Say yes to the dress code!
Wedding on the agenda? Cocktail party coming up? From tenue de ville to boho chic – time for a dress code refresher course with all the do’s and don’ts. Plus: plenty of inspiration for your perfect look!
Tenue de ville
One of the most common dress codes for weddings and festive occasions. Neat, but not overly chic.
Do
- Choose a base of soft tones and pastels, and add color accents with a bag, shoes and accessories.
- Wear a dress or skirt that reaches just above or on the knee. Long trousers with a matching blazer are also a good option, or wear your nicest suit from the closet.
- Make-up and jewelry support your outfit, but don’t overpower it. So choose a neutral make-up, match your lip with your outfit and wear elegant jewelry.
Self Portrait, €500
Kika Vargas, €735
Zara, €69.95
Stella McCartney, €750
Stella McCartney, €1490
Don’t
- Are you wearing a suit or trousers with a matching blazer? Then you don’t have to take off your jacket. In warmer weather, drape your jacket over your shoulders if necessary.
- Striking prints with a lot of contrast in color are a no go. Tenue de ville is modest and classy. A fine floral print or check is permitted.
- Flat shoes? Nope! It is also important that your shoe does not overshadow the rest of your outfit. So choose plain here too.
Black tie
Time to unpack. A classic dress code for large-scale (official) parties. Let’s get this party started!
Do
- For men, black tie means wearing a tuxedo, women wear a stylish long dress or a neat cocktail dress that reaches just above or on the knee. Thin pantyhose – maximum 20 denier – under your cocktail dress would be neat.
- Have you also been invited to the wedding dinner before the party? Then a long dress is a must.
- Go all out with hair and makeup! Updos, and just that little bit (or a lot) of extra make-up. More is more.
Rotate Birger Christensen, €430
Rixo, €785
Manolo Blahnik, €1075
Manolo Blahnik, €1545
Don’t
- Leave your watch in the jewelry cabinet. Traditionally, the idea is that a clock on your wrist gives the impression that you are expected somewhere else at a certain time. So: don’t pay attention to the time, but live in the moment and enjoy the party.
- Don’t hold back. This is the time to pull out that disco ball of a dress. Glitter is allowed, as are luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk and satin.
- Even if there is dancing, your flat shoes stay at home. You can also make great moves on a nice block heel or kitten heel.
Cocktail
A stylish and festive dress code that can go in many directions. Less chic than black tie, but a lot neater than tenue de ville.
Do
- The most obvious piece of clothing is of course the cocktail dress. But you can also look further than that. How about neat trousers with a fitted jacket? Or an elegant jumpsuit?
- Striking shoes? Yes, please! Flats or ballerinas are also allowed, as long as they are neat.
- Complete your look with a festive clutch for your essentials: your phone and lipstick are all you need.
Francomina, €207.90
Steve Madden, €109.99
ALC, €795
Roxanne Assoulin, €255
Don’t
- Long ball gowns are a no go. In the case of a cocktail it is mini or midi, so it reaches the knee or above.
- Don’t go for an excess of jewelry. One statement piece is enough.
The basics
Whatever the dress code, it is always a good idea to follow a number of basic rules as a welcome guest. First of all, of course: embrace the dress code! The bridal couple has thought extensively about the atmosphere they want to create on their ‘big day’, so it is a good idea to adhere to the dress code. Are you unsure whether or not a certain outfit is appropriate for the dress code in question? You can always send the master of ceremonies a message to discuss.
And last but not least: white is never an option. Unless explicitly stated as a dress code, the bride is the only one wearing white. To be on the safe side, stay away from cream, champagne and other shades that border on white. This way you prevent a faux pas.
This article is an excerpt from Glamial 6, in which we share many more great fashion tips. Now in stores!
Production: Marjolein Vermeij | Header image: Adobe Stock
