoal. Then add a business shirt in a standard colour, such
as white or blue. Although you can likely get away with a subtle pattern, it’s best to
save any bold designs for business casual days. To complete your look, be sure to add
a tie and black leather shoes. In particular, standard Oxfords or Derby shoes make an
excellent option.

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Cocktail Attire Dress Code

Cocktail attire is a dress code for evening events, such as parties. To dress for it, a
suit is ideal. However, you shouldn’t just wear the same old style you wear to work.
Instead, your cocktail suit should have a modern feel and be perfect for the night-
time. As such, a slim-fit, tailored design makes a fantastic option. It should also be
dark in colour and may even have a sleek sheen to its fabric. To complete your outfit,
pair your suit with a dress shirt, polished dress shoes, and a slim tie if you wish. You
can add a little flair or personal style with the accessories you choose.

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Semi Formal Dress Code

Semi formal can be a tricky dress code to navigate. It sits a notch above cocktail attire
and just below black tie. As such it demands a look that is classically sophisticated yet
also somewhat contemporary. Like cocktail attire, a suit makes a better choice than a
tuxedo for a semi formal event. However, you should be sure to maintain a polished
appearance for semi-formal functions. To do so, select a light suit, such as one in
beige, for a daytime event or a dark suit, like one in navy, for the evening. Then add a
dress shirt and a tie if you wish. Unlike cocktail attire, it’s best to stick to classic
accessories with this dress code.

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Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie is a formal style of dress that applies to sophisticated evening events. The
dress code requires gents to wear a tuxedo, which can also be called a dinner suit.
Unlike a standard suit, a tuxedo features contrasting lapels, which can be peak or
shawl style, and a side stripe down the outseam of the pants. Ideally, your tux should
be black or midnight blue and partnered with a white, formal shirt. Complete your
look with a black bow tie, or one that matches the facing of your tuxedo, and smart
dress shoes, such as black Oxfords. You may also want to wear a black waistcoat or
cummerbund to add interest and further polish to your appearance.

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