If you’ve been invited to an event that has a specific dress code and you’re not sure exactly what it is, you’re in the right place! Getting all dressed up is really exciting, so we’re here to take the stress out of it so you know exactly what you’re looking for when you start shopping. So, let’s get into it and help you to learn about three of the main womens formal dress dress codes you should know about!

Cocktail

First up we have the cocktail dress code, which is basically a combination of formal and fun! It is quite standard for evening weddings and parties, where you don’t have to be super formal and wear a floor length dress, but you still need to go dressy!

A cocktail outfit would either be a formal jumpsuit or a dress that is just above or below the knee. You could go for something bright and bold like a floral cocktail dress, or keep things simple and sophisticated with one of your favourite  little black dresses.

The good thing about cocktail is that there aren’t too many rules. Avoid any casual shoes at all costs, making sure you stick to either heels or smart flats. If you want to try something a bit different with your hair and makeup, cocktail events are the time to do it!

Black Tie

Next we have black tie, which is a step up on the formal scale from cocktail. A black tie event almost always calls for a floor length dress, so this is the way to go. A more fitted silhouette is more appropriate for black tie as opposed to something bigger like a ballgown.

Bold patterns are rare when it comes to black tie, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid colour completely. You could choose floor length blue dresses to bring your personality forward to the dress, or go super simple and sleek with a black or white dress. Then, go a bit bolder with your accessories. With a stunning black tie dress, you can keep your makeup and hair pretty simple, with a red lip and classic Hollywood waves always being a winner.

White Tie

Last but not least, we have white tie, the most formal of all the dress codes! This is again a floor length dress for women, but as formal as you can go. Ballgowns are definitely on the cards here, and often long white gloves are also worn. A fur mantle is also common. You would rarely see hair down completely loose at a white tie event, so it should either be partially styled up or a complete up do. You shouldn’t take risks when it comes to a white tie dress, just keep things simple and experiment with a bit of texture to show off your personality in the dress. White tie events are a once in a life time experience for many people, so spend time getting your outfit right and you’ll look back at the pictures forever!