Weddings and parties are, for the most part, super fun! Deciphering the often-confusing dress codes beforehand? Not so much. Yes, a dress code helps complete the whole vibe of the soirée, but they can be vague—and can also become the catalyst of a huge group text thread with your friends all sending photos of potential outfits and hoping for some sort of confirmation that it'll work. We've all been there. One dress code stands out from the rest as particularly head-scratching: Dressy casual. What a contradiction!
You hear the word “dressy” and think, Oh, great. So...formal! Then you hear “casual” right after and you’re like...Wait, what? Hard same. Apparently, dressy casual lives on to confound us all. Don't fret though. We talked to Elaine Swann, lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, to help break it all down so when you can nail your next wedding guest look with confidence.
What does dressy casual mean?
It’s a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don’t-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire. If the event is at night, Swann says it’s best to err on the more formal side of the spectrum.
What does one wear to an event with a dressy casual dress code?
Swann describes the dress code as fairy laid-back. "This is where you're thinking more light colors and casual materials," she says, versus fancier fare like satin and sparkles. You can wear things that are a little more flowy, and even bold prints are acceptable. "That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says.
There are actually a lot of options that fit into this category, and Swann says although it's fun to buy something new, you can often work with something that's already in your closet and lean into accessorizing. "For example, you can take a maxi dress and instead of wearing flats with it, swap it out with a cute pair of wedges and put on some bold earrings that stand out a little bit," Swann says. Here are a few more options that are perfect for dressy casual occasions.
Sundresses or day dresses. This is a dress category that falls under “casual” but is still pretty “dressy.” It’s probably the safest bet to nail the dressy-casual code. These dresses are made from jersey, cotton, lace, and more, and they typically have a summery feel.
A jumpsuit. These guys can seem formal, but the pants are playful, which means they fit better into a “trendy” category than a formal or casual one and therefore apply to both.
An outfit with a midi skirt. Longer hemline = more formal, but skirts are less dressy than dresses.
A trendy suit or fun trousers. Aka colorful or patterned ones. Staunch tuxes or darker solids will look out of place in this setting.
A two-piece ensemble. Matching sets are a great solve for this dress code. Like I said before, skirts are more casual than full-on dresses, and these coordinating ’fits are basically the co*cktail dress’s more fun cousin.
co*cktail dresses, although they’d be better for something you think would skew more dressy. It’s usually safe to wear one of these to a dressy-casual party taking place at night.
Shop some examples of these styles right here.
What should guys do?
Usually, just avoid shorts and a T-shirt. A great standby is the classic combo of nice trousers and a button-down shirt. For a more polished look, a lighter-colored suit with no tie works well.
So there you have it! Here’s a toast to just doing your best and whoever’s hosting accepting that you at least tried.
A dressy casual dress code is a versatile balance between formal and casual. This is the ideal choice for networking (or socializing) after work, fundraisers, or dinner at a nice restaurant.
“As confusing as it sounds, dressy casual means taking a minimal and understated approach, while still incorporating some elevated accessories,” she shares. When it comes to dressing the part of dressy casual, Gailliot says we shouldn't shy away from closet staples for this fancier-than-usual occasion.
AKA: "Smart casual," "dressy casual," "casual threads," "informally fabulous," "simple and chic." Translation: A suit is shorthand for "I'm professional"; all you have to do is glam it up. Wear red satin heels, a beaded bag, and crystal earrings to finish the job.
If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual. There are some other in-between dress codes, but these four generally cover the spectrum of what your average American wears to work every day.
Are Leggings Business Casual? Despite the idea that leggings are exclusive to working out and lounging, we all know that our humble leggings can be much more than that. Leggings can be business casual when paired with work-appropriate pieces that look more suitable in an office than on the gym floor.
They have always been informal. If you wear khaki pants with sport jacket, dress shirt and tie, it is still casual, maybe business casual, but far from formal.
Dressy casual is ultimately casualwear. You wouldn't wear a dressy casual outfit to an event that calls for semi-formal or co*cktail attire. These snazzy parties require a little more frill. You also wouldn't sport dressy casual to a job conference that requests business casual.
Dressy clothes are suitable for formal occasions: I need something a little more dressy for the wedding. A dressy occasion is one at which people wear very formal clothes: a dressy affair/occasion.
Business and Informal attire is more sophisticated than Smart Casual, often signaling the need for suits, ties and dresses. Wear a business suit with tie. You may also opt for nice slacks with a sports jacket and tie. Wear a business suit or business style dress with heels (high or low).
Bottoms: Non-denim pants like chinos, silk pants, or dress pants are a great choice for a dressy casual look. If you want to wear jeans, opt for slim-fitting dark or black jeans without rips or distressing.
On their own, jeans are more casual, but you can easily style them to suit an office environment. Dress your jeans up with a button-down shirt and a sharp-looking jacket to transform an outfit from casual to business casual.
You can pair a casual favorite, such as a nice pair of jeans, with sparkly stilettos. Wear a shimmery co*cktail dress -- fancy -- over a T-shirt with ballerina slippers -- casual.
Semi-formal is basically a scaled-up version of dressy casual attire. Mini and midi dresses and skirts are great options for both dress codes—but for a dressy casual wedding, you could also pair a statement blouse with a pair of chiffon pants or slim-fit cropped slacks.
Classifications are divided into formal wear (full dress), semi-formal wear (half dress), and informal wear (undress). Anything below this level is referred to as casual wear, although sometimes in combinations such as "smart casual" or "business casual" in order to indicate higher expectation than none at all.
One of the most common dress codes out there is business casual. Think of it as a blend of business professional and casual wear. Instead of reaching for those high-end suits, ties, slacks, and blazers, you can wear sports coats, polos, khakis, trousers, vests, and more!
While polo shirts may not traditionally fit into the 'formal' category, they can comfortably find their place in semi-formal and smart casual dress codes. A dark, well-fitted polo shirt, when paired with a structured blazer and tailored trousers, can give the conventional formal attire a run for its money.
Jeans are acceptable under a casual dress code. However, jeans that are ripped or disheveled in appearance are not appropriate. Sweatpants, mini-skirts, shorts or exercise pants are not appropriate.
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Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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