Whether it’s for a red carpet-style event, engagement party or simply just a casual gathering, you’ll want to check out this dress code for informative tips on dressing up properly for an occasion.

The way we dress says a lot about our personality and most certainly influences the impressions we leave on people we meet. Dressing up is an art of knowing how to carry ourselves in any occasion we partake in. The occasions we’re invited to dictate how we should dress to suit the mood of the event.

The infographic below not only deconstructs every dress code you could possibly run into, it also gives you tips on what to wear, what to avoid, and what to keep in mind for each event. So don’t worry, fashionistas! An answer has come and it’s in the form of this handy guide.

The Answer to Every Outfit Dress Code is Here!

For those who are tired of the confusion behind dress codes, we’ve got just the guide for you!

Cheers to realsimple for this infographic!

What to wear for all occasions

(Well, at least the important ones)

TEMPER THE BLING

 Add a dramatic necklace or earrings, not both.

DO YOUR RECON

Browse the venue’s website to gauge how decked out you should get.

Baptism, Bar Mitzvah, or another Religious Ceremony

in a word: DEMURE

what to wear:

Rely on a pretty daytime dress, maybe in a pastel or a floral, or a suit paired with feminine underpinnings and accents. Avoid anything low cut or clingy, and cover up sleeve-less styles.

Black-tie or Charity gala

in a word: ELEGANT

what to wear:

While etiquette rules are softening on the question of length, you’re best off with a tea-or floor-length gown. A column or an A-line is most sophisticated. Another option is a formal suit. Think tuxedos, shimmery fabrics, and ornate details.

Cocktail party, Engagement party, and most Weddings

in a word: FANCY

what to wear:

Time for a cocktail dress (duh). Choose from a classic LBD, or stand out in a jewel tone or a pastel. Or mix it up with dressy separates, like a beaded shell and brocade skirt.

Holiday party, Dinner party, or “Festive Attire” event

in a word: FUN + COLORFUL

what to wear:

These occasions let you push the limits on glitz and color. So, in essence, almost anything goes. Show some razzle-dazzle with a statement necklace that wows. Pair it with a vibrantly colored dress or even a silky blouse and bold printed pants.

Splash out with a flowy sun-dress, a glam maxi, or a cheery shift. Instead of black, pick a shade that compliments the natural surroundings like yellow, blue or coral.

KEEP IN MIND:

• When the reception immediately follows a bar mitzvah and there’s no time to change into something dressier, wear a cocktail dress with a jacket or a wrap at the temple.
• If the invitation says “black-tie optional”, you can feel free to loosen up. If you don’t own a long gown, you can don a knee-length cocktail dress, but it should still be considered red-carpet formal.
• Stay away from super short styles. To test if a hemline is appropriate, stand with your hands at your sides. The hem shouldn’t be higher than your fingertips.
• Worried about overdoing it around a more low-key crowd? Sport a dress-up/dress-down hybrid –for an instance, an embellished top, heels, and jeans.
• Stick with shoes with flat soles. Try beaded wedges, gold sandals, or embellished ballet slippers to keep you steady on grass or sand.
• Avoid open-toe shoes and unless you know the office protocol, skip bare legs, too.
• Evening bag optional. Carrying an everyday purse is perfectly fine.

The occasion:

BRIDAL OR BABY SHOWER

in a word: LADYLIKE

what to wear:

Choose a feminine dress in a bright color or a sweet patterned skirt with a cardigan. Flats and heels are equally welcome.

JOB INTERVIEW

in a word: CLASSIC

what to wear:

Pumps and a tailored suit (pants or a skirt) still tend to be the standard for most corporate companies. Avoid jangly jewelry –it’s too distracting.

FAMILY GET-TOGETHER, BARBECUE, or BIRTHDAY PARTY

in a word: CASUAL

what to wear:

Go laid-back with a pair of nice jeans, a striped top, a stylish sneakers or ballet flats.

FUNERAL OR WAKE

in a word: RESPECTFUL

what to wear:

A safe bet is a pantsuit or a knee-length dress with a cardigan. Jewelry should be quiet and refined. Think pearl studs.

BUSINESS DINNER, WORK PARTY, OR NETWORKING

in a word: POLISHED

Opt for a step-up from what you wear at the office. Try a glittery necklace with your suit, or a skirt and heels instead of trousers and flats. Still, conservative is the name of the game.

KEEP IN MIND:

• A bridal shower is like a wedding: wearing white should be reserved for the bride. And while black isn’t forbidden, it can come off as somber at a joyous event.
• If you’re interviewing in a field like design, media, or technology, a suit can make you seem out of touch.  But veering too trendy or casual can also be off-putting. Opt for sleek, clean pieces, like a structured sheath or a pencil skirt and a cropped jacket.
• Don’t get too comfortable. Make it look as if you put in some effort and leave the yoga pants, graphic tees, and beat-up trainers at home. Take a cue from the host. If she’s always dressed to the nines, follow suit with a simple dress and flats or boots.
• Black is not mandatory. You can convey the solemnity of the event with dark neutrals, like navy, charcoal, and forest green, or even a dark discreet pattern.
• For a casual outing (company picnic, charity 3K run) dress as you would if it wasn’t a work function, but skip anything questionable. That means clothing that is revealing, ripped, or emblazoned with potentially eyebrow-raising graphics.

WHAT TO WEAR: TRAVEL EDITION

If you pack these five smart pieces, you’ll be covered wherever the day and night take you.

1. Jersey Dress

Because you can throw it on whenever you’re unsure of the dress code –say, for a night at the theater or a dinner with your friend’s friends. Opt for a synthetic blend so you can roll it up to practically nothing in your bag and pull it out with minimal creases.

2. Printed Scarf

Make sure the color palette goes with everything you pack and you’ll always have a cozy, stylish accessory for museum visits and overly air-conditioned airplanes.

3. Statement Earrings

A bold pair can single-handedly transform a strolling-on-the-boardwalk sundress into a dancing-the-night-away getup.

4. Ankle-length Pants

Even with a simple top, these are sharp enough for a business meeting and Hepburn enough for a shopping trip. Look for a style in a dark shade (for optimal versatility) with stretch (to resist wrinkles).

5. Metallic Shoes

Walkable wedges, flats, or sandals in silver or gold give you the flexibility to go straight from a day of sightseeing to a swanky restaurant.

And that’s it! Let this dress code be your guide to nailing the best look you’ve had to any event!

Want more outfit ideas? Check them out here!

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