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Dress code pants. Female business dress code

25.10.2019

Dress code is a rather complicated science. In ordinary life, we wear T-shirts and jeans, not shy about appearing in similar clothes even on holidays. Modern fashion does not limit people in choosing a wardrobe, everyone can wear what he likes. However, at secular and other social events there is no such freedom, and special rules are attributed to clothes. As a rule, the desired form of the dress code is prescribed in the invitation, denoting it with special names. Moreover, these terms are not known to everyone, which can cause a lot of difficulties in preparing for the event. In order not to get into an awkward situation and correctly choose a wardrobe for an important event, Hotshowlife  recommends that you familiarize yourself with the 10 basic rules of the dress code.

The official and at the same time solemn dress code is suitable exclusively for high-profile and important events. With the mark “White tie”, an invitation to a charity ball or a reception with a senior person may come.

A man should prefer a tailcoat with a white butterfly. As shoes, black patent leather shoes are required. The fair sex, dressing up according to the dress code "White tie", should also show restraint and conciseness. To this form of clothing choose an evening dress on the floor, high heel shoes and a small clutch.


In fact, this form of wardrobe selection is similar to the previous one. Like the dress code described earlier, “Black tie” is characterized by solemnity, but it is somewhat simplified.

Here, men can already not be afraid of black and freely dress up in gloomy suits with a tuxedo, complementing them with a vest and a plain bow-tie. Among women, it is customary to appear at events in the Black tie format in concise cocktail or evening dresses and in heels. It is advisable to refuse a large number of jewelry.


If you received an invitation marked “Formal”, then we should talk about the official reception, which will take place in the evening. Typically, such events are held on the occasion of the arrival of the delegation for negotiations.

When choosing clothes of the “Formal” type, everything is simple: the stronger sex is recommended to stay in a strict black suit and a plain tie, and ladies will be best dressed in a restrained cocktail dress, as always, complementing the image with high-heeled shoes.

Cocktail attire


Those invited to such an event, fortunately, do not have to contact strangers. Cocktail Attire parties are friendly or family gatherings involving a large number of people.

The dress code for clothes is less strict and you don’t have to worry about any extra detail. Nevertheless, it is better for men to give preference to a classic costume, and young ladies to a strict midi-length dress.


If you translate the name of the dress code literally, it means a half formal style of clothing. Participants in such events should look smart and at the same time restrained. Semi-formal matches corporate banquets and other special occasions.

For celebrations held in the daytime, men can choose a suit of any color. After 18-00, a black jacket will be more appropriate. Ladies can pamper themselves with elegant short dresses.

A-5 (After five)


Oh, these evening events! Try to pick a suitable outfit for them. Fortunately, the dress code "A-5" does not require compliance with officiality. Finally, you can dress up as your heart desires!

At any event starting after 17-00, young people can appear both in a suit and in jeans. Classic shoes are welcome, but will not be superfluous loafers. Young ladies can forget about lush evening dresses and switch to tops, skirts and even overalls.

A-5-C (After 5 Casual)


A laid-back, casual style is the star of a modern wardrobe. Probably a better example of “A-5-C” than corporate and student parties cannot be invented. The main rule is convenience.

Men at such an event will be happy in a formal suit, but then you should refuse from a tie so as not to make the image too official. It is better to choose a shirt with a print. Women do not have to wear dresses. Jeans and a sweater can be no less elegant form of clothing.


Casual style is characterized by simplicity, so it is usually chosen for small parties. The element of "Smart Casual" - club events and other celebrations of a party type.

The undisputed leaders of elegant-everyday dress code in both men's and women's wardrobe can be called chinos. From shoes, most often preferred to topsiders. As for the men's wardrobe directly, a pastel-colored pullover or blazer will be appropriate. Ladies are advised to give preference to loose fit blouses.


For a second, imagine that now is the beginning of the 20th century, and you are sitting in one of the institutions of ancient England. Now return to reality and try to realize a mental image.

“Creative black tie” - a creative approach to choosing a dress. It is advisable for men to maintain solidity by putting on a classic suit, which for originality can be supplemented with a bright vest or colored shirt. Ladies put on dresses, emphasizing the image with unusual accessories.


Finally, we are close to the most unshakable dress code of all. “Business Traditional” is pure formality. You should contact him when you are going to a business meeting.

For both men and women in this case, a business suit is required. The outfit should be plain and without unnecessary details. As shoes, it is advisable to give preference to classic shoes.

Dress code is the etiquette of clothing that determines the appropriateness of a particular outfit, depending on the situation. There is a business, casual, smart, country, resort, sports and home dress code. Depending on the situation, personality and taste in each of these dress codes, their own clothing styles are appropriate.

Business.

Business dress code - this concept indicates that you need clothing that is appropriate in the work environment. But what is the working environment? The top manager of a financial company has one, the head of the sales department at the publishing house - another, and the freelance designer - the third.

From this point of view, information is not enough to understand what style of clothing is appropriate. General rules do not work here. And it will be erroneous to believe that in this situation everyone is appropriate for the classic style of clothing.

To understand what a style should be in a business dress code, it is important to take into account the field of activity, the position taken in the environment and the level of contacts. This concept, called the coefficient of conservatism, shows how formal your image should be. The coefficient of conservatism shows the degree of formality of the image. It is determined in the order of 1 to 10.

The top manager of a financial company will have a degree of conservatism at work 9-10. And the designer is a freelancer - 2-4.

For a high coefficient (8-10), only the classic style of clothing is appropriate, which is characterized by a restrained cut, noble muted colors and a minimum of decorative finishes and jewelry on the person.

Work dress code for a high coefficient of conservatism


Work dress code for medium QC


Work dress code for a low coefficient of conservatism

A decrease in the coefficient of conservatism in a business environment leads to a "decrease" in clothing style. For managers with CC 6-7, a free reading of the classics, an urban style with elements of a romantic, fantasy, feminine, is already permissible. Vivid shades, patterns, fashionable styles, jewelry are acceptable.

Designers, artists, creative individuals are required in their image to express their affiliation with the creators. It is appropriate to use a fashionable cut, unusual active jewelry, drawings, creative reading of famous things.

Business can be a classic style, urban (a more free interpretation of the classical style) or their mixes with a romantic, feminine, elegant, sporty, dramatic, avant-garde, smart casual.

Dress-code designations accepted in international business practice:

  • Bb (Business best) - official business style (for business events, presentations). For men, a dark blue suit is strict and conservative. White shirt with french cuffs and cufflinks. The tie is plain or speckled, a scarf in a breast pocket, oxfords. For women: a two-piece suit with a skirt or trousers, a strict blouse in basic colors (gray, beige, blue, a thin strip), tights, boats.
  • Bf (Business formal) - a formal business style. For men - a smart classic suit or tuxedo for special occasions and evening receptions.
  • Bt (Business traditional) - a traditional business style. For men - a suit of classic worsted wool in dark blue, gray and matching accessories.
  • BC (Business casual) - an informal business style. For men, say a non-business suit, a blazer with trousers, polo shirts, knitwear. As a rule, without a tie. For women - a jacket under any conditions with trousers or skirts.
  • CF (Casual Friday) Friday standard. Non-business style. let's say knitwear and jeans of moderate colors.
  • Btr (Business travel) - business travel style. A suit made of wool with synthetic additives to maintain shape and appearance (so as not to crinkle and keep in shape). Knitwear

Casual.

Everyday dress code is a phrase that, from the first letters, evokes a feeling of relaxation and peace. And he really reports that it is already possible to relax, but not all the same.

Everyday atmosphere is the time in the city outside of work and holiday events. This is a time spent with family and friends. The opposite situation can be traced here: top managers and everyone with a conservative level of 10-6 change their image to a more relaxed one. Inappropriate is a classic business suit, clothes worn at work. However, the suit can be replaced with a more informal one, for example, a blazer with trousers.

Those who have a conservative level below 5 may not transform their image for everyday life. For them, the style of the image is so creative that there is nowhere more free. The color scheme may change and the number of decorations may decrease, but everything remains within the same direction.


Casual dress code for medium and low QC


Casual dress code for high and medium QC


Casual dress code for medium and above average QC

Everyday can be: romantic, feminine, classic, marine, sports (military, safari), dramatic, bohemian, artistic, avant-garde, preppy, grunge.

Smart dress code.

Depending on the venue and format of the event, there may be different outfits.

Not appropriate:

  • Work clothes.
  • Sportswear (for the gym).
  • Casual style.

In general, you need to look more elegant than at work and during the day.

Elegant dress code is divided into club, evening, cocktail.


Smart dress code Black Tie Optional


Dress code Creative Black Tie or Semi-formal dress code after 5.


Dress code Black Tie and Black Tie Invited

Formal is a formal evening event.

The following types of dress codes related to formal:

  • White tie - White tie. It means a tailcoat with a white bow tie + patent leather black shoes. Evening dress for women with gloves, heels. Hair cut in hairstyle.
  • Ultra-formal - Ultra-formal. Dress code, as in white tie.
  • Black Tie - the official evening reception "black tie". Tuxedo for men and evening dress for women.
  • Black Tie Invited - “Black Tie” is welcome. For men, a tuxedo; for women, an evening dress is preferable.
  • Black Tie Optional - “A black tie is optional.” The tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit with a tie. Women can wear a cocktail dress.
  • Creative Black Tie - black tie creative approach (tuxedo with non-traditional accessories or non-traditional colors). Women - a cocktail dress, an ensemble of skirts and jackets with trendy colors and textures.

Semi-formal is a semi-formal evening event. For women - evening or cocktail dress. For men - a blazer with pants over knitwear, a fashionable suit without a tie.

  • After 5 - a cocktail. For men, a suit with or without a tie. For women - a cocktail dress.
  • After 5 casual - a casual evening look. Fashionable image for men and women. For example, a suit without a tie for men, fashionable jeans with knitwear or a blazer.

Country.

Time spent outside the city, in nature with friends and relatives implies a country dress code. The uniform is similar to everyday style, it is characterized by a practically complete absence of jewelry (with the exception of an engagement ring, a watch) or their minimal amount (in romantic and ethnic style), muted colors (the so-called “non-marking”) and clothes that do not constrain movements. Denim, tweed, cotton, linen, knitwear and wool are suitable fabrics.


Country dress code: hunting style.


Country dress code. Safari stylistics.

Stylistics: hunting style, safari, bohemian, sports, classic.

Resort.

Dress code means clothing for relaxing in hot climates. Soft flowing fabrics, light, airy, light shades, intricate decorations made of natural materials.

Depending on the place of rest, the style and dress code at the resort can be significantly different. There are hotels that have a clear dress code. In the evening they will not be allowed without evening dresses and shoes.

More affordable hotels allow summer dresses of different lengths and styles. The main rule - what we go to the beach does not appear in the evening!

Sports.

A sports dress code is set only for playing time. Depending on the type of sports, equipment is selected. Fitness uniform or clothing for morning jogging and skiing. Rule: go to the gym in a sports or semi-sports style. If there is no time to change clothes, we will take all our clothes with us and change clothes on the spot.

The sports dress code does not accept: elegant clothes, work clothes.


Sports equipment


Outdoor Sportswear


Sportswear for the gym

Along with a sports dress code, a sporty clothing style has also formed. By the way, not only a knitted suit and sneakers are considered sportswear. Jeans, sweatshirts, clothes with zippers, Velcro and buttons, a mesh - all these are elements of a sporty style that has come in and is firmly entrenched in items of clothing and footwear that are not athletic. So, a jacket stitched with a double decorative seam is not a thing in classical but in sporty style.


Pseudo-sports style: clothing for the city with elements of sports style


An image in a casual sport style. Dress code is everyday.


Urban image with sports style elements.

Home dress code.

The quality of time spent at home with loved ones, not least depends on what we wear at home. This defines the home dress code. Depending on whether we want to inspire, excite, relax and relax, invigorate, a style is chosen. General rule: soft tactile fabrics, pastel, darkened or bright colors, active patterns.

Clothing should not be too athletic. An outfit for a gym in a home setting will definitely be inappropriate. However, sports style can be successfully adapted to clothing for home. For this, natural knitted fabrics are suitable, not synthetic, soft shades and the presence of no more than two sports elements.

Home clothes can be romantic, sexy, classic, extravagant. The choice is yours.
Experiment and be yourself!

The most strict dress code requiring strict adherence to the rules. For men: black tailcoat, white shirt with a stand-up collar, white vest, white butterfly, black patent leather shoes. For women: long evening dress, gloves, clutch, high-heeled shoes, jewelry.

Casual

Everyday, everyday uniform without any clear requirements. None of the Casual categories allow serious jewelry.

Cocktail

Suitable for receptions where there is a solemn part. For men: a dark suit with a tie. For women: dresses no higher than the knee, shoes or high heel sandals, jewelry or expensive jewelry.

Black tie

Also requires compliance with the rules. For men: black tuxedo, white shirt with a stand-up collar, black butterfly, black patent leather shoes. For women: a long evening dress, clutch, jewelry is allowed.

Smart casual

Semi-business style. For men: high-quality sweater or turtleneck, trousers, shirt with a blazer or vest. For women: dresses, skirts with blouses, bright accessories are allowed, necessarily tights, shoes.

A5 (After Five)

Clothing for events after five in the evening. In principle, this is a fairly general concept that includes various styles: Dressy Casual, Cocktail etc. For men: a suit of any color, a tie is optional. For women: cocktail dress, evening top with a skirt, evening suit.

Formal

Official business style. For men: dark suits and ties, club jackets are appropriate. For women: suits, closed sheath dresses, closed shoes.

Dressy Casual, or Fancy Casual

A catchy casual for holiday occasions. Not only bright accessories are allowed, but also bright elements of clothing: for women, a dress (not an evening cut) or a separat (a skirt with a blouse), the male version can include a spectacular shirt or a sports jacket.

Bb (Business Best)

For men: an expensive business suit in dark colors, a tie, a white chemise, shoes, cufflinks. For women: a suit of neutral colors, a white shirt-shirt, a tie is possible, beige tights, low-heeled shoes.

Semi-formal

Semi-formal, restrained day style. For men: light suits and sweaters. For women: light dresses and trouser suits.

Business casual

A laid-back business style is a comfortable, relaxed version of a traditional business suit, while at the same time emphasizing the professional and financial merits of its owner. In fact, this is the same Smart Casual, only a little more strict and expensive. For men: pants (often slacks), shirt, blazer, sports coat. For women: separate, dress without a deep neckline and to the knee, capri pants, fabric trousers. Shoes on the bare foot are not allowed.

Btr (Business Traditional)

For men: a business suit. For women: business suit, office dress.

Photos: Okssi, Yuri Arcurs (3) / Lori Photo Bank; GettyImages / Fotobank (7); WireImage / GettyImages / Fotobank

Dress code. It seriously puzzles some people, causes allergies for some, and contempt for others. However, whatever your reaction to this word, it is very useful to know the main dress codes. Compliance with the dress code is a prerequisite for success at any event, business or even an informal meeting.

What are the dress codes?

Variety! However, they are, in fact, not so many. The most formal dress code is white tie, then comes black tie, then black tie optional, then business attire, even below smart casual (business casual) and, finally, casual (although the last two can be considered dress codes only conditionally). Of course, individual companies and organizations can create and describe in detail their own dress codes, which employees must follow. Typically, these dress codes fit into either a business attire or a business casual.

White tie

This is probably the only dress code that can be called dying. Events that require a white tie dress code are very rare now, and the vast majority of people never attend such celebrations in their lives.

If you suddenly saw the words white tie in the invitation, this means that you need a tailcoat, a white vest (single-breasted or double-breasted), a bow tie made of white cotton piqué, a special white shirt for cufflinks with a stand-up collar, with a “chest »Made of cotton piqué, black patent leather shoes. The ensemble can be supplemented with a cylinder, as well as white gloves.

Ready-made tailcoats are now offered by very few brands, and it is very difficult to find them. Ideally, of course, tailcoat should be sewn to order. It must be black. Any modern tailcoat is single breasted and does not fasten; silk lapels Oddly enough tailcoats, oddly enough, are found more often than ready-made tailcoats. However, putting on a frock vest alone without a dress coat is, to put it mildly, stupid.

Most modern celebrations do not require a dress coat, but a tuxedo - less formal attire. Yes, strictly speaking, formal (formal) clothing is precisely tailcoat, a tuxedo is semi-official, and a standard business suit is generally an informal robe. Recently, the general degree of formality of clothes has significantly decreased, so now some people even call an unpaired jacket worn with chinos and a tie.

If you saw the words black tie in the invitation to the event, it means that you need a tuxedo, a white shirt with cuffs on cufflinks, a black bow tie made of smooth silk (satin / satin), a black sash belt () and black patent leather shoes. Cumberband can be replaced with a single-breasted or double-breasted vest (respectively on three and six buttons / cufflinks); in the case of double-breasted tuxedos, a cumberband / vest is not required.

If desired, the ensemble can be supplemented with a chest scarf (white will be a win-win option, but Hardy Amis and Bernhard Retzel, for example, do not exclude the red scarf, which looks very impressive). The white shawl can be silk or linen. The cumberband should be made of the same silk as the bow tie (the same tone, the same texture - preferably smooth).

A tuxedo is a jacket with lapels trimmed with silk and buttons covered in the same fabric. It can be single-breasted or double-breasted, preferably without flaps on pockets and without slots, although side slots are acceptable. Black trousers with a shiny silk stripe on the sides rely on the tuxedo. Both the jacket and trousers may not be black, but very dark blue, but other colors are undesirable. Occasionally, a white or light beige tuxedo (with black or dark blue trousers). Lapels are usually pointed; Tuxedos with shawl collars are sometimes found.

Socks should be black and long (to the knees), made of thin cotton, silk, cashmere or a mixture of silk and cashmere. Tuxedo belts are not worn (and with tuxedos too).

Tuxedo shirts are now very different. The classic and most rigorous tuxedo shirt has a tough stand-up collar, cufflinks for cufflinks, "breasts" made of white cotton-pique or pleated. This shirt is not fastened with buttons, but with special cufflinks.

However, now even shirts with turn-down collars are sometimes worn with tuxedos. In any case, the shirts should be white, and the cuffs should be on cufflinks.

Black tie optional

This dress code does not oblige all guests to wear a tuxedo. If you don’t have a tuxedo, you can wear a formal suit (black, navy blue or dark gray). In addition, the classic black tie ensemble itself can be slightly modified. Let's say you don’t wear a black bow tie, but a dark blue, dark silver or maroon. You can experiment a little with the color of the socks, but there is a risk of looking eccentric.

With a classic suit, not a bow-tie is worn, but a regular tie. It should be strict, preferably dark monophonic of smooth silk. The pattern - if there is one - should be discreet, small. Prints are excluded.

Morning and afternoon celebrations

A tuxedo, like a tailcoat, is worn only in the evening. There are no “morning tuxedos” and “morning tuxedos”. For a festive event that takes place during the day, (ideally, of course) a business card is required; in English it is called morning coat (or cutaway coat). The business card - and it happens black or gray, made of smooth wool or - rely striped pants, a single-turn or double-breasted vest of gray or light brown tones, a top hat (except for rooms), a white shirt with a usual turn-down collar and a classic strict tie (at weddings - usually silk silver). However, a shirt can be pale blue, pale cream, pale pink, or even in a very frequent and pale very thin stripes.

Bow ties with business cards are not combined. It is advisable to choose socks black or dark gray, long and thin, to the knees. Shoes - black shoes - made of smooth leather. Black is acceptable. The ensemble can be complemented with gray gloves, a handkerchief and a buttonhole. This whole thing is worn only in the afternoon (while the tailcoat is worn only in the evening).

Business attire

This is an ordinary business suit, a standard dress code for banks, law firms and the like. Of course, in different organizations dress codes are different, but the differences are usually small.

The classic business dress code involves wearing dark plain suits made of smooth woolen fabrics and flannels (blue and gray tones); suits in a thin one, which are acceptable almost everywhere, are also a little less strict, as well as suits in the smallest woven pattern (say, or carnations). Tweed, velveteen and knitwear are informal, as are cotton and.

The shirt should be light and - preferably - plain. White and pale blue shirts are allowed everywhere; other light shirts are often acceptable, as well as striped shirts of classic and not too bright colors; the strip should not be too wide. A microcell is sometimes acceptable too.

Ties - dark monophonic or with a discreet pattern, for example, speckled. Of course, ties with a woven geometric pattern on a small scale are also acceptable. Striped ties and print ties are less formal (but striped ties are often acceptable), while knitted ties in a conservative business setting are excluded. Many organizations force employees to wear branded ties, often with logos. Bow ties excluded.

Pocket scarves are allowed but not always welcome. Sometimes there is a hierarchy in organizations, sometimes unwritten, when only senior employees are allowed to wear, for example, scarves and suspenders.

Shoes are ideally black oxfords, but black is also acceptable, as well as dark brown formal shoes, including sometimes brogues (quarter brogues, half brogues). Material - smooth calf / cow leather. Naturally, only shoes with heels and, ideally, with leather soles are allowed. A rubber sole is generally acceptable now, but it should not be too thick.

Smart casual, business casual

Strictly speaking, this is not a dress code as such, but at the same time, these words are often used precisely as an indication of a dress code. Is there a difference between smart casual and business casual? Different people have different answers to this question. I tend to combine these two concepts.

Everything that is indicated for business attire is quite acceptable here (although less formal things are welcomed), but much more is also acceptable (just not a tuxedo or dress coat). Say, less strict suits (light, linen, in a cage or an intricate strip and so on), unpaired trousers and jackets, a variety of ties and shirts.

Jeans here are still not too appropriate (although often allowed, but without scuffs and dark). In my opinion, it is better to choose flannel trousers (or linen ones) or. Knitwear is again not always an ideal option; although, for example, a cardigan in combination with chinos and a silk tie will be quite nice. In most cases, of course, more or less strict knitwear is acceptable (and always combined with jackets).

In terms of shoes, business casual gives you enormous freedom of choice: almost any brogues (except those with insanely thick or contrasting white soles), loafers, chukka boots, and so on. Sneakers, sneakers, boat shoes, moccasins for driving - no, although ... maybe someone here will argue. However, I always adhere to the rule that it is better to dress a little stricter than a little more informally - and I advise everyone to do the same.

Different companies and different people may perceive business casual / smart casual in different ways, so if in doubt, it is better to clarify. However, if you dress “on the upper boundary”, as I wrote above, then in any case you will not lose.

Literally everything falls here: jeans, polo shirts, frankly informal shirts, all kinds of knitwear, sneakers, boat shoes ... There are not so many restrictions. Firstly, tuxedos, business cards and dresscoats are excluded. Secondly, typical sportswear and shoes are excluded: for example, running sneakers, tracksuits and typically sports t-shirts. Knitwear, jeans, chinos, plaid shirts are welcome. Colors and ornaments can be very different, but it is desirable that they harmonize with each other.

In general, the conditional “dress code” casual is, in fact, the absence of a dress code. Accordingly, dress codes that would be located even lower than it simply do not exist.

Dress - code. Most recently, this word was completely unfamiliar to us. Now we are increasingly faced with activities that require a certain appearance and form of clothing. Tuxedos and tailcoats are increasingly in demand, and the once mysterious invitation codes - Вlact Тie, Casual, Semi-formal and others - are becoming more familiar. How not to get into trouble and dress in accordance with the dress code? Our article will help you with this.


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  - This is a set of rules regarding clothing and the appearance of a person, not only at work, but also at social events. To dress in business circles according to a dress code means to show one’s belonging to a certain circle of people, to be one among one's own.

A person who is going to an official celebration cannot do without knowledge of secular etiquette. We can talk about a visit to a closed nightclub with strict face control, a semi-official dinner at a pompous restaurant, a charity evening, a reception at the embassy or a wedding. Such events, as a rule, are accompanied by a wish or even a requirement to dress in accordance with a specific dress code indicated on the invitation. Consider the most common designations and their abbreviations that you can find on invitation cards.

What you might face

With us, most often you may come across an indication of the form of clothing in invitations to various official evening events. At the same time, the most common are the dress code Black Tie, A5, Formal, White Tie is much less common. The remaining conventional signs are by and large used only in the West. We have a very popular non-standard dress-code, that is, not accepted in international practice, but invented by the organizers of the event, for example, Total Black (in black from head to toe) or Orange Party (they are waiting for you in something orange). Business people can bring an invitation to a day or morning event marked Bb or Btr.

In addition to indications of clothing, you can find other important symbols on invitation cards. Among them may be:

  • S.t. (sine tempore - lat.) - precisely, on time, without delay;
  • C.t. (cum tempore - lat.) - with a delay of no more than a quarter of an hour (academic delay);
  • R.S.V P (R? Ponse S "il Vous Plait - fr.) - please answer
  Ignoring the latter is the biggest violation of secular etiquette. If you are called for a presentation, ball or reception, regardless of whether you are going to attend or not, first of all, call or write an answer. Your answer must be delivered no later than the eve of the celebration.

If the invitation does not indicate “For Two Persons” and the desired presence of a spouse is not specified, it is better to be unaccompanied. Business events also do not imply the presence of a spouse, unless he (a) is a participant or participant in the business. As a rule, a satellite must be brought to entertaining social events - balls, charity evenings, concerts, dinners.

Business etiquette is more stable because it has no class restrictions, but serves only as a “working uniform” convenient for everyone. Nevertheless, significant changes are taking place here - over the past decades, society has consistently destroyed the rules and taboos associated with business clothes. There was a “Friday standard”, the world wide web stretched out its networks, allowing you to work without leaving your home, more and more often you can see people dressed in casual in the office.

International dress code table

Bb (Business Best): "the most rigorous and expensive business suit" - high business style Business best  - equipment for very important and influential meetings of large leaders.
  • Possible events: responsible business meeting, especially with foreign partners, business reception.
  • Men's clothing: the best business suit, usually dark blue, possibly striped, single or double breasted, with a dazzling white shirt (preferably with double cuffs and cufflinks) and a tie in red colors, with a pocket square. Shoes are exclusively black oxford or derby.
Oxfords (or Oxford shoes)  (English) - A variation of the classic leather men's or women's low shoes with laces with special perforation and stitching, as well as with a characteristic openwork lining between the vamp and berets.

Unlike oxfords, they have open lacing and side parts sewn over the toe of the boot. The tongue, as a rule, is integral with the front of the boot.


  Bussiness Best:

  • For women: gray, blue or beige suit, white blouse, shirt, tie possible, flesh-colored transparent stockings, shoes in black or suit color, low heels (3-5 cm).


Btr (Business Traditional) or Undress: "traditional business attire" or "casual wear." Bt  - traditional business style - a plain or combined suit for men, a dress-jacket and a trouser suit for women for work in the office;
  • Possible events: business meeting.
  • clothing: regular business suit


White tie, Ultra-formal (Cravate blanche - fr.) - WT: "white tie." The most formal men's suit for a gala event, the most rigorous secular dress code. Its rules are unchanged from the 50s of the twentieth century.

  • Possible events: evening reception at the president, the marriage of the ambassador, a ball, presentation of the prize, etc.
  • Men clothes: dress coat with a white bow tie, patent leather shoes and a pocket watch. The vest must be white and in no case black, otherwise you may be mistaken for a waiter. White gloves are welcome.
  • Woman clothes: full evening toilet: evening dress "on the floor" is quite conservative in restrained colors, preferably gloves (depending on the length of the sleeve - so that the hand would be hidden as much as possible), stilettos and a tiny evening bag. On the shoulders you can throw a fur cape or bolero. Jewelry made of precious stones, preferably diamonds. It is impossible: loose hair, make-up a la naturel, you need an evening hairstyle and make-up, bare hands

Black Tie (Cravate noire - fr.): "black tie" - BT  - official Black tie  - the second most stringent dress code, formal evening wear, including a tuxedo.
  • Possible events: an official evening reception, such as Christmas, or a wedding, a theater premiere, etc.
  • Men clothes: obliges the man to a tuxedo (to which, unlike the dress coat, black butterflies wear), a sash and black, not lacquered lace-up shoes.
  • Woman clothes: A cocktail dress, but the length should be below the knee, or a long evening dress. Ornaments are permissible from semiprecious stones or expensive jewelry, the absence of furs is permissible. Avant-garde designer dresses, boots and hats are not welcome. Shoes are just shoes.


Formal: "formal evening event" - formal evening event. Usually means the same as the dress code of Black Tie, but sometimes it may imply a more fashionable look, creative approach.
  • Possible events: similar to Black Tie.
  • Men clothes: Dark gray / navy blue tuxedo (preferable) or dark formal suit with a tie, white plain shirt and silk low-key tie.
  • Woman clothes: a cocktail dress or Coco Chanel’s little black dress, a long dress or an evening set of separate items (for example, a perfect tailored trouser suit or a strict skirt with a jacket). Sandals and catchy decorations are excluded.

: "black tie is welcome".
  • Possible events: a dinner party in a pathos restaurant, a corporate banquet, a family celebration with a large number of guests, etc. If we are talking about a cocktail, we usually mean an evening, but not too solemn event, usually with drinks and a buffet table.
  • Men clothes: with this designation it is better to wear a classic tuxedo.
  • Woman clothes: cocktail dress, long dress, elegant suit.


: "black tie is optional".
  • Possible events:
  • Men's Clothing:  Tuxedo can be replaced with a dark suit with a tie.
  • Woman's clothes:  cocktail dress, evening dresses (separate items of clothing that are not part of the set), elegant costume.


: "black tie, creative".
  • Possible events:  similar to Black Tie Invited Dress Code.
  • Men's Clothing:  this dress-code implies a wider field for the interpretation of a formal suit, fashionable novelties are acceptable. Tuxedo with unconventional accessories or unconventional colors. If in doubt, wear a classic tuxedo with a motley, but not “clownish” vest, or an informal tuxedo with a dark shirt without a tie.
  • Woman's clothes:  a long or short dress or evening set, for example, a lace or sequined skirt combined with a thin cashmere sweater.


Cocktail Attire: Cocktail. Lightweight version of the official dress code.
  • Possible events:: similar to Black Tie Invited.
  • Men's Clothing: involves a dark suit, shirt, tie or even the absence thereof.
  • Woman's clothes:  a cocktail dress, a suit with a skirt or trousers, or a little black dress and a string of pearls. However, do not wear a complete set: earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Semi-formal: "semi-formal". The most tricky dress code. It seems to allow freedom, but strictly in accordance with the event.
  • Possible events:  similar to Black Tie Invited.
  • For a man:  usually a tuxedo is optional. For events after 18-00, preference should be given to a dark suit. Until this time, let's say a regular suit with a tie.
  • For woman:  after 18-00 it is better to wear a dress for cocktails (long - not welcome). Until this time, let’s say a smart suit or a day, but smart dress. Defiant frankness not allowed


A5 (After Five): "after five". Such a designation may be supplemented by others, for example. Otherwise, A5 means" Cocktail".
  • Possible events:  any evening event starting after 17-00. Concert, theater, business dinner, cocktail.
  • Clothing for men:a costume is supposed, not necessarily a business one. Any colors, a tie is optional.
  • Clothing for women:cocktail dress or elegant separates, for example, an open embroidered top and a skirt. As an option - an elegant suit with a skirt or trousers.


A5c (After 5 casual) or Dressy Casual: (after five in the evening).
  • Possible events:  similar to A5.
  • Men's Clothing:  casual should not be misleading. This is not about worn jeans, but about trendy and trendy clothes from designers or well-known brands, regardless of whether you wear a smart jacket or a silk turtleneck. If in doubt, put on a regular business suit with a smart shirt without a tie.
  • Woman's clothes:  it is better to choose an elegant feminine suit or elegant day dress.

Casual:   - free clothing style. This is the only dress code that allows jeans, with the exception of ripped jeans.
  • Possible events:  corporate party, such as a picnic, etc. For nightly entertainment, parties, clubs, without going beyond the decent.
  • Clothing:  the nature of the event should always be taken into account. In some cases, it is better to dress elegantly than at ease. A casual form of clothing is welcomed: new jeans or other trousers, expensive sneakers or shoes, a good sweater or shirt, suit, preferably in dark colors, but a different color is also allowed.


Informal: "informally"   - means the same as "casual".

Ce  - governing casual style Casual executive - conditionally laid-back - An expensive, elitist style of clothing for large executives, but not a business suit. In a way, this is an invitation for business people to show how restrained and solid they can be even in a situation where they are invited to forget about conventions. Clothing in casual style should be casual, but extremely neat and effective.

Casual travel - laid back for travel  - Male dress code, usually indicated on invitations to the racetrack. It includes a poplin shirt, a pearl-gray vest with five buttons, a plain tie, a jacket made of wool flannel and trousers with an arrow.

Cm  - common casual style Casual mainstream  -Casual casual style in the office or at social events. Each company has its own nuances, for example, somewhere it is allowed to wear a jacket with jeans, in some corporations they require a strict suit and tie.

In America, in business circles there is such a thing as safe choice. For business meetings - meetings within the framework of one corporation, which are not attended by partners from outside, it is permissible to come in a pullover, worn over a shirt.