Many dances request that their attendees honor a certain dress code when attending the dance. Beginning dancers are often unfamiliar with what a certain dress code requires and ask for advice as to what they should be wearing to a dance. The following is an explanation of various dress codes that are common to different dance events. (WV Dance thanks the Cambridge Ohio Area Social Dance Club for these explanations.)
Ultra-formal means White Tie. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
White Tie means ultra-formal. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some larger cities it could mean a black shirt, no tie, with a tuxedo. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Black Tie means formal. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Black Tie Optional means men have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Black Tie Invited means men have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Men can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek cashmere sweater).
Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
Dressy Casual usually means no jeans or shorts. Similar to business casual, but a tad dressier.
Casual generally means anything goes.
Informal can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.
