How to follow a dress code

No-one likes to appear at an event overdressed or, worse still, under-dressed. Here’s how to decipher the meaning behind a dress code.

According to Sir Hardy Amies, a British authority on menswear, correct dressing says a lot about a man's character. “Correct dressing is only another form of good manners,” he writes, “and good manners are only another form of mental comfort.”

Put yourself at ease at your next social engagement by following our dress code guide:

Casual
If the event invite says casual, this generally indicates that this is an informal occasion and anything goes. This includes jeans, sneakers, shorts, sandals etc. But just because it’s relaxed doesn’t mean you’re allowed to wear your oldest running shoes and worn-out tracksuit pants. Rather sport your best pair of cargo shorts, a V-neck T-shirt and your favourite Converse All Stars to project a casual yet cool vibe.

Smart-Casual
This is a dressier form of casual and calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks which means jeans, T-shirts and shorts won’t crack the nod. Rather opt for pair of long khaki pants, a collared golf shirt, smart shoes or loafers and a cardigan or sport coat.

Formal
A formal dress code can be the most daunting of all codes for a man to interpret. As a general rule, formal means the same as black tie. In this case you would go all out and wear a tuxedo. However, depending on the occasion and social norms, formal refers to a black tux with no tie.

If you're still in doubt about what to wear, you're free to contact your host or hostess to confirm the expected attire. And remember, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed: as Amies points out, it is easier for an overdressed man to loosen his tie than an under-dressed man to change his clothes.

Source: About.com