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Party dress code: Understanding casual chic to white tie glam and everything in between
It's party season, and with it come all the different types of dress codes known to women and their tita's cousin. It used to be so simple, but fashion — and parties — have come a long way. What is business casual, and how different is it from smart casual? What do you wear to an office party with your manager's manager in attendance?
If you find yourself stuck in a whirlwind of questions, fear not, fellow fashion voyager!
We talked to three of the country’s fashion experts to get a better idea of how dress code types differ from one another.
Why do event hosts give out dress codes?
Dress codes “set the tone and atmosphere of a specific occasion,” says fashion designer and architect Francis Libiran, who just celebrated his 25th year in the business.
According to Libiran, dress codes build a cohesive and visually appealing setting for the event and ensure that guests “are dressed up appropriately for the event’s level of formality or even the theme.”
TikTok Fashion Creator of the Year Jeanette Ong adds that following the dress code is important because it shows that you made an effort for the occasion and that it is also “a form of respect to the host.”
Meanwhile, womenswear expert and stylist for a luxury brand Anne Bella says dress codes also serve as a fun activity to look forward to and prepare for and make a simple party or event more memorable and exciting.
Dress code types explained
Casual
One of the most common dress code types we see on invites is the casual dress code.
According to Libiran, this can be worn for informal gatherings, laid-back events, or casual outings.
For this dress code, Bella recommends “anything comfy, laid back[,] and easy to wear.”
But here is where it gets a little confusing: casual may also be classified as business, smart, or dressy casual.
Libiran says business casual is what you wear to "work-related events like business meetings."
"I recommend slacks with a button-down shirt or a nice blouse. Men can wear ties, but it’s up to them. Then, for women, they can go for dressy tops or blouses,” he said.
Meanwhile, smart casual is “usually a step above business casual," with Libiran saying people need to turn up a little bit more polished and a lot more stylish.
“So, elements like blazers should be incorporated,” Libiran said.
As for dressy casual, consider a polished look minus the strictness of formal attire.
“I recommend stepping up from smart casual and include dressier fabrics like silk and satin and go for a more refined set of accessories,” Libiran said.
Jeanette shared the same advice, saying she likes wearing a top with an elevated design and matching it with a skirt and a pair of mules or sandals.
Cocktail
Libiran said that cocktail dress codes are for parties, evening events, or social functions that require a “stylish yet not overly formal look.”
Bella recommends printed pieces or even a little black dress. You can also opt for a blazer over a t-shirt and jeans with funky footwear.
“This is the sweet spot between going all out formal and being super casual -- could be a mix of both too for maximum impact,” she said.
Business attire
The business dress code is usually categorized into two: formal and informal.
Libiran said that business formal is commonly worn for higher-end engagements, while business informal is also for professional settings but less formal, such as networking events or conferences.
For business formal, Jeanette prefers starting with a mock neck top paired with a blazer, a pair of trousers, and heeled mules.
For business informal, Libiran recommends that men wear dress shirts and slacks, while women can go for professional dresses or coordinates.
Semi-Formal
Bella said that this dress code often requires guests to be dressed up.
Libiran also noted that this dress code is easier for men because they only need to wear dark suits and ties, while women can go for cocktail dresses or elegant evening wear.
Jeanette’s take on elegant evening wear for semi-formal occasions would be a column dress with a boning design or an over-the-ankle dress.
Formal/Black tie
Libiran said that formal or black tie dress codes are for elegant events like galas or formal weddings.
“Men can wear tuxedos and women can wear long formal gowns,” he said
“The opposite of semi-formal, this requires a fancy suit or dress with the more traditional footwear, especially if the venue is quite grand. However if it's a fashion event, then you can think out of the box and interpret the dress code with more room for expressing your personal style,” Bella explained.
White tie
Last on the list, white tie dress codes are for “extremely formal occasions like state dinners,” Libiran said.
He recommends the “most formal attire that you can think of,” like tailcoats and three-piece suits for men and full-length gowns or ball gowns for women.
It is important to remember that more than just guidelines, dress codes are also a canvas for personal expression in both social and professional contexts.
So while understanding the requirements of these dress codes, feel free to add your own creative touch and let your attire be a storyteller.
—LA, GMA Integrated News
