If you are the invitation receivee, what the heck does Cocktail Casual mean? Or maybe your invitation said Texas Chic. We've complied a list of the favorite requested attire on party invitations we have printed and then cracked their code for receivees to understand.

When in doubt, dress up.  Who doesn't want to look
better than the rest of the party competition? If you're overdressed, you can always say you are on your way to another party.

It is also fine to ask the host or other guests what is appropriate and acceptable for the event.  Find something you're comfortable in - are you going to be eating, drinking, dancing? Women, don't wear something you can't sit down in whether it's a too tight ball gown or a too short mini, be comfortable!  If you're comfortable, you're going to feel great!

This is the most formal type of event. Think dinner with the Queen, night at the opera or Vanity Fair's Oscar Party. Think formal and expensive as you can afford to buy, borrow or rent.

Women:  Very formal, long gowns (think Presidential Inauguration Ball) are expected with beading, Manolo Blahniks, and yes, even fur (or exceptionally chic faux fur).  Gloves are optional, but might be a good choice in cold weather climates.  Hair is elegant updos, nails freshly done but understated, bring out the red lipstick, but expertly applied.  This is not the time for false eyelashes, glitter on eyes or body or any other current fad. If it's cold, an expensive long black coat or black cashmere wrap.

Men:  A black tailcoat, matching pants with two satin stripes running down the sides, white tie, white vest and white wing-collar shirt, white gloves, black fine silk socks long enough to cover your shins and black patent dress shoes. If it's cold, a very expensive overcoat.

Black Tie:

Creative Black Tie Formal / Black Tie Festive:

This requires formal dress, but a little trendier and more fun.

Women:  Tuxedo pants and silky halter with gorgeous heels; satin ball gown-skirt with formal sweater set; cocktail dress, elegant evening separates, think red-carpet hip and trendy designer wear.  Hair and makeup can be more trendy too - you can break out the body glitter and fun lipsticks or eye shadows. Hair can be worn down (think Jennifer Anniston) or a more casual updo.

Men:  You can go with a more modern tux or a dark suit and tie, a colored bow tie and cummerbund, or trendier go with a black shirt and no tie or black shirt and black tie. Good quality dress shoes and socks - maybe spice it up with red socks for the holidays.

Black Tie Optional:

Women:  You should follow the dressing rules for Black Tie. Cocktail dresses, long dresses or elegant evening separates.

Men:  You can wear a tuxedo (as detailed above) or a dressy, expensive dark suit with white formal shirt and conservative tie.

Business Formal:

This means nice office attire.

Women:  Dressy suits or conservative dresses.  Don't go with outfits that are too slinky or too sexy - save that for cocktail party attire.

Men: Same rules as semi-formal -  An evening event requires a dark suit.  For daytime, men can wear a light or dark color suit good quality dress shoes and socks.

Informal / Semi-formal / After Five:

This is not the same as casual. Informal and Semi-formal mean the same thing. 

Women: If it is an evening event, go with a cocktail dress or elegant separates. If it is a daytime semi-formal event, wear a knee-length dress, a dress suit or dressy separates.

Men: An evening event requires a dark, dressy suit with or without a vest, high quality white dress shirt, conservative tie, leather dress shoes and socks. For daytime, men can wear a light or dark color dressy suit.

Cocktail Attire / Cocktail Attire Festive:

Festive Attire:

Business Casual:

Your outfit should communicate professionalism but business casual can mean different things.  If it is a company function, large companies might expect a sport coat and tie while smaller companies would expect khakis and a nice polo shirt.  When in doubt, check it out before the party.  When deciding what to where, make sure you don't have any other scheduled events for the day that require formal business attire.

Women: This is a dressed up version of your casual clothes. Khakis, slacks or skirt, dressy T-shirt or sweater set, open-collar shirt and jacket.

Men:  Slacks or Khakis and a collared shirt, seasonal sports coat or jacket is not necessary (but preferable), tie is optional, a colorful shirt, or a fine gauge knit top.  Wear a belt and make sure it matches the color of your shoes. Wear socks that match the color of your pants (leave the white socks for the gym).  For shoes, choose loafers, casual dress boots (not hiking boots), rubber soled leather shoes, oxfords - no formal wingtips, tennis shoes, sandals or worn-out shoes.  It’s still a special occasion you've been invited to so If jeans are worn, make sure they are dark and in good shape, even pressed with a crease. No ripped or faded worn-out jeans, t-shirts, shorts or other casual looks are appropriate. Casual does not mean "don't shave", unless your Patrick Dempsey.

Shop all Party Invitations

Casual Attire:

This typically means "anything goes".  But leave the dirty, "didn't buy it ripped that way" stuff at home.  Pull out your best jeans (darker the better) with a nice shirt or sweater. Men and women, put on nice shoes (and socks)- you're going to a party, not the grocery store. Put a little thought into your outfit.

Women & Men: See Resort Wear for outdoor summer ideas.

Theme Party:

Resort Attire:

Think golf club or country club. This means good quality summer attire.

Women: Daytime wear might be nice short skirts, elegant capri's, quality linen pants paired with nice shell in summer fabric and color, nice sundress or casual dress (knee length or longer for evening), chic sandals or flats, newish clean sneakers for daytime. For comfort in the sun, add a beautiful chic floppy summer hat and cool sunglasses. Be sure to "weather proof" your hairdo for breezing outdoors or humidity - cool hair clips, skinny metal or faux croc headbands, casual updos or ponyail.

Men: Good quality shorts, khakis or light color casual trousers; button or polo shirts, good quality hawaiian shirt (think Tommy Bahama), good quality, clean deck shoes or newish clean sneakers, hip sunglasses for comfort in the sun. No flip-flops, tank tops. T-shirts or dirty worn out sneakers.

Evening Resort Attire

Wedding Casual:

This is one of those new dress codes that would probably be most similar to smart business casual. Dress respectfully, but not necessarily fancy. Basically, no jeans, sweats, track suits, tennis shoes, logo t-shirts and you should be right!

Women: For daytime, choose a short dress in a floral print or bold color for summer weddings, sunshine yellow, hot pink azalea in a breathable fabric. For casual evening wedding, a short dress but in a darker color such as brown, black or navy, or choose a simple cocktail dress. For outdoor wedding, dressy capri's or nice pants are easier than a dress to tame in the breeze. For outside, cute flats make walking over the ground easier and you won't worry about your heels sinking in. For summer, cute heels on sandals or sling-backs can make your outfit. For cool or cold weather, choose a sexy closed toed shoe. Hair should be an understated and a "weatherproof" hairdo that can withstand summer breezes or humidity. Use extra hair pins, clips, style as a messy up do or sleek ponytail. Research the weather and take a summer sweater or wrap for cooler night time temperatures or air conditioning. If the wedding is on the beach, be prepared to take off your shoes for easy walking and a great pedicure and polish in a fun summer color is a must! If you'll be in the sun, a chic hat and cool shades might make you more comfortable.

Men: For daytime wedding, a long-sleeved, button down shirt with nice slacks. Recommended, but optional is a sports jacket and tie - stick a tie in your pocket when in doubt so you're not odd man out. A lightweight linen or seersucker suit in a light color is a great way to go casual but a little trendier and dressier. For evening casual wedding, go with darker slacks, blazer and tie (or tie in the pocket when in doubt) or a summer weight suit in a darker color, with or without a tie. For cool or cold weather, same styling but darker, heavier clothing for day and night time events. For beach wedding, be prepared to take off your shoes for easy sand walking. Treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure for barefoot, beach worthy feet and toenails. Stash a cool pair of sunglasses for the outdoor daytime scenes for comfort and to add a little mystery.

Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid:

Party Invitations, Invitations

► Got Questions?
► Feed Back
► Testimonals
► About Us
► Contact Us
► Privacy & Security
► Cancellations

► What’s New!
► Articles
► BLOG
► Promotions
► VersingIt
► Designer Gallery
► Clearance