With so many dress codes out there, sometimes it can be difficult to know what to wear to an event or a social gathering of some kind. Unfortunately, almost everyone has found themselves in a situation in which they weren’t sure whether the event they are attending was casual, semi-formal or formal. In such cases, people may have dressed up inappropriately for the occasion which most likely turned out to be really embarrassing and awkward for them.
In general, dressing can be referred to as the art of knowing how to carry yourself in an event you partake in. This is why it is important to know how to dress for wherever you are going. For most occasions, the dress code may be obvious. However, if you have been invited to a semi-formal event, you may be confused about your look.
In order to make your decisions easier, we are giving you the five most common occasions and how to dress appropriately for each one.
Casual on a coffee date
Although coffee dates are usually casual events that don’t require much thought, it is always nice to dress up accordingly in order to feel comfortable and confident. Generally speaking, casual meet-ups are the best way to pull off a stylish ensemble that shows off your personality.
For example, if you are a jeans and a T-shirt kind of person, you can always opt for a cozy look which you can top off with some accessories or pops of color. For example, if you have a graphic long sleeve tee in your wardrobe with Christmas slogans, you can rock it with a pair of denim jeans and white sneakers. Such tops are the perfect Christian shirts for women who are enlightened by the holiday spirit and want to bring positivity to their date.
If the weather is chilly, you can create a comfy look by combining a knit sweater with high-waisted pants and ankle boots.
Professional in an office setting
No matter what your job is, you should always keep in mind that you may have to meet up with a client. Although you may be wearing a blazer styled with a pair of ripped jeans, that isn’t the professional look you are going for.
There are many ways to dress up for an office setting, but the most obvious one is wearing a full-on pantsuit. The clothing which can also account for the professional look is the top you are wearing underneath the suit which cannot be a T-shirt especially if your job requires a strict dress code.
The collared button-down shirt is the most common top you can wear under your suit. This is a rather conservative look which you can style with a silk scarf or string of pearls. If you want to add a more feminine touch to it, you can go for a nice cashmere blouse.
Classy to a dinner date
Dinner dates are usually semi-formal events which require either a casual or a formal dress code often defined by the place where you are going. On some occasions, you may be going back and forth about finding the right balance between too much or too little when it comes to dinner outfit ideas.
For example, if the place where you are going is rather casual, you can be playful with a black and white polka dots dress. This is a very simple look which you can glam up with a pair of black flats and a cherry red purse. Add some red lipstick and you have a chic and classy dinner look.
Or, if your date has made reservations at a fancy restaurant, then you should go for a classier look of a black jumpsuit and a pair of high heel sandals. You can complete the look with a pastel leather jacket and a quilted purse.
Elegant to a formal party
Depending on what type of dress code is written on the invitation, the formal event you are attending will most likely define your overall look. Such events can be a wedding reception, a business party or a Christmas office party to which you should look as elegant and sophisticated as possible. For these occasions, women usually wear cocktail dresses or fancy evening separates.
For example, if you are attending a wedding reception, you should go for an elegant party dress made out of rich fabrics such as chiffon or velvet. In order to keep it classier, your dress should go below the knees. Top off your look with fancy footwear and refined jewels.
If you have to attend a Christmas office party, the dress code would most likely be semi-formal. This doesn’t mean you should wear jeans, but you can go all out with sophisticated bling and a vibrant dress.
Minimalistic to a job interview
The dress code for a job interview often depends on the job type and the company you are interviewing with. Not only will you be making an impression with your qualifications and skills, but also with the way you are dressed.
For example, if you are applying for a bank job, then you should go for a professional, or business, attire. This should include a pair of black dress pants and a blouse. You can style it up with modern, fashionable pieces such as pretty jewels and a women’s briefcase.
Or, if you have an interview at a startup company, you should go for a semi-casual look which will be the right amount of formal. For example, you can opt for a relaxed, but still presentable outfit such as a nice top, dark-wash jeans, and relaxed-fit khakis.
Whatever the case may be, keep in mind that you should always look polished regardless of the type of position you are seeking.
Final thoughts
It may be hard to believe, but there is more to your dressing than what you might imagine. The way you dress says a lot about your personality which sends a message to others on how you want to be seen. Therefore, it is important to be careful about which outfit you choose for a particular occasion if you want to make the best impression. You can always add a personal touch with all kinds of accessories, but being appropriately dressed is simply paying respect to the event and the people around you.
