Happy New Year Friends! We hope 2025 is kind to you so far. We’ve been doing great and are excited to keep serving you even better this year!
To start us off is a little conversation on dress codes. We are gonna be nailing dress codes this year, can I get an amen??!
A quick question, have you ever received an event invite and a glance at the dress code made you almost jump ship? We know sometimes it looks like so much fashion jargon that can be a little intimidating. In this blog, we are gonna try breaking down some of the common dress codes. We hope this helps you navigate different themes effortlessly.
White Tie

This is considered the most formal dress code of all, characterized by elegance and sophistication. A white-tie dress code is a girl’s opportunity to display grace and elegance through floor-length evening dresses and gown. Rich colours and fabrics are more preferred according to the event’s specific theme. Silk, satin, lace and chiffon are some of the fabrics often chosen for this particular dress codes. For accessories, elegant pearls, gold or silver pieces work perfectly, as well as small clutch purses. Work towards keeping a beautiful balance between the outfit and accessories to maintain a clean overall look that doesn’t look overwhelming. Long silk gloves are a good addition too.
Black Tie

This is the next most formal dress code after white tie; a middle ground between formal and white tie dress codes. It’s a little toned down but maintains the elegant clean looks. Floor-length dresses or formal pant suits are preferred for ladies. Dressy cocktail dresses could also be considered as long as one maintains an elegant look. It’s safer to choose solid colours as opposed to prints for this dress code. Keep accessories elegant and minimal as well.
Formal

If you’re comfortable doing a white and black tie dress code, the this is gonna be easy for you. It’s really just a toned-down version of the two dress codes above, but a little over what you would normally wear to work on a normal workday. Dresses don’t have to be floor-length, just long elegant dresses work. Darker colours such as black and navy blue are more preferred. Matching pant suits and skirts are also allowed in a formal dress code.
Cocktail

The cocktail dress code is more chic and dressy. Tea length and knee length dresses are preferred for this kind of dress code, avoid floor-length dresses and gowns. Wide leg pants or jumpsuits are also a perfect pick in warm colours. Consider heels (short or long) or dressy flats for your attire especially since the length of your dress allows them to be seen. Floral prints and sequins are definitely welcome here.
Festive

As the name suggests, this dress code is often used during holidays especially Christmas. This is a more flamboyant dress code that incorporates sparkle, colours, sequins, velvet and any other aspects that make the outfit fun and exciting. A little black dress may not work with this dress code, not unless it is made of an interesting and fun fabric. The festive dress code is heavy on accessories, unlike black and white tie. Experiment different statement pieces that work well with your dress choice, do not shy away from sparkle!
These are a few dress codes we thought to start with, we hope you learnt a thing or two.
We’d be happy to decode more dress codes with and for you so feel free to suggest what you’d like to know about.
Remember, it is good manners to honour dress codes, try as much as you can to do that.