Make sure patterns are kept to a minimum and shoes are shined. If not, wear a suit in a dark color such as charcoal or black, paired with a white dress shirt, and a solid colored tie. Accessorize with items such as long gloves, clutches, and jewelry to top off the whole look. Women: Look glamorous in a long gown, cocktail dress, or luxurious separates. When to wear it: formal events that are held outdoors, such as a cruise line or country club dinners, weddings, and galas. Pair this with a white dress shirt, bow tie, a cummerbund, and nice black leather shoes. Men: Wear a white dinner jacket, in a worsted wool, gabardine, linen, or cotton fabric material. Women: Wear a long gown with white gloves and minimal jewelry. When to wear it: galas, silent auctions, weddings, and formal dinners that have a fun atmosphere. Mix fabrics such as a silk blazer and a dress shirt to create a formal, yet interesting, look. Men: Incorporate trendy prints in with your tie and a dressy shirt. Show off your personality with every detail.

Accessorize with the latest trends, such as feathers, sequins, sheer fabrics, and capes. Women: Dress up in a long gown, cocktail dress, or snazzy separates. When to wear it: charity fundraisers, political dinner parties, weddings. Pair with a white shirt and a tie, or a bow tie with or without a vest and a cummerbund. Men: Wear a dark suit or a tuxedo without tails. A very dressy cocktail dress may be acceptable depending on the venue of the event. Women: Gussy up in a floor-length ball gown. When to wear it: charity fundraisers, government ceremonies, weddings, the opera. Men: Wear a short or waist length black tailcoat (tails should reach the back of your knees,) white bow tie, starched white shirt, and a cummerbund (optional). Accessorize with opera length gloves, glamorous jewels, and up-do hairstyles. Women: A floor-length ball gown is a must. When to wear it: daytime engagement parties, business breakfasts, afternoon tea. Opting for a vest instead of a tie adds to the informality of the look. Men: Opt for a dark suit, paired with a French-cuffed, crisp white shirt. Incorporate a jacket or shawl to cover the arms. It should fall to, or slightly above, the knee, and not be too sparkly or low-cut. Women: Wear a dress that would be appropriate for brunch or afternoon tea. When to wear it: adult birthday parties, evening social events. Opting for dark jeans paired with a jacket and tie is also acceptable at some cocktail events, depending on how casual the atmosphere is. The classic little black dress makes for great cocktail attire, and is the easiest to show your personality by accessorizing to suit your mood. Women: Wear a shorter dress with some frill. When to wear it: company party, daily work attire, business lunch meetings. If you so desire, layer with a v-neck sweater, a blazer, or a sport coat.

Men: Wear a button-down or a polo shirt, paired with khakis, or dress pants. A casual dress and flats are options as well. Women: Put on a skirt, khakis, or dress pants paired with long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tops. When to wear it: cruise lines, the country club, friend’s home for dinner, nice restaurant.

Accessorize with leather shoes and a belt. Men: Wear an open-necked or polo shirt, paired with khakis. You can also opt for dresses and skirts with minimal accessories. Women: Choose an open-necked or polo shirt. When to wear it: church, dinner, or an invite received via phone or e-mail. Avoid showing up with wrinkles or clothes one size too big, too small, or in a non-coordinating color. Men: Wear trousers and a dress shirt with a leather loafer, oxfords, or a slip-on shoe. Pair with a patent leather flat, or one with nice embellishments such as a bow, buckle, or a print. Instead, opt for silk pants, dress pants, or a skirt. Women: Avoid wearing denim, tennis shoes, and cotton tees. When to wear it: office parties, happy hours, business luncheons. Men: Opt for dressy trousers, paired with a collared shirt and loafers. Women: Wear a pencil skirt or dress pants, paired with a silk or button-down top and high heels. Hunt and Tannya Bernadette, a wardrobe stylist and 2009 Fashion Marketing graduate from The Art Institute of Seattle, decode what to wear for the following dress codes. If you are not comfortable placing a phone call, you can send an email. “If not, there is usually a contact person listed on the invite, including a contact number. “ Depending on how well you know the person who sent the invitation, you can place a call to them directly,” Hunt says. Laura Hunt, an image, fashion, and beauty consultant at Freeway Fashion, says you should always ask what to wear if you’re invited to an event with an unfamiliar dress code. With so many different dress codes out there, it can be difficult to know what to wear, even when the type of dress requested is stated on the invitation.

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