What does dress code mean?
Classic dress codes, also known as etiquette dressing, have their own rules - even for weddings.
Take a closer look at the dress codes for celebrations:
Dark Suit
A party invitation specifying 'dark suit' typically means a man should wear a dark suit with a white shirt underneath. A waistcoat is often included with the dark suit as well.
Instead of black, festive occasions often see stylish grays, dark blues, and subtle shades of green.
With a dark suit, it's common to wear a tie and a pocket square. The most timeless color for leather shoes is black.
For those who want to add a bit more playfulness and trendiness to the dark suit code, one can experiment with the color/pattern of the tie or socks, depending on the nature of the event.
Adding personality and individuality to the outfit can also be achieved by the color of the leather shoes.
For women, the 'dark suit' dress code is quite flexible, allowing for dresses, jumpsuits, or jackets and trouser suits, as long as the outfit is sufficiently formal and well put together. There's no specified color.
The outfit can be one- or two-piece and traditionally ankle- or knee-length. With the festive attire, one would typically use a small enough clutch and either flat or heeled party shoes.
Tuxedo, Tailcoat, and Jacket
If the party invitation reads tuxedo, tailcoat, or jacket, men often head to a suit rental shop.
Very few people have these rare formal clothes ready in their wardrobe.
A tuxedo is worn at formal evening events. The color of the tuxedo is traditionally black or white, but other colors are also allowed. Women accompanying men wearing tuxedos typically wear evening gowns.
A sack coat, on the other hand, is a formal attire for daytime weddings or other daytime events.
Tailcoat is suitable for weddings, Independence Day celebrations, or doctoral graduations. If the invitation specifies tailcoat, it can be replaced with a dark suit. Female companions wear formal dresses.
Myths and Challenges of Wedding Attire
Black is for funerals
Black is a very popular color in formal dressing, but according to etiquette, it's not primarily suitable for weddings.
Weddings are celebrations of happiness and love, and in Western culture, black is considered a color of mourning.
White is reserved for the bride
According to etiquette, wedding guests don't wear white dresses, as the color white is reserved for the bride in Western weddings.
Not all modern brides wear white wedding dresses, but if you want to stick to tradition, choose something other than white.
Pure red has also traditionally been avoided among wedding guests.
In Asian cultures, the bride wears red.
Is light suit acceptable?
Especially in summer weddings, men often wear light-colored summer suits. A light suit is suitable for warm weather and is often less hot to wear.
Linen is a particularly trendy and casual material.
If you choose linen, steam the suit to make it neat and smooth, and make sure it complies with the dress code of the event.
You can always call the bridesmaids for advice.
Socks are mandatory
According to etiquette, even in the summer heat, skin-colored stockings are worn as part of formal dressing.
Since then, this rule has relaxed, and bare legs and even toes are now visible at parties.
What's the difference between an evening gown and a cocktail dress?
An evening gown refers to a glamorous evening dress, which must always be full-length - touching the shoes.
Evening gowns are often made of shiny fabric and come in striking colors.
With evening gowns, wear formal hairstyles, long gloves, and clutch purses resembling jewelry, trains, and other formal accessories.
An evening gown doesn't always have to be full-length; it can also be a more casual cocktail style. The material and style of an evening dress can be less formal than a ball gown.
Is mini allowed
According to etiquette, a party dress or skirt should be ankle- or knee-length. Sometimes in hot summer parties, you might feel like wearing shorter lengths.
However, in classic etiquette, mini length is not an adult woman's attire but is suitable for younger users.
In informal wedding attire, you can certainly wear mini length if it suits your style and the style of the wedding celebration.
Sneakers or trainers for weddings
Sneakers and trainers are the trendiest footwear, but they are not suitable as per etiquette for formal occasions.
Brand new and otherwise very nice white sneakers are not even children's or teenagers' formal shoes.
You can find our selection of women's heels and festive shoes here.
Dress with or without sleeves
For parties, whether it's a dress, jumpsuit, skirt suit, or trouser suit, you can choose according to the season and conditions.
For summer weddings, consider the breathability of the material and the airiness of the garment, so you don't have to suffer from sweaty armpits and running makeup.
Shoulders and arms can be visible.
For winter weddings, you can opt for long sleeves and even a warming bolero.
Can the suit jacket be taken off
If the sun shines at summer weddings, there's dancing, or there's a crowd, the suit can start to feel hot.
According to an old rule, a male guest can take off his jacket after the host of the party has set an example.
At weddings, the hosts are considered to be those who have invited the guests, so it's worth glancing towards the groom, the parents of the bridal couple, and the best men.
What to do with the watch
A large sports watch with a plastic strap doesn't belong with any party outfit.
More subdued and elegant jewelry watches or stylish wristwatches can be worn with party outfits.
However, always choose a dress watch with a strap that fits the style and overall look.
If weddings call, find the perfect dress for a wedding guest here.
