Clothing etiquette plays an important role in our daily lives and affects us in ways we may not be aware of. Not only does wearing proper work attire give off a good impression to others but it also makes you think and work more openly and efficiently.
The right attire at the right place can make all the difference. Here to help guide you on your fashion etiquette journey are the clothing etiquette essentials. These are the dressing rules to keep in mind, clothing strategies you can follow, and styling tips to use to create an outfit that’s fashionable, functional, and perfect for the occasion.
Dress Codes Defined
Dress codes are the clothing rules that companies, businesses, and occasions require you to wear within a specific time or area. When it comes to Dress codes, it’s always about the setting you’re in. Different social settings need different attire and the kind of clothes you choose affect the perception of people around you as well as how you see yourself.
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.
Clothing Etiquette and Dress Code
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 dress code for any event can honestly be whatever people want it to be. Dress codes are broad and range from an entire outfit to one article of clothing. To get a better grasp on specific situations, here are the standard and well-known dress codes you will likely come across.
1. Office-Appropriate (Business Formal)
The most well-known of all dress codes is business formal or any office-appropriate work attire. This can be anything from a pantsuit or business suit paired with slacks or a skirt, a dress and jacket, or a simple stylish blazer. Looking stylish isn’t hard when you’re in well-fitted business attire, you can make your look stand out more by choosing unique colors aside from your usual monochromes like black and grey. Add accessories to your outfits like simple earrings, bracelets, and scarfs designed however you like. It doesn’t have to be too glamorous or too plain, anything you feel like wearing can work as long as you’re within the dress code guidelines at your workplace.
2. Street Wear
Normally, we are free to wear whatever we want in public, our clothing choice is our business after all. Though that is true for most places, every society has its own collective perception of clothing, so we could say a dress code is present depending on the society we live in.
In a more openly accepting society like in the U.S. for example, you can wear whatever you want in public and everyone chooses their own thing without really caring about a specific standard. Other countries like those in Asia and the Middle East, are more conservative when it comes to clothing. Much has to do with a society’s beliefs, so it is important to be mindful of the setting you’re in.
The clothing essentials that work anywhere are pieces like the casual T-shirt with jeans or slacks which is simple yet timeless, a more feminine choice could be a modest length skirt like a stylish midi dress outfit, or a casual maxi dress to show off your confident physique.
3. Party Dress Code
When you receive an invitation to a formal party, you would also be informed of the dress code for that event. The dress code for parties can range from semi-formal to black ties.
Events that allow semi-formal attire are open to outfits that include cashmere, silk, or satin dresses, stylized pantsuits, and elegant pencil skirts.
For a formal party, the most popular choice is the classic LBD or little black dress. An outfit with both a simple concept and creative design. Another good option is the classic red dress paired with matching red or black heels.
A black tie is the second most formal dress code and requires you to wear your absolute best outfit to the event. To pull out all the stops, women usually wear long, floor-length gowns as the most extravagant but a long cocktail dress is also acceptable.
White tie is the highest formality of any dress code. Ballroom gowns with long gloves have been the traditional look for white tie events. The attire for the white tie dress code is similar to black but demands an even more elevated look, so pick a full-length dress or an A-line ball gown as this event is the best opportunity to wear your greatest outfit to look truly stunning.
Etiquette and Fashion
Etiquette in any form is always rooted in respect. Being respectful to the people around you with what you wear is the main purpose of dress codes. Be it in public, at the workplace, or at a friend’s party, we use dress codes as a physical indication of respect to the people.
Everything else is basic etiquette like not judging others for their clothing choices and complimenting them when you appreciate their efforts and style. Conducting yourself in a proper manner at the appropriate place, time, and setting.
There’s no need to let yourself feel restricted with clothing etiquette and dress codes because there is always room for creativity in any situation and with any outfit. You can always keep your personal style while still being able to dress for the occasion.