Dress Codes
Dress Code Library
Decode the wording before you decide what to wear. Start with the comparison chart for the full spectrum, or jump straight to the dress code on your invitation.
All Dress Codes Guides
Casual Attire Explained
Casual attire means relaxed, clean, everyday clothing that looks intentional rather than dressy. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Smart Casual Explained
Smart casual is polished casual: relaxed enough to feel comfortable, but noticeably more intentional than everyday clothes. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Business Casual Explained
Business casual is professional clothing without the full formality of a traditional suit-and-tie workplace. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Cocktail Attire Explained
Cocktail attire is polished party clothing: dressier than business wear, but normally below full formal or black-tie eveningwear. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Semi-Formal Attire Explained
Semi-formal is clearly dressy and usually sits between cocktail and formal on the formality scale. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Formal Attire Explained
Formal attire calls for elegant event clothing, typically more elevated than cocktail or semi-formal but not always as strict as black tie. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Black Tie Optional Explained
Black tie optional means black tie is welcome, but an especially polished dark suit or equivalent formal outfit is also acceptable. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Black Tie Explained
Black tie is one of the most formal common social dress codes and normally calls for tuxedo-level or formal evening attire. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Cocktail vs. Semi-Formal: What Is the Difference?
Cocktail and semi-formal overlap, but semi-formal usually sits a little higher and more traditional on the formality scale. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Dressy Casual Explained
Dressy casual means you should look noticeably put together while remaining relaxed and approachable. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Beach Formal Explained
Beach formal is dressy event clothing adapted to an outdoor coastal setting—not ordinary beachwear. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Festive Attire Explained
Festive attire means dressy party clothing with more personality, color, texture, or sparkle than ordinary cocktail or business wear. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Elevated Casual Explained
Elevated casual is a polished version of everyday clothing: relaxed in shape and comfort, but upgraded through fit, fabric, shoes, and finishing details. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Business Professional Attire Explained
Business professional is traditional workplace dress that sits clearly above business casual and usually includes structured tailoring, conservative shoes, and restrained accessories. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Smart Casual vs. Business Casual
Smart casual and business casual overlap, but smart casual is usually more social and style-flexible while business casual is more clearly shaped by workplace expectations. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Garden Party Attire Explained
Garden party attire is polished daytime social clothing that usually feels lighter, brighter, and less rigid than cocktail or formal eveningwear. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.
Dress Code Comparison Chart: Casual to Black Tie
The major dress codes form a practical ladder from casual through smart casual, business casual, cocktail, semi-formal, formal, and black tie. Practical examples and a TooFormal score help you choose the right level.