Party invitations

tend to specify dress codes in the form of:

• White Tie

- This is the full formal dress code which is normally reserved for Opera, and Royal events. Evening wear requires 'White Tie' for men and 'Ball Gowns' for ladies. Daytime attire might be a 'Morning Suit' or 'Top Hat and Tails'. Such occasions are very rare and should be indicated on the invitation. (Formal Dress)



• Black Tie

- which simply requires 'Black Tie Dress Code' for men and 'Evening Gowns' for ladies. It is quite common for 'Black Tie Optional' or 'Black Tie Creative' to be requested nowadays, in which case a modern Tuxedo, fashionable jacket, dark suit for him or cocktail dress for her would be suitable. Generally the more conservative the gathering, the longer the ladies gowns and the more traditionally the men are dressed. (Semi-Formal Dress)



• Lounge Suit or Cocktail Dress

- which normally means dark suits and 'Cocktail Dress' in the evening. (Informal Dress)



• Smart Casual

- Use your judgement and dress to suit your company.

If you don't know the dress code then a very smart dark suit for him and a long cocktail dress for her should get you in anywhere except a white tie event.