Deciphering the Formal Dress Code for Women
While your age, figure and skin tone are important factors when choosing a dress, focusing on the dress code of the party is important too. When your party invite specifies the code, you need to adhere to it. For this, you need to decipher it first. Before you shop for a dress to wear to the party, make sure you are aware of this.
Formal dress code has three specific categories. Check the invite to know the code before you shop for formal dress online. Here is quick peek at the dress categories and the way to interpret them.
White Tie signifies the ultra formal events, like opening night at the opera, charity balls and such others. For this, you need to wear a floor-length gown. You may choose the silhouette that flatters your figure; however, make sure it is not too revealing. If it is an off-shoulder dress, opt for a wrap or a cloak to cover your shoulders and upper arms.
Black Tie is a little less formal than the former. For such occasions, you may choose a floor or ankle length gown. You may also wear a shorter dress if you are sure that you can carry it with élan.
Black Tie Optional or Creative offers you more choices when it comes to dressing up. Long, flowing gowns, short, sexy cocktail dresses, dressy separates, and many others work well in this category. The only thing you need to be careful about is how well the dress looks on you.
If the invite mentions the dress code, the aforementioned points would be of help. However, if there is not such mention but it is a formal occasion, how do you determine what to wear? Here are a few tips for help.
- What time of the day is the celebration? If it were daytime, something semi-formal would not be out of place. Reserve the formal dresses for evening parties.
- What is the venue? If it is a church, you had better opt for something formal only.
- What is the occasion? Usually, balls and galas tend to be more formal in nature than personal celebrations like weddings.
If you are not sure yet, call your host and ask about the dress code.









