Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (2024)


In order of least formal to most formal, below is a list of some of the most popular men’s dress codes for modern events:

  • Casual
  • Smart Casual
  • Business Casual
  • Business
  • Semi-Formal and co*cktail

To better understand what to wear for each dress code and everyday events that follow them, let’s take a closer look at each of these now.

Men’s Casual Dress Code

Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (1)

What is Men’s Casual Dress Code?

The most relaxed of the dress codes, casual attire is comfortable clothing that you would wear around the house. That being said, although there is nothing formal about this dress code, your clothes should still be clean and presentable.

What are Common Casual Events?

The men’s casual dress code prioritises comfort over anything else. It’s exactly how you imagine it to be—t-shirts, jeans, sweats, and sneakers. Opt for a plain tee and shorts in warmer months for a relaxed and comfortable look. In contrast, a long sleeve top with jeans and a puffer jacket provides warmth and comfort during colder months.

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Men’s Smart Casual Dress Code

Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (2)

What is Men’s Smart Casual Dress Code?

Men's smart casual dress code, or dressy casual, is a step up from everyday casual attire. It involves striking a balance between looking polished without being too casual or formal. You can enhance your casual outfit with a few dressier elements to achieve a successful smart casual look.

What are Common Smart Casual Events?

Smart casual is a popular and versatile dress code suitable for informal events with friends and family. It’s commonly chosen for occasions such as:
  • Social gatherings and parties with friends
  • Dining out at restaurants for lunch or dinner
  • Enjoying evening drinks at a bar
  • Going on date night

What to Wear for a Smart Casual Dress Code?

When putting together a smart casual outfit, it's important to have a few essential pieces. A shirt, whether a long sleeve, short sleeve, or a polo, is a great starting point. You can pair it with chinos, shorts, or dark wash jeans, and add a Merino knit for a polished look. Don't hesitate to experiment with bold prints and patterns when dressing for a smart casual event.
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Men’s Business Casual Dress Code

Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (3)

What is Men’s Business Casual Dress Code?

Business casual, or business professional or corporate casual, is an increasingly popular dress code for many companies. It’s considered more formal than smart casual but less relaxed than corporate business attire. The goal of business casual is to dress slightly less formally than your typical business look. This often provides a more comfortable, relaxed working environment.

What are Common Business Casual Events?

Usually, your workplace will inform you when a business casual dress code is required. However, some common occasions where business casual attire is appropriate include:
  • Afterwork drinks
  • Client lunches or dinners
  • Informal client events
If your workplace hasn’t specified a dress code for the event, it’s better to dress on the smarter side.

What to Wear for a Business Casual Dress Code?


Typically, a business casual dress code requires wearing a collared shirt, such as an Oxford shirt. You can be more creative with colours and prints as long as they don't take away from the overall polished appearance. Pressed trousers or chinos go well with dress shoes or Chelsea boots for this style. To complete the look, add a sports jacket. While you should still tuck in your shirt, wearing a tie is usually optional for men following a business casual dress code.

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    Men’s Business Dress Code

    Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (4)

    What is Men’s Business Dress Code?

    Men’s business dress code, also known as business professional or corporate attire, is what you’d traditionally wear in a professional office setting. In these settings, it’s important to wear the right clothes to leave a positive, lasting impression, whether working with clients or those within the business.

    What are Common Business Events?

    Since you will be wearing men’s business attire during the day in the office, any company event or meeting will likely require this dress code:
    • Meetings with clients and colleagues
    • Company events
    • Networking events
    • Job interviews

    What to Wear for a Business Dress Code?

    Men’s business dress code usually calls for a tailored fit shirt, a two-piece suit, a tie, and dress shoes. This smart and professional look is generally less formal than business formal attire. While subtle stripes and checks are acceptable, many people prefer to stick to classic colours such as blues, whites, greys, and browns when putting together an outfit.
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    Men’s Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code

    Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (5)

    What is Men’s Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code?

    Men’s semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, also known as party and after-five attire, are for special events. Both call for a dressier, sophisticated look, but there are some differences.
    Semi-formal dressing is typically more reserved, focusing on darker colours such as grey, black and blue. co*cktail, on the other hand, is still very formal, although it is more relaxed, allowing people to use more colour and prints in the outfit.


    What are Common Semi-Formal & co*cktail Events?

    Men’s co*cktail and semi-formal dress codes are reserved for only the most special of events:
    • Weddings
    • co*cktail parties
    • Engagement parties
    • Galas, shows and performances

    What to Wear for a Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code?

    For men’s semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, it is typically recommended to wear a suit or tailored pieces. This can include a shirt, chinos or slacks, a sports jacket or blazer, and dress shoes. Opt for a lighter-coloured shirt, like white or light blue, to pair with darker blazers and trousers for a semi-formal event. However, for a co*cktail event, you have the flexibility to choose a more vibrant shirt or suit.Explore more:
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    Whether it's a wedding, drinks at a bar with friends, or a casual day out, it’s important to dress appropriately and leave a good impression. Bookmark this article and check out our full range of menswear at GAZMAN for timeless wardrobe essentials.
        Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (2024)

        FAQs

        What is the most common dress code? ›

        Business casual is the most common dress code in American workplaces, and it can vary based on each workplace. Men typically wear dress pants or khaki pants with collared button-up shirts, and they may also wear a sweater over this shirt. Women can wear business separates and blouses or shirts without collars.

        How many types of dress code are there? ›

        If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual. There are some other in-between dress codes, but these four generally cover the spectrum of what your average American wears to work every day.

        What is the use of dress coding in every occasion? ›

        A dress code is a set of rules, often written, with regards to clothing. Dress codes are created out of social perceptions and norms, and vary based on purpose, circ*mstances, and occasions. Different societies and cultures are likely to have different dress codes, Western dress codes being a prominent example.

        What is dress code answer? ›

        : a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

        What is after 5 dress code? ›

        Semi-formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 pm) would still suggest dark suits for him and a co*cktail or mid-length dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events can mean a suit for him and a (still respectable) short dress or a tailored suit for her.

        How many dress code do we have? ›

        There are four dress codes for the workplace: business formal, business professional, business casual and casual.

        What is the fanciest dress code? ›

        Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

        What is the classy dress code? ›

        Avoid large logos or fake designer pieces. One or two brand names can look classy, but too many can detract from the sophistication you're going for. Focus on structured pieces, like blazers or coats with small shoulder plaids, tailored dresses, and structured pleated skirts.

        Why are girls always dress coded? ›

        At school, young girls' bodies are seen as disruptive to others in the school environment. Around the world, many girls have to adhere to the strict dress code that schools impose on them – no sleeveless clothing, no ripped jeans, and skirts longer than one's fingers.

        What are the clothes for different occasions? ›

        If it's a formal event, opt for elegant attire. If it's a casual event, opt for playful and stylish attire. Complement the venue: Take cues from the venue and choose an outfit that complements the setting. For example, if it's an outdoor event, opt for lightweight fabrics and breathable outfits.

        What is a smart elegant dress code? ›

        Definition of 'smart elegant' dress code is dark suit or blazer & dress pants for men. So, definitely, not a jeans and a shirt.

        What are the four types of dress codes for the workplace? ›

        The four most common types of workplace dress codes are business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual. It's important to dress appropriately, keep it clean and neat, and avoid offensive clothing. Dress codes can affect employee morale, productivity, and the company's image and reputation.

        What is the smart casual dress code? ›

        A smart casual dress code refers to a desired style of dress that is more kempt than casual and less flashy than formal. Finding the right balance between comfortable and fashionable is tricky, but most people can likely create a smart casual outfit based on what they already own.

        What is the main purpose of dress code? ›

        Dress codes are made to set as guidelines on the proper clothes you should wear in school. For some, it may feel that their freedom of expression is being restricted by these, understand that it's not the purpose of the dress code. Dress codes are implemented to teach you value discipline, respect, and obedience.

        What are most school dress codes? ›

        GAO estimated that 93% of school districts have some kind of dress code or policy, though not all of them are considered "strict." More than 90% of those rules prohibit clothing typically worn by female students: items such as “halter or strapless tops,” “skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh,” and “yoga pants or any ...

        What is inappropriate dress code? ›

        Clothing should be clean - no torn, dirty or excessively wrinkled items. Clothing with offensive or distracting words or pictures would remain out of the workplace. Overly revealing apparel exposing too much skin or undergarments is also inappropriate in the workplace.

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