- Oct 10, 2022
- 4 min read

Did you know that transgressing the dress code is a display of poor etiquette?

Photo: Lifestyle Capitalfm.co.ke, during Kujipenda ni form Event,May 2022.

Clothing etiquette starts with the dress code. Each dress code depends on the situation you’re in and even then, different businesses and events can demand specific clothing. To dress for the occasion, the first step is knowing what the dress code is.

The importance of a dress code isn’t just about looking good. Wearing the proper attire for the job or occasion can give you great social and psychological benefits. This is one of the reasons why corporate companies usually require you to wear business formal attire and why some schools have uniforms. Studies have shown wearing

a clean and tidy outfit that’s meant for work will put you into a subconsciously productive mindset rather than wearing a randomly put-together outfit.

Dress codes should be followed but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. Figuring out ways to look stylish while still having acceptable clothing is the key to creating an optimal outfit in any situation.

Sometimes , when we are invited to attend a casual party, and go dripping high fashion with fascinators & glovers ! Ladies, even if you are glamours but you are displaying poor etiquette.
Or when invited for a black tie evening party, then we show up in a our casual wears .

Dressing according the Dress code demonstrates that you value decorum and respect order in general .

Be keen every time you are invited with an indicated dress code ,and accepted and confirmed the invitation ,respect the indicated dress code.

You can always respect the dress code in your personal style.

while preparing your dress code look avoid these common fashion flaws:

Clothing that is too tight, too short, or too revealing for the occasion.
Dandruff flakes on dark garments.
Visible stocking-foot seams with open-toed shoes.
Buttoned garments that gap and show skin or underwear .
Overly dressy or too-high heels with casual clothes like jeans.
Wearing a dress meant for evening during the day or vice- versa .
Jewelries that jingle or clang so much that others are annoyed
Torn hems and linings that show

Here are 5 types dress codes :

1. Casual style .

Casual is basically a non-dress code, and you can wear comfortable clothing.

For Him: Think Homer Simpson. Tee shirt, jeans and sneakers are appropriate. You may also opt to step it up a notch with khakis, cargos, a polo shirt or henley and still fit in just fine. Tip: Avoid inflammatory or otherwise offensive graphic tees!

For Her: Pull out your favourite jeans! You can opt for a comfortable tee or dress things up a bit with a stylish top, jewelry or even a blazer, your floral dress, kaki or any type of skirt. Depending on the nature of the event, your footwear can range safely from sneakers to heels to boots. Tip: For outdoor events, sneakers are better as heels can sink into soft ground.

2. "Business Casual".

Business Casual is what many people would typically wear to work at the office or in those evening office parties .

For Him: Wear a pair of nice khakis paired with a polo shirt or other collared shirt. Dress shoes or loafers are appropriate. Tip: Avoid the wrinkles; iron your shirt and pants! Patterned collared shirts are a nice option for a less dressy feel than their solid counterparts.

For Her: Dress pants or khakis with a fashionable top is appropriate. A casual skirt is also an option. Feel free to dress up your outfit with heels, jewelry and/or accessories if desired.

Tip: Wear your hair in your everyday style, and avoid overdoing it with makeup or perfume.

3. "Smart Casual"

Smart Casual (or dressy casual) is basically a combination of casual, business casual, and business dress codes, where you can combine them into a "smart" ensemble.

For Him: This is your opportunity to pair denim with a sport coat. Khakis, trousers, vests, and ties are other great options to bring into the mix. Tip: If opting for jeans, your denim should look somewhat dressy, fresh and sharp with no wear or holes.

For Her: It's safest to go with nice slacks or a skirt, though you could also wear a nice pair of dark jeans dressed up with a collared or otherwise dressy top. Throw on a blazer for an extra touch of class. Tip: For Smart Casual, you should look sharp, stylish, and neatly put together.

4. "Business / Informal"

Informal attire may be a misnomer as it does call for a bit of formality (not to be confused with Casual attire). Business and Informal attire is more sophisticated than Smart Casual, often signaling the need for suits, ties and dresses.

For Him: Wear a business suit with tie. You may also opt for nice slacks with a sports jacket and tie.

For Her: Wear a business suit or business style dress with heels (high or low).

Tip: For Business and Informal dress codes, stick to business colors: black, navy blue, gray or brown.

"Black Tie "

Formal, Black Tie and Black Tie Optional events are among the most fancy of all dress codes, and you will likely be surrounded by a crowd full of tuxedos and floor-length gowns.

For Him: Wear a tuxedo with all the frills (vest/cummerbund, cufflinks, etc.) For Black Tie Optional, you may also opt to wear a black suit with white shirt and conservative tie. Tip: A Black Tie dress code does not necessarily limit you to only "black" ties, but you may opt for a black tux with any matching tie/cummerbund color of your choosing.

For Her: You are safest wearing a long, floor-length evening dress. A very fancy dress that is not floor-length may also be appropriate. Tip: Wear your hear in an elegant updo or partial updo, and put on fancy jewelry for this occasion.

White Tie

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

For her : Formal (floor length) evening gown ,Long gloves (optional)

For him : Black dress coat (tailcoat), matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK ,White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front Braces, to ensure a good fit, shirt studs and cuff links,White vest,White bow tie.