Dress code is clothing etiquette that determines the appropriateness of a particular outfit depending on the situation. There is a business, casual, dressy, country, resort, sports and home dress code. Depending on the setting, personality and taste, each of the above dress codes has its own appropriate clothing styles.
Business.
Business dress code - this concept says that you need clothes that are appropriate in a work environment. But what is the work environment like? The top manager of a financial company has one, the head of the sales department in a publishing house has another, and the freelance designer has a third.
From this point of view, there is not enough information to understand what style of clothing is appropriate. General rules do not apply here. And it would be a mistake to assume that in this situation a classic style of clothing is appropriate for everyone.
To understand what the style should be in a business dress code, it is important to take into account the field of activity, the position occupied in the environment and the level of contacts. This concept, called the conservatism coefficient, shows how formal your image should be. The conservatism coefficient shows the degree of formality of the image. It is defined in order from 1 to 10.
A top manager of a financial company will have a degree of conservatism at work of 9-10. And the designer - freelancer - 2-4.
For a high coefficient (8-10), only a classic style of clothing is appropriate, which is characterized by a discreet cut, noble muted colors and a minimum of decorative trim and adornment on the person.
Work dress code for a high coefficient of conservatism
Work dress code for average CC
Work dress code for a low coefficient of conservatism
A decrease in the coefficient of conservatism in a business setting leads to a “downgrade” in clothing style. For managers with CC 6-7, a free interpretation of the classics, an urban style with elements of romantic, fantasy, and feminine, is already acceptable. Brighter shades, designs, fashionable styles, and decorations are acceptable.
Designers, artists, creative individuals are obliged to express their identity as creators in their image. It is appropriate to use a fashionable cut, unusual active jewelry, drawings, and a creative interpretation of famous things.
Business can be a classic style, urban (more free interpretation classic style) or their mixes with romantic, feminine, elegant, sporty, dramatic, avant-garde, smart casual.
Dress-code designations accepted in international business practice:
- Bb (Business best) – official business style (for business events, presentations). For men, a dark blue suit is strict and conservative. White shirt with French cuffs and cufflinks. A plain or speckled tie, a scarf in the breast pocket, Oxford shoes. For women: a two-piece suit with a skirt or trousers, a formal blouse in basic colors (gray, beige, blue, thin stripes), tights, pumps.
- Bf (Business formal) - formal business style. For men - a smart classic suit or a tuxedo for special occasions special occasions and evening receptions.
- Bt (Business traditional) - traditional business style. For men - a suit made of classic worsted wool in dark blue, gray and corresponding accessories.
- BC (Business casual) - informal business style. For men, a non-business suit, blazer with trousers, polo shirts, and knitwear are acceptable. As a rule, without a tie. For women - a jacket under any conditions with trousers or skirts.
- CF (Casual Friday) Friday standard. Non-business style. Let's say knitwear and jeans in moderate colors.
- Btr (Business travel) - business travel style. A suit made of wool with synthetic additives to preserve its shape and appearance (so that it does not wrinkle and keeps its shape). Knitwear.
Casual.
Casual dress code is a phrase that from the first letters evokes a feeling of relaxation and peace. And he really communicates that you can already relax, but not everyone is the same.
Everyday environment is time in the city outside of work and holiday events. This is time spent with family and friends. Here we can see the opposite situation: top managers and everyone who has a level of conservatism of 10-6 change their image to a more relaxed one. A classic business suit or clothes worn at work are inappropriate. However, the suit can be replaced with a more informal one, for example, a blazer with trousers.
Those who have a level of conservatism below 5 may not transform their image for everyday life. For them, the style of the image is so creative that it couldn’t be more free. The color scheme may change and the number of decorations may decrease, but everything remains within the same focus.
Casual dress code for medium and low QC
Casual dress code for high and medium class
Casual dress code for intermediate and above average QC
Everyday ones can be: romantic, feminine, classic, nautical, sporty (military, safari), dramatic, bohemian, artistic, avant-garde, preppy, grunge.
Smart dress code.
Depending on the location and format of the event, there may be different outfits.
Not appropriate:
- Work clothes.
- Sportswear (for the gym).
- Casual style.
In general, you need to look smarter than at work and during the day.
The elegant dress code is divided into club, evening, and cocktail.
Smart dress code Black Tie Optional
Dress code Creative Black Tie or Semi-formal dress code after 5.
Dress code Black Tie and Black Tie Invited
Formal - formal evening event.
Below are the types of dress codes related to formal:
- White tie - White tie. Includes a tailcoat with a white bow tie + patent black shoes. Evening dress for women with gloves, heels. Hair is tied up.
- Ultra-formal - Ultra formal. The dress code is the same as in white tie.
- Black Tie is a formal black tie evening reception. Includes a tuxedo for men and evening dress for women.
- Black Tie Invited - Black tie is encouraged. For men - a tuxedo, for women - an evening dress is preferable.
- Black Tie Optional - “Black tie is not required.” A tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit and tie. Women can wear cocktail dress.
- Creative Black Tie - black tie with a creative approach (tuxedo with non-traditional accessories or non-traditional colors). Women – cocktail dress, skirt and jacket ensemble fashionable colors and textures.
Semi-formal – semi-formal evening event. For women - evening or cocktail dress. For men - a blazer with trousers over knitwear, a fashionable suit without a tie.
- After 5 – cocktail. For men - a suit with or without a tie. For women - a cocktail dress.
- After 5 casual - casual evening style. Fashionable look for men and women. Let's say a suit without a tie for men, fashionable jeans with knitwear or a blazer.
Country.
Time spent outside the city, in nature with friends and family, implies a country dress code. The uniform is similar to the casual style, characterized by an almost complete absence of decorations (with the exception of wedding ring, watches) or a minimum number of them (in romantic and ethno styles), muted colors (the so-called “non-staining”) and clothes that do not hinder movement. Denim, tweed, cotton, linen, jersey and wool are suitable fabrics.
Country dress code: hunting style.
Country dress code. Safari style.
Stylistics: hunting style, safari, bohemian, sporty, classic.
Resort.
The dress code implies clothing for relaxation in hot climates. Soft flowing fabrics, light, airy, light shades, intricate decorations made from natural materials.
Depending on the vacation destination, the style and dress code at the resort can be significantly different. There are hotels that have a strict dress code. In the evening you will not be allowed in without an evening dress and shoes.
More affordable hotels allow summer dresses different lengths and style. The main rule is that we don’t show up in the evening in what we wear to the beach!
Sports.
The sports dress code is established only for sports activities. Equipment is selected depending on the type of sports activity. Fitness uniform or clothing for morning jogging and skiing. Rule: we go to the gym in a sports or semi-sports style. If there is no time to change clothes, take all your clothes with you and change on the spot.
The sports dress code does not accept: smart clothes, work clothes.
Sports equipment
Sportswear for outdoor sports
Sportswear for the gym
Along with the sports dress code, a sporty style clothes. By the way, not only a knitted suit and sneakers are considered sportswear. Jeans, sweatshirts, clothes with zippers, Velcro and buttons, mesh - all these are elements of sports style, which have entered and become firmly entrenched in non-sports clothing and shoes. Thus, a jacket stitched with a double decorative seam is not a thing in a classical style, but in a sporty style.
Pseudo-sports style: clothing for the city with elements of sports style
Casual sport style look. Dress code is casual.
Urban look with sports style elements.
House dress code.
The quality of time spent at home with loved ones depends not least on what we wear at home. This determines the house dress code. Depending on whether we want to inspire, excite, relax and unwind, invigorate – the style is chosen. General rule: soft tactile fabrics, pastel, dark or bright colors, active patterns.
Clothes should not be too sporty. An outfit for the gym at home would definitely be inappropriate. However, sports style can be successfully adapted to wear at home. For this, natural knitted fabrics are suitable, not synthetic ones, soft shades and the presence of no more than two sports elements.
Clothes for home can be romantic, sexy, classic, extravagant. The choice is yours.
Experiment and be yourself!
Dress code is a rather complicated science. IN ordinary life we wear T-shirts and jeans, not embarrassed to appear in such clothes even on holidays. Modern fashion does not limit people in choosing a wardrobe; everyone can wear what they like. However, at social and other public events there is no such freedom, and clothing is assigned special rules. As a rule, the desired form of dress code is prescribed in the invitation, denoting it with special names. Moreover, these terms are not known to everyone, which can cause a lot of difficulties when preparing for the event. To avoid getting into an awkward situation and choose the right wardrobe for an important event, Hotshowlife recommends that you familiarize yourself with the 10 basic rules of the dress code.
An official and at the same time formal dress code is only suitable for high-profile and important events. An invitation to a charity ball or a reception with a high-ranking official may come with the “White tie” mark.
A man should give preference to a tailcoat with a white bow tie. For footwear, black patent leather shoes are a must. Representatives of the fair sex, when dressing according to the “White tie” dress code, should also show restraint and brevity. For this form of clothing, choose a floor-length evening dress, high-heeled shoes and a small clutch.
In essence, this form of wardrobe selection is similar to the previous one. Like the dress code described earlier, “Black tie” is characterized by solemnity, but it is somewhat simplified.
Here, men can no longer be afraid of the color black and freely dress up in dark suits with a tuxedo, complementing them with a vest and a plain bow tie. It is customary for women to appear at Black Tie events in simple cocktail or evening dresses and heels. It is advisable to avoid a large amount of jewelry.
If you received an invitation marked “Formal,” then it should be an official reception that will take place in the evening. Typically, such events are held on the occasion of the arrival of a delegation for negotiations.
When choosing “Formal” clothing, everything is simple: representatives of the stronger sex are recommended to opt for a strict black suit and a plain tie, and for ladies it would be best to wear a discreet cocktail dress, as always, complementing the look with heels.
Cocktail Attire
Those invited to such an event, fortunately, will not have to contact strangers. Parties in the “Cocktail Attire” format are friendly or family gatherings with the participation of a large number of people.
The dress code here is less strict, and you won't have to worry about any extra detail. However, it is better for men to give preference to a classic suit, and for young ladies - a strict midi-length dress.
If we translate the name of the dress code literally, it means a semi-formal style of clothing. Participants in such events should look elegant and at the same time restrained. “Semi-formal” is suitable for corporate banquets and other holiday events.
For celebrations taking place during the day, men can choose a suit of any color. After 18-00 a black jacket would be more appropriate. Ladies can treat themselves to elegant short dresses.
A-5 (After five)
Oh those evening events! Try to choose a suitable outfit for them. Fortunately, the A-5 dress code does not require formality. Finally, you can dress up the way you want!
At any event starting after 17-00, young people can appear in both a suit and jeans. Classic shoes are welcome, but moccasins will not be superfluous. Young ladies can forget about lush evening dresses and switch to tops, skirts and even overalls.
A-5-C (After 5 Casual)
Relaxed casual style is the star of the modern wardrobe. It’s probably impossible to think of a better example of “A-5-C” than corporate and student parties. The main rule is convenience.
Men at such an event will be welcome in a formal suit, but then you should avoid a tie so as not to make the look too formal. It is better to choose a shirt with a print. Women do not have to wear dresses. Jeans and a sweater can be an equally elegant form of clothing.
Casual style is characterized by simplicity, so it is usually chosen for small parties. The element of “Smart Casual” is club events and other party-type celebrations.
The undisputed leaders of the smart-casual dress code in both men's and women's wardrobe, you can call them chinos. When it comes to footwear, boat shoes are most often preferred. As for the men's wardrobe itself, a pastel-colored pullover or blazer would be appropriate. Ladies are recommended to give preference to loose-fitting blouses.
Imagine for a second that it is the beginning of the 20th century, and you are sitting in one of the establishments of ancient England. Now return to reality and try to realize the mental image.
“Creative black tie” is a creative approach to choosing an outfit. It is advisable for men to maintain respectability by wearing a classic suit, which can be complemented with a bright vest or colored shirt for originality. Ladies wear dresses, emphasizing the look with unusual accessories.
Finally, we've arrived at the most unwavering dress code ever. “Business Traditional” is pure formality. You should contact him when going to a business meeting.
In this case, a business suit is required for both men and women. The outfit should be monochromatic and without unnecessary details. For footwear, it is advisable to give preference to classic shoes.
Invitations to social and business events are increasingly accompanied by a request or requirement to dress in accordance with a certain dress code indicated on the invitation. Get familiar with basic notation and abbreviations.
You are about to take part in a reception, presentation or ball. On the invitation you discover a mysterious abbreviation, such as Black Tie or A5. Only an initiate can decipher such signs.
A person going to an official celebration cannot do without knowledge of social etiquette. We can talk about a visit to a closed nightclub with strict face control, a semi-formal dinner in a pompous restaurant, a charity evening or a reception at the embassy. Such events, as a rule, are accompanied by a wish or even a requirement to dress in accordance with a certain dress code indicated on the invitation. Below in the article are the most common designations and their abbreviations that you can find on invitation cards.
What you might encounter
A formal suit (tailcoat, business card and tuxedo), sanctified by time and tradition, is intended for especially special occasions. For example, a tailcoat is worn at an official reception at an embassy, a court ball in a European monarchy, an Oscar or Nika award ceremony, etc. A tuxedo is much more widespread. It may be needed for any official reception, ball, presentation. In Russia, unlike Europe and America, the likelihood of getting to an event for which these items of clothing may be needed is not high. If you receive an invitation on a business trip abroad with, for example, a dress code such as White Tie, contact the hotel staff. You will be provided with your own formal wear rental services or referred to a special company.
In Russia, you may most often encounter dress codes in invitations to various official evening events. At the same time, the most common dress codes are Black Tie, A5, Formal; White Tie is much less common. The remaining conventional signs are by and large used only in the West. We have a very popular non-standard dress code, that is, not accepted in international practice, but invented by the organizers of the event, for example Total Black (in black from head to toe) or Orange Party (you are expected to wear something orange). Business people can bring an invitation to an afternoon or morning event marked Bb or Btr.
In addition to dress code instructions, you can find other important symbols on invitation cards. Among them may be the following:
- S.t. (sine tempore - lat.) - exactly, on time, without delay;
- C.t. (cum tempore - lat.) - with a delay of no more than a quarter of an hour (academic delay);
- R.S.V P (Reponse S"il Vous Plait - French) - please respond.
Ignoring the latter is the biggest violation of social etiquette. If you are invited to a presentation, ball or reception, regardless of whether you intend to attend or not, first of all, call or write a response. Your response must be delivered no later than the eve of the celebration.
If the invitation does not indicate “For two persons” and the desired presence of a spouse is not specifically stated, it is better to come unaccompanied. Business events also do not require the presence of a spouse unless he or she is a member or participant in the business. As a rule, a companion must be brought to entertaining social events - balls, charity evenings, concerts, dinners.
Business etiquette is more stable because it has no class restrictions, but serves only as a “working uniform” that is convenient for everyone. However, significant changes are taking place here too - over the past decades, society has been consistently destroying the rules and taboos associated with business clothing. The “Friday standard” has appeared, the World Wide Web has spread its networks widely, allowing you to work without leaving home, and you can increasingly see people dressed casually in the office. Russia, having not had time to approve strict rules of business etiquette, will gradually join the global trend towards the democratization of clothing.
Dress code at official events
White tie, Ultra-formal (Cravate blanche – French): “white tie”. The most formal men's suit for a formal occasion.
- Possible events: evening reception with the president, ambassador's wedding, ball, award ceremony, etc.
- Men's clothing: tailcoat with white bow tie, patent leather shoes and pocket watch. The vest must be white and under no circumstances black, otherwise you may be mistaken for a waiter. White gloves are preferred.
- Woman's clothes: complete evening dress: floor-length evening dress, gloves, heels and a tiny evening bag. Not allowed: loose hair a la naturel, jewelry, bare hands.
Black Tie (Cravate noire – French): “black tie”.
- Possible events: a formal evening reception, such as a Christmas party, or a wedding, a theater premiere, etc.
- Men's clothing: tuxedo
- Woman's clothes: Cocktail dress or long evening dress. Jewelry and no fur are acceptable.
Formal: "formal evening event". Usually means the same as Black Tie, but can sometimes mean more fashionable look, creative approach.
- Possible events: Similar to Black Tie.
- Men's clothing: Tuxedo (preferred) or dark formal suit with tie.
- Woman's clothes: cocktail dress, long dress or an evening set of individual items.
Black Tie Invited: "black tie is welcome".
- Possible events: a dinner party in a posh restaurant, a corporate banquet, a family celebration with a large number of guests, etc. If we are talking about a cocktail, then we usually mean an evening, but not too formal event, usually with drinks and a buffet table.
- Men's clothing: With this designation, it is better to wear a classic tuxedo.
- Woman's clothes: cocktail dress, long dress, elegant suit.
Black Tie Optional: "black tie is not required".
- Possible events
- Men's clothing: A tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit and tie.
- Woman's clothes: cocktail dress, evening separates (separate items of clothing that do not form a set), elegant suit.
Creative Black Tie: "black tie, creative approach".
- Possible events: Similar to Black Tie Invited.
- Men's clothing: This dress-code provides a wider field for interpretation of a formal suit, fashionable novelties are acceptable. Tuxedo with non-traditional accessories or non-traditional colors. When in doubt, wear a classic tuxedo with a colorful but not “clown” vest, or a casual tuxedo with a dark shirt without a tie.
- Woman's clothes: A long or short dress or evening ensemble, such as a lace or sequined skirt paired with a thin cashmere jumper.
Cocktail Attire: "cocktail".
- Possible events: Similar to Black Tie Invited.
- For a man: dark suit.
- For a woman: cocktail dress.
Semi-formal: "semi-formal". The most tricky dress code. He seems to allow freedom, but strictly in accordance with the event.
- Possible events: Similar to Black Tie Invited.
- For a man: Usually a tuxedo is optional. For events after 18-00, preference should be given to a dark suit. Until this time, a regular suit and tie will be acceptable.
- For a woman: after 18-00 it is better to wear a cocktail dress (long ones are not recommended). Until this time, a smart suit or a daytime, but elegant dress is acceptable.
A5 (After Five): "after five". This designation can be supplemented by others, for example, A5 Semi formal. Otherwise A5 stands for "Cocktail".
- Possible events: any evening event starting after 17-00.
- Men's clothing: a suit is expected, not necessarily a business one. Any colors, tie optional.
- Woman's clothes: cocktail dress or elegant separates, for example, an open embroidered top and skirt. As an option - a smart suit with a skirt or trousers.
A5c (After 5 casual) or Dressy Casual: “casual evening style” (after five o’clock in the evening).
- Possible events: Same as A5.
- Men's clothing: The word casual should not mislead you. We're not talking about worn-in jeans, but about fashionable and trendy clothes from designers or famous brands, regardless of whether you're wearing a smart jacket or a silk turtleneck. When in doubt, wear a casual business suit with a smart shirt without a tie.
- Woman's clothes: It is better to choose an elegant feminine suit or a smart day dress.
Casual: "casual" - loose clothing style.
- Possible events: corporate party, such as a picnic, etc.
- Cloth: The nature of the event should always be taken into account. In some cases, it is better to dress elegantly than casually.
- Informal: "informal" means the same as "casual".
Btr (Business Traditional) or Undress: "traditional business suit" or "casual dress".
- Possible events: business meeting.
- Cloth: Regular business suit.
Bb (Business Best): “the strictest and most expensive business suit”.
- Possible events: responsible business meeting, especially with foreign partners, business reception.
- Men's clothing: the best business suit, usually dark blue, possibly striped, single or double breasted, with a dazzling white shirt (preferably with double cuffs and cufflinks) and a tie in red tones, with a pocket square. Shoes are exclusively black Oxfords or Derbys.
- For a woman: gray, blue or beige suit, white blouse-shirt, possibly a tie, flesh-colored transparent stockings, black or suit-colored shoes, low heels (3-5 cm).
Tatyana Viktorovna Kulakhmetova
expert, leading specialist at Fashion Consulting Group,
curator of the block of disciplines "History of Design and Textiles"
program "Management and Communications in the Fashion Industry" GSOM SU-HSE
Article provided by the site
Dress code. It seriously puzzles some people, causes allergies in some, and contempt in others. However, whatever your reaction to this word, knowing the basic dress codes is very useful. Compliance with the dress code is a prerequisite for success at any event, business or even informal meeting.
What are the dress codes?
The most different! However, in fact, there are not so many of them. The most formal dress code is white tie, then comes black tie, then black tie optional, then business attire, even lower smart casual (business casual) and, finally, casual (although the last two can only be considered dress codes conditionally). Of course, individual companies and organizations can create and detail their own dress codes that employees are required to follow. As a rule, these dress codes fall within the framework of either business attire or business casual.
White tie
This is probably the only dress code that can be called dying. Events that require a white tie dress code are now held very rarely, and the vast majority of people never attend such celebrations in their lives.
If you suddenly see the words white tie in the invitation, this means that you need a tailcoat, a white vest (single-breasted or double-breasted), a bow tie made of white cotton pique, a special white shirt under cufflinks with a stand-up collar, with a “chest” made of cotton pique, black patent leather shoes. The ensemble can be complemented with a top hat and white gloves.
Very few brands now offer ready-made tailcoats, and they are very difficult to find. Ideally, of course, a tailcoat should be made to order. It must be black. Any modern tailcoat is single-breasted and does not fasten; The lapels of the tailcoat are trimmed with silk. Ready-made tailcoat vests, oddly enough, are found somewhat more often than ready-made tailcoats. However, to put on only a tailcoat vest without a tailcoat is, to put it mildly, stupid.
Most modern formal events require a tuxedo, a less formal attire, rather than a tailcoat. Yes, yes, strictly speaking, official (formal) clothing is precisely a tailcoat, a tuxedo is semi-formal, and a standard business suit is generally unofficial attire. Recently, the general degree of formality of clothing has decreased significantly, so some people now call even a mismatched jacket worn with chinos and a tie formal wear.
If you see the words black tie on an event invitation, that means you'll need a tuxedo, a white shirt with cufflinks, a black smooth silk (satin/satin) bow tie, a black sash () and black patent leather shoes. The cummerbund can be replaced with a single-breasted or double-breasted vest (with three and six buttons/cufflinks, respectively); In the case of double-breasted tuxedos, a cummerbund/vest is not required.
If desired, the ensemble can be complemented with a pocket square (white will be a win-win option, but Hardy Amies and Bernhard Retzel, for example, do not exclude a red scarf, which looks very impressive). The white scarf can be silk or linen. The cummerbund should be made of the same silk as the bow tie (same tone, same texture - preferably smooth).
A tuxedo is a jacket with lapels trimmed in silk and buttons covered in the same fabric. It can be single-breasted or double-breasted, preferably without flaps on the pockets and without vents, although side vents are acceptable. The tuxedo is paired with black trousers with a glossy silk stripe on the sides. Both the jacket and trousers may not be black, but very dark blue, but other colors are undesirable. Occasionally, a white or light beige tuxedo (with black or dark blue trousers) is acceptable. Lapels are usually peaked; Sometimes there are tuxedos with shawl collars.
Socks should be black and long (knee-length), made of fine cotton, silk, cashmere or a mixture of silk and cashmere. Belts are not worn with tuxedos (and also with tails).
Tuxedo shirts now come in a variety of styles. The classic and most formal tuxedo shirt has a stiff stand-up collar, cuffs for cufflinks, and a “chest” made of white cotton pique or pleated. This shirt is fastened not with buttons, but with special cufflinks.
However, now even shirts with turn-down collars are sometimes worn with tuxedos. In any case, shirts must be white and the cuffs must have cufflinks.
Black tie optional
This dress code does not require all guests to wear a tuxedo. If you don't have a tuxedo, you can wear a formal suit (black, navy or charcoal). In addition, the classic black tie ensemble itself can be slightly modified. Let's say you can wear a dark blue, dark silver or maroon bow tie instead of a black one. You can experiment a little with the color of your socks, but there is a risk of looking eccentric.
What you wear with a classic suit is not a bow tie, but a regular tie. It should be strict, preferably dark and plain, made of smooth silk. The pattern - if there is one - should be discreet and small. Prints excluded.
Morning and afternoon ceremonies
A tuxedo, like a tailcoat, is worn only in the evening. There are no “morning tailcoats” or “morning tuxedos”. For a special event that takes place during the day, a business card is required (ideally, of course); in English it is called morning coat (or cutaway coat). A business card - and it can be black or gray, made of smooth wool or - includes striped trousers, a single-breasted or double-breasted vest in gray or light brown tones, a top hat (except indoors), a white shirt with a regular turn-down collar and a classic formal tie (at weddings - usually silk silver). However, the shirt can be pale blue, pale cream, pale pink, or even have very frequent and pale pinstripes.
Bow ties do not go well with business cards. It is advisable to choose black or dark gray socks, long and thin, to the knees. Shoes - black shoes - made of smooth leather. Black ones are acceptable. The ensemble can be completed with gray gloves, a pocket square and a boutonniere. This whole thing is worn only during the day (while a tailcoat is worn only in the evening).
Business attire
This is an ordinary business suit, the standard dress code for banks, law offices and similar establishments. Of course, dress codes vary from organization to organization, but the differences are usually small.
The classic business dress code involves wearing dark, plain suits made of smooth woolen fabrics and flannel (blue and gray tones); A little less strict are suits in thin, which are acceptable almost everywhere, as well as suits in the smallest woven pattern (say, or carnations). Tweed, corduroy and jersey are informal, as are cotton and .
The shirt should be light and - preferably - plain. White and pale blue shirts are allowed everywhere; Other light-colored shirts are often acceptable, as well as striped shirts in classic and not too bright colors; the strip should not be too wide. A microcell is sometimes also acceptable.
Ties - dark, plain or with a discreet pattern, for example, speckled. Of course, ties with small-scale woven geometric patterns are also acceptable. Striped and printed ties are less formal (but striped is often acceptable), and knitted ones are excluded in conservative business settings. Many organizations force employees to wear branded ties, often with logos. Bow ties are excluded.
Pocket squares are acceptable, but not always encouraged. Sometimes in organizations there is a certain hierarchy, sometimes unspoken, when, for example, only senior employees are allowed to wear scarves and suspenders.
Shoes - ideally black Oxfords, but black and dark brown formal shoes are often acceptable, including sometimes brogues (quarter brogues, half brogues). Material - smooth calf/cow leather. Naturally, only shoes with heels and, ideally, with leather soles are allowed. Rubber soles are generally acceptable now, but they should not be too thick.
Smart casual, business casual
This, strictly speaking, is not a dress code as such, but at the same time, these words are often used precisely as an indication of a dress code. Is there a difference between smart casual and business casual? Different people answer this question differently. I tend to combine these two concepts.
Everything that is indicated for business attire is quite acceptable here (although less formal things are welcome), but much more is also acceptable (just not a tuxedo or tailcoat). For example, less formal suits (light, linen, checkered or intricate striped, and so on), mismatched trousers and jackets, a variety of ties and shirts.
Jeans are still not very appropriate here (although they are often acceptable, but without fraying and dark). In my opinion, it is better to choose flannel trousers (or linen trousers) or. Knitwear is again not always an ideal option; although, for example, a cardigan combined with chinos and a silk tie will be quite cute. In most cases, of course, more or less strict knitwear acceptable (and always in combination with jackets).
In terms of shoes, business casual gives you enormous freedom of choice: almost any brogues (except those with insanely thick or contrasting white soles), loafers, chukka boots, and so on are suitable. Sneakers, sneakers, boat shoes, driving moccasins - no, although... maybe someone here will argue. However, I always adhere to the rule that it is better to dress a little more formally than a little more informally - and I advise everyone to do the same.
Various companies and different people may perceive business casual/smart casual differently, so if in doubt, it is better to clarify. However, if you dress “according to the upper limit,” as I wrote above, then in any case you will not go wrong.
Literally everything goes here: jeans, polo shirts, frankly informal shirts, all kinds of knitwear, sneakers, boat shoes... There are not so many restrictions. Firstly, tuxedos, business cards and tailcoats are excluded. Secondly, typical sportswear and footwear are excluded: for example, running shoes, tracksuits and typical sports T-shirts. Knitwear, jeans, chinos, plaid shirts are welcome. Colors and patterns can be very different, but it is desirable that they are in harmony with each other.
In general, the conventional “dress code” of casual is, in fact, the absence of a dress code. Accordingly, dress codes that would be located even lower than this simply do not exist.
Image is the ability to make an impression. It is the business image that allows you to create the first impression of a person as an entrepreneur, and in turn, a free style, or “casual”, allows you to talk about a person as a creative person. At the same time, every person, regardless of his position, should look appropriate at a particular event.
Unfortunately, often the desired impression is at odds with the one a person produces in practice. But image implies not only an attractive appearance, but also competent speech, decent manners, and the ability to follow the rules of generally accepted etiquette.
A modern dress code is a comprehensive set of rules and standards, fixed norms about how a person should look in various situations: from business meetings and conferences to corporate and special events. After all, you can find yourself in an uncomfortable situation by coming to a social event in democratic clothes, or, conversely, in a classic suit, where this is not entirely appropriate. In this material we will try to consider the basic requirements for appearance at official and special events.
Secular receptions require stricter adherence to dress code rules than everyday life and work. The toilet is chosen taking into account the nature of the upcoming evening and the time of the reception. If the dress code is not specified in the invitation, it is recommended to follow the following rules when attending receptions:
The main rule when choosing clothes is that they correspond to the time and situation.
- Women It is not customary to receive guests or go on a visit in any luxurious, elegant dress during the daytime. For this, it is quite enough to have a simple elegant dress or dress-suit. For breakfast, tea, or cocktails, a short dress of a strict style, modest lines and moderate tones is worn, only a small neckline and sleeves no shorter than ¾ are acceptable. For receptions starting before 20:00, you can wear silk, fabric or varnish gloves. It is also worth considering that you should not wear too much to diplomatic receptions. jewelry. Shoes for receptions are worn in leather or suede with any comfortable heel.
- Man for all types of receptions that start before 20:00, he can wear a suit of any dull color, unless these receptions are held for the occasion national holiday, in honor of or on behalf of the head of state. For receptions held at 20:00 and later, it is recommended to wear a suit of black or other dark colors. For evening receptions, a tailcoat and tuxedo are also used, which previously served exclusively as evening suits.
Wearing a man's suit
Tuxedo- a jacket with a satin collar and trousers with satin stripes. It is intended exclusively for ceremonial receptions. The tuxedo first appeared in England as a club smoking suit. Necessary details include satin-covered buttons and a high, wide belt. A tuxedo is paired with a white shirt, a black vest and bow tie, black low shoes and dark socks. Cufflinks should only be made from natural stones in the appropriate frame. The tuxedo can be buttoned with one or two buttons or not buttoned at all. The collar can be classic or shawl. Acceptable tuxedo colors are black or white with a cream tint.
Tailcoat- This is a jacket with cut-out tails at the front and narrow long tails at the back. If a tailcoat is worn in the evening, then it is accompanied by a white vest, and on special occasions - a black one. The tailcoat is accompanied by a starched or semi-starched shirtfront, a white bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. You must have white gloves with you. All buttons on the vest of the coat must be fastened, and a white handkerchief must be placed in the breast pocket. Please note that wristwatches are not worn with a tailcoat, only pocket watches on a chain.
If the dress code on the invitation requires you to appear in a tuxedo, but you do not have one, then you can come in a combined evening suit, but under no circumstances should you appear in a tailcoat.
In a formal setting, the jacket should be buttoned. The bottom button of the jacket is never buttoned. You can unbutton your jacket buttons while having breakfast, dinner, lunch, or while sitting in a chair.
Color men's socks should always be darker than the color of the suit. Striped or checkered socks are absolutely not suitable for an evening suit.
Selection of evening dresses and accessories for women
As for women, it is also customary to wear evening dresses after eight o’clock in the evening. Evening dresses are made more open than dresses for daytime receptions. The dress can be of regular length, but lately there has been a renewed trend towards “lengthening” evening dresses. Important rule: the more solemn and official the reception is and the later it is held, the more elegantly one should be dressed.
Evening dresses are made of velvet, chiffon, expensive silk, fine wool. A successful and elegant style will make it possible to wear such a dress more than once, especially if you use accessories wisely, in accordance with the time of year. With long evening dresses they wear evening coats, capes, and fur coats. For a low-necked dress with completely open shoulders, if not outerwear, cape, short jacket or wide scarf. A fur scarf is an excellent addition to evening wear in cold climates on cool evenings. Moreover, this accessory is “ must have"(from English - must exist, here: trend) of the season.
Evening shoes can be made of brocade, silk, colored leather and other materials with any comfortable heel. In the evening, you can wear lace and silk gloves.
The handbag should be small, sometimes it is made of a material similar to shoes, sometimes their brocade, silk, beads and other similar materials. You shouldn’t wear too much to evening receptions. jewelry, as well as abuse of perfumes and eau de parfum. However, in the evening, makeup in more saturated colors is recommended, since weak artificial lighting makes light makeup invisible.
Undoubtedly, women have more freedom in choosing a style, color, fabric than men, however, traditions with a conservative bias have been preserved in diplomatic society.
Classic dress code laws
So, you have to become a participant in a reception, presentation or ball. We can talk about a diplomatic visit, a charity evening, a semi-formal dinner or, for example, a trip to a closed nightclub. Events of this kind are usually accompanied by requirements to dress in accordance with the dress code specified in the invitation.
The most common dress codes in Russia are: Black Tie, A5, Formal, White Tie. Let's look at each example in detail.
White Tie, Ultra formal: white tie. The most formal men's suit for a formal occasion.
Possible events: evening reception with the president (country, company), wedding (both your own and a friend’s), presentation of awards, etc.
Clothes for men: tailcoat with white bow tie, patent leather shoes, preferably white gloves. Don't get confused and don't wear a black vest and tie, it will make you look like a waiter.
Clothes for women: evening dress, gloves (preferably up to the elbow), high-heeled shoes, small evening bag. Loose hair, jewelry, and bare hands are considered unacceptable.
Black Tie, Cravate noire, Tuxedo: black tie.
Possible events: premiere at the theater, official evening reception, etc.
Men's version: tuxedo (see description above).
Women's version: cocktail dress or long evening dress. Jewelry and no fur are acceptable.
Black Tie Invited: Black tie is encouraged.
Clothing for men - it is advisable to wear a tuxedo.
Clothes for women - cocktail dress, suit, long dress.
Cocktail dress- short elegant dress for afternoon receptions.
Black Tie Optional: Black tie is optional.
Possible events: corporate or family celebration, dinner party, cocktail party, etc.
Clothes for men: A tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit and tie.
Clothing for women: cocktail dress, elegant suit, separate clothing options that are not part of the set.
Creative Black Tie: black tie, creativity.
Possible events: corporate or family celebration, dinner party, cocktail party, etc.
When choosing a men's outfit, there is more room for a formal suit; fashionable items, non-traditional colors and accessories are acceptable.
For women, a long or short dress or evening set is preferable. The ideal option is a sequined skirt and a cashmere sweater.
Cocktail Attire: cocktail.
Possible events: corporate or family celebration, dinner party, cocktail party, etc.
Clothes for men: dark suit.
Clothes for women: special short cocktail dress.
Formal: Formal evening event.
Means approximately the same as Black Tie. Sometimes a creative approach to choosing clothes is implied, that is, it is possible to use fashionable details and original accessories.
Semi Formal: semi-formal
The choice for men is white shirts and ties. However, for an informal party, you can wear a sports jacket over a thin jumper, while the trousers (jeans) should be of a different color.
Women prefer to wear a cocktail dress (a little black dress is an ideal example). Until 20.00, a smart suit is acceptable, for example, a light trouser suit, or a day dress.
"A5" (After five): after five.
Typically, this dress code can be supplemented (for example, “A5” + Formal); if nothing is additionally specified, then “A5” is equivalent to the “cocktail” code.
Possible events: corporate or family celebration, dinner party, cocktail party, etc.
Clothes for men - a suit, but not necessarily a business one, an option without a tie is possible, a colored, textured or patterned shirt.
Clothes for women - a short dress, an elegant suit with trousers or a skirt.
"A5c" (After five): casual evening style.
Possible events: any events starting after 17:00 and before 20:00.
Clothes for men - fashion clothes popular brands, as well as designer items, hand-made ( handmade). If it’s difficult to find the right outfit, you can wear a business suit with an interesting shirt or jeans and a loose-fitting jacket.
Clothes for women - clothing fashion brands, feminine suit, trendy day dress.
Casual: free style of clothing.
Possible events: semi-formal corporate events, for example, a trip to nature, a visit to a restaurant or club, etc.
The nature of the event should be taken into account, but, of course, it is better to dress soberly and elegantly than too democratically. There are no special requirements.
Special cases and exceptions
Very popular in Russia non-standard dress code. It does not include rules accepted in international practice, but those invented by the organizers of the event, for example, “Total Black” (everyone in black) or “Masquerade” (original costumes are required). This dress code can be set for corporate events, family celebrations, and holidays in the company of friends.
Also, business people can receive an invitation to a morning or afternoon event with the notes “ Btr"(Business Traditional - traditional business suit) or " BB"(Business Best - the strictest business suit).
In this case, men can wear a dark blue suit, single or double breasted; stripes are also acceptable. The shirt should be impeccably white, and it is preferable to choose a tie in red tones, shoes - black oxfords or wilds.
Oxfords- men's low shoes with hidden lacing, ideal for a formal suit.
Wilds- men's low shoes with open lacing (that is, the ends of the laces are not tucked in, but stick out like a butterfly).
For women, traditional business style is also preferred: a gray, blue or beige suit, a white blouse-shirt, black shoes or low-heeled shoes that match the color of the suit.
In addition to instructions regarding dress code, other symbols can be found on invitations. Among them you may find the following designations:
S.t.(Sine tempore - lat.) - exactly, on time, without delay.
C.t.(Cum tempore - lat.) - with a delay of no more than a quarter of an hour.
R.S.V.P(Response Sil Vous Plait - French) - please respond.
So, the invitation has been received and you are going to the event. It is important to remember that a properly chosen outfit should be complemented by an organic hairstyle and well-applied makeup. And even the most thoughtful image will not make the right impression if your posture and gait do not look appropriate for your position in society. It is important to take into account every detail in your image in order to feel confident and give the impression of a successful person and a loyal business partner.
Elena Ruban, image agency ARTEGO
