Part of being a college student is being exposed to a whole new world. Knowing how to dress is crucial since first impressions ARE lasting impressions.
Take a look below to see what the different dress codes mean and what is expected of you!
Casual
A casual dress code means you can wear anything–it’s probably best not to bust out in a super-formal outfit (unless that’s what you really wanna wear!)
Casual includes anything from jeans and shorts to T-shirts and sweats. Sneakers or flip-flops are acceptable footwear and a jacket is not necessary unless the weather permits it.
Dressy Casual
Dressy casual calls for a more composed, casual look. Traditionally, dressy casual means no jeans, shorts and T-shirts. In this day and age, dark un-ripped denims will suffice if they’re paired with a nice top for girls and a polo/button-down shirt for guys.
Avoid wearing open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sneakers. Try wearing something nicer like a pump if you are a girl or a closed toed, casual shoe for a guy.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail parties call for short dresses for the ladies and dark suits for the gents. A safe option for ladies is a little black dress!
Pumps and closed-toed shoes are a must for this as well. Ladies can get away with peep-toe shoes and strappy sandals.
Business Formal/Semi-Formal
Guys: No tuxedo’s required. Day time event means a suit and a night event means a dark suit. A tie may required.
Girls: Short dress or dressy suit for semi-formal events and MODEST tailored dressy suits and dresses for business formal.
As always, closed-toed shoes or peep-toe shoes.
Black Tie Optional
White Tie
A White Tie event is the most formal event you can attend: Guys need to wear a white tie, vest, and shirt and girls need to wear full gown.
These tips should help to decipher the dress code for any event you may be invited to so the next time you are unsure of what “black tie optional” REALLY means, check out our tips and you will be looking dapper in no time!
