Depending on what part of the country you live in dress codes vary across the nation. Below are two different codes. (Men should be careful not to remove their jackets at White Tie and Black Tie affairs.) So that there is no confusion about proper dress, the following definitions of modes of dress are offered: Dress is designated by the man's apparel, as women's styles are more subject to change ....
White Tie - A very formal evening affair. Men normally wear tails and white tie. Ladies traditional wear long gowns.
Black Tie - Tuxedo or Dark suit. During the summer a white dinner jacket may be substituted. Ladies do not need a long gown.
Dressy Casual - Sports coat; tie is optional.
Casual - Very few restrictions.
Black Tie- Means formal. Men wear Tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dressy or dressy evening separates.
White Tie - Means Ultra-Formal. Men wear full dress, white tie, vest, shirt and cummerbund. Women wear long gowns.
Formal - Usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Ultra Formal- Mean White Tie. Mean wear full dress,, white tie, vest, shirt and cummerbund. Women wear long gowns.
Black Tie Opt - Means you have the option of wearing a Tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Black Tie Invited-Means you have the option of wearing a Tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Creative Black Tie - Leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates (maybe 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 en 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.