Wedding Dress Codes Explained

So you’ve been invited to celebrate someone’s special event… but the invitation says white tie, and you don’t know what to wear! It’s very important as a guest to be polite, and that includes wearing what the hosts request! If you can’t seem to crack these dress codes on your own, LLG has got you covered with a simple guide on what to wear for any occasion.

WHITE TIE

White tie is the most formal dress code, indicating the event is especially important and opulent.

Women: formal floor-length evening gown, heels.

Men: Black evening tailcoat (peaked lapel, unbuttoned), formal white shirt, cufflinks, low-cut white evening waistcoat, white bow tie, black pants, black patent leather shoes, black socks

The fabrics of the tailcoat and the pants should match
If you want to wear gloves, they should be white or gray
Note: for a white-tie wedding, it is considered more acceptable to wear a normal tuxedo jacket compared to other white-tie events

BLACK TIE

Black Tie is the next-most-formal category of dress. Since both are considered evening wear, you can wear white tie clothing to a black-tie event, but keep in mind it may come off as overdressing and rude.

Women: formal floor-length gown, heels

Men: Black (or dark) tuxedo, black tie OR bow tie, cummerbund or waistcoat, matching pants, black patent leather shoes

Acceptable lapels for black-tie dinner jackets are peaked or shawl

FORMAL / BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL

Women: formal floor-length OR ankle-length evening gown

Men: Tuxedo OR formal dark suit, formal white shirt, tie or bow tie, black dress shoes

SEMI-FORMAL

Women: Cocktail dress (an elegant knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress. A floor-length dress can work if it’s casual). Heels, wedges, or flats are all appropriate footwear

Separates, rompers, and jumpsuits can also be appropriate if dressy enough.
Take into account the time of the event when choosing a fabric - lighter for morning/afternoon and darker for evening

Men: Suit jacket/blazer, tie, dress shoes

Avoid tuxedos

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Cocktail attire is an extremely popular dress code for weddings. It is nearly interchangeable with semi-formal, so when in doubt, if it’s appropriate for one, it’s appropriate for the other.

Women: A cocktail dress. Heels, wedges or flats

Avoid a dress that is too short!

Men: Suit and tie, dark dress shoes

Like semi-formal, this can be lighter in the day and darker in the evening

CASUAL

Women: Casual dress e.g. summer sundress. Heels, wedges, flats, dressy sandals can all be worn.

Aim for cocktail-dress length or longer

Men: Dress pants or khaki pants, collared shirt. Tie optional

If you’d like outerwear, you can also wear a sweater

THEME

Some events will have unique dress codes not based on formality, for example all-white. Our simple rule: if it’s on the invitation, you should follow it!

Regardless of dress code, make sure your outfit fits well and your hair is styled. Avoid ripped fabrics, shorts, and (if you’re a man) open-toed shoes.