Dress Codes for Parties: Styles for Every Occasion

Have you been invited to the Kentucky Derby, or a viewing party for it, and you have no idea what to wear? Are you old hat at derbies, but you’re looking to refresh your derby wardrobe? Regardless, we have you covered. Derby attire may seem like an intimidating dress code or party theme, but luckily, there’s lots of room for fun. One of the hallmarks of derby fashion is that it matches timelessness with a modern twist and makes lots of room for whimsy, from the typical color schemes to the glamorous hats.  In our style guide, we break down the ins and outs of derby attire and give you a few outfit ideas to help you get started on your research. Let’s dive in!  Where Did Derby Attire Come From? Generally, when the phrase “derby attire” comes up, it’s in reference to the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby has had a specific aesthetic since its inception in the 1870s. Taking place in Louisville (Kentucky, obviously) in the spring, derby fashion is influenced heavily by timeless Southern styles and the season; think seersucker, pastels, and linen.  Derby attire can incorporate current trends with these influences, and attendees are encouraged to play with silhouettes for a whimsical vibe. As for a dress code, the Kentucky Derby doesn’t have one, but the general expectation is to dress to impress.  Other derbies may have different expectations for derby attire, ranging from a casual vibe to something closer to a cocktail dress code. Before attending your derby, you’ll want to consult the website to ensure you choose something appropriate.  Derby Attire Outfit Ideas  Looking for some inspiration for your derby attire outfit? Whether you’ve got a ticket to the Kentucky Derby or you’re headed to a derby-themed party, here are our top derby attire outfit ideas Short Solid-Color Dresses as Derby Attire A shorter cocktail-style dress can be perfect for the warm afternoon of the derby. If you’re planning on attending the Kentucky Derby, you may want to go for a dress that hits at least the knee for comfort. If you’re attending a viewing party, a shorter dress can definitely work.  Short Printed Dresses as Derby Attire When you’re going with a short printed dress as derby attire, you may want to consider sticking with the pastel color scheme. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, incorporate a jewel tone or a darker color in your print.  Midi Dresses as Derby Attire The midi sheath dress is a classic choice for the Kentucky Derby, since the hemline offers springtime sophistication. Pastels balance the structured elegance of the sheath look, and a matching big hat adds a touch of whimsy. If you tend to get chilly, pair this look with a cardigan or cape.  Maxi Dresses as Derby Attire Longer dresses aren’t as common at the Kentucky Derby, but they can still fit right in, especially in a printed pastel. Be sure that your dress is the correct length with the shoes you plan on wearing so you avoid tripping over your gown.  Rompers as Derby Attire Rompers can be a great choice for any springtime or summertime derby. For a Kentucky Derby vibe, go with pastels; for a lower-key derby experience choose a neutral for easier accessorizing or a bold color to stand out.  Two Piece Sets as Derby Attire A two piece set with a cropped top may turn some heads at a Kentucky Derby party. This look can also be perfect for derbies with a less-elevated dress code, especially in the warmer-weather months. Suits as Derby Attire Pastel suits are a classic Kentucky Derby choice, especially in sky blue. Linen is a great choice for these suits (as long as you don’t mind the wrinkles you’ll get from sitting) since it’s light and breathable for the spring weather.  Accessorizing Your Derby Attire One of the cornerstones of Kentucky Derby attire is a big hat that goes with the rest of your outfit. This is in part to help attendees with the sun during the afternoon, but they’ve also become really iconic for their aesthetic alone. For an outfit that truly screams Kentucky Derby, definitely keep your headwear in mind.  Since derbies take place during the afternoon, even if you’re not attending the Kentucky Derby, consider a hat or another form of sun protection to keep yourself comfortable. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses can make or break your viewing experience.  You’ll also want to be careful about your shoe choice, since the event takes place outside and you may be sitting in bleachers. Cute flats that complement your look will be the most comfortable choice, but if you’d rather wear heels, you may want to choose wedges or a thick block heel to avoid any missteps.  What to Avoid Wearing to a Derby  When it comes to what to avoid wearing to a derby or derby party, you’ll generally want to avoid going way too formal or way too casual. For the Kentucky Derby (or a Kentucky Derby-influenced party), dressing whimsically but to impress is the name of the game.  Avoid any clothes that are stained, torn, or overly casual, like jeans. You’ll also want to keep the ball gown and tuxedo at home, unless you’re really looking to turn heads.  When choosing your derby (or derby party) outfit, you’ll also want to consider how comfortable it is to sit in for a long period of time. Along with this, select shoes you feel comfortable moving in at the venue where your derby takes place, and avoid shoes that make you feel wobbly.  Is There a Difference Between Derby Attire for Kentucky Derby and Derby Attire for a Party?  In short, not really. Generally, derby-themed parties reference the quirky dress code that the Kentucky Derby offers, so anything that you would wear to the Kentucky Derby, you can wear to a derby-themed party.  Going to an indoor viewing party does have the added bonus of attendees not having to worry as much about practical accessories like sun protection. However, a big, glamorous hat can be fun and pull together your outfit.  If your viewing party is for a different derby, you’ll want to look at the dress code provided or talk to the organizers about specifics.  Dressing for Your Derby Dreams A dress code like derby attire can be a bit stressful to navigate, especially if it’s not something you’re used to dressing for. However, an offbeat dress code can also offer an opportunity for fun experimentation and personal style development! When in doubt, take pointers from our guide, do a little derby fashion research, and create a moodboard so you can put together a look that reflects your personal style.   

It’s always nice to be invited to a party, but it always begs the question: what should I wear? If you’ve been invited to a party and you’re not sure what to wear to it, we’re here to help.  Below, we break down party attire ideas by dress code, theme, and occasion so you can always look your best.  What Is Considered Party Attire?  Party attire can mean a lot of different things, though what should guide you the most is the dress code or theme, if there is one. If the invitation doesn’t list either, take a look at the venue and the time of the event to get a hint on what to wear.  As for what to avoid wearing, you’ll want to keep it classy, even if the dress code is more casual. Don’t wear anything you wouldn’t wear anywhere else in public (a stained shirt, for instance), and remember to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident for socializing. You may also want to avoid overly-formal attire for a casual party, unless you’re looking to make an entrance. Party Attire Ideas Based on Dress Code  Below, we dive into outfit ideas for some of the most popular party dress codes.  Formal Party Attire When you get invited to a formal party, it’s the perfect chance to break out a full-length gown (or even a ball gown, if it’s a white tie event).  When you’re choosing a gown, remember that the darker the color, the more formal it is, so for an ultra-formal event, go with black or a very deep color and avoid prints. For formal events that aren’t quite so serious, you can go with a jewel tone.  Semi Formal Party Attire The semi formal dress code is a step down from a formal dress code. These parties allow for a printed dress, a shorter hemline, or a pastel color scheme (though depending on the event, you may want to avoid doing more than one of these at once).  A semi formal party can also be a great place for a jumpsuit or a two-piece set, since there’s a little more room in this dress code for experimentation.  Casual Party Attire Even though casual party attire is the most laid-back dress code, it can be one of the more difficult ones to discern. For a casual party, you’ll want to keep the venue in mind; is this a graduation barbecue at a friend’s house, or is this taking place at a country club?  If the party calls for casual attire but you’re celebrating a milestone or you’re at a more elevated venue, it’s smart to stick with a business casual look so you don’t appear underdressed. If the party is a very casual gathering of friends or family during the summer, you can get away with everyday clothing items like jeans.  Party Attire Ideas Based on Theme Theme parties remain popular, and with the rise of virtual mood boards, themes are getting more specific than ever. Here are some of the most popular party themes and outfit ideas to wear to them.  Color-Related Theme  For a party centered around a specific color, you’ll want to wear a monochrome outfit of that color. Popular choices include all-white parties and baby showers in pink or blue, but there is a ton of inspiration out there for party themes that include neons, jewel tones, and even metallics.  You can’t go wrong with a basic cocktail dress for a party like this, but you’ll want to check for any other dress code hints on the invitation; phrases like “masquerade ball” may indicate that it’s more formal.  Under the Sea Theme Under the Sea themed parties are pretty straightforward; you’ll want to take inspiration from the ocean, though that doesn’t mean you have to dress like a mermaid. Think flowing fabrics in blues, greens, and even a dash of purple, complete with a bit of shimmer. Accessorize your look with jewelry featuring shells or other sea creatures to really lean into the theme!  Backyard Cookout A backyard cookout is on the more casual side of things. Since these usually take place during the summer, a sundress or romper can be a really effortless way of looking put together while still being comfortable.  For an extra dose of glamour, try a big sun hat; this has the added bonus of more sun protection during the afternoon hours.  Awards Season Party Many people host viewing parties for events like the Oscars. These parties can be a bit on the formal side if the invitation’s dress code calls for it, so feel free to go all out if that’s the case. For a more toned-down gathering, a cocktail dress featuring lots of sparkles or an interesting neckline like a one shoulder dress can be red-carpet worthy.  When choosing any outfit for this type of party, remember that you’ll likely be sitting for a bit of it, so keep comfort in mind.  Flapper/Gatsby Themes These themes both call back to the Roaring ‘20s. For a flapper look, you’ll want to go with something that has fringe. Dresses were the most common for flappers, but you don’t have to stick with that to still be on theme. Fringed co-ords or rompers can still be flapper fabulous.  As for Gatsby parties, these take the same influences from ‘20s fashion, but you can really lean into the opulence and sparkles and fit right in.  Throwback Night The style of outfit that you choose for throwback night will depend on the era listed on the invitation. For 80s-inspired attire, think full skirts and bright neons. For a 90s vibe, you’ll want to zero in on moodier looks.  Don’t be afraid to do some research beforehand and put together a moodboard of your findings so you can choose a look while still staying true to your personal style.  Western Theme  Finally, country music is having a moment right now, and with that comes the popularity of Western parties. You’ll want to think chaps, fringe, vests, flannel, and of course, cowboy boots.  If your party is a more glamorous take on the Western theme (“Denim and Diamonds” is another popular choice), choose bejeweled or sequined Western pieces. You also can’t go wrong with going against the traditional Western color palette and stunning in a pink cowboy hat!  Party Attire Ideas Based on Occasion Some of the most common parties that we get invites to center on a specific occasion on the calendar. For party attire inspiration based on the occasion, check out our list below:  Halloween Party Attire Halloween party attire will generally be a Halloween costume. You can either wear the costume you plan on wearing on Halloween itself, an older costume, or put together something new for the party. Don’t be afraid to DIY; some of the most creative costumes can come from your closet!  If you’re not into Halloween costumes, you can go with a Halloween-inspired look in orange, purple, black, or some combination of those colors.  Holiday Party Attire Red, green, or metallics tend to be the most popular color choices for festive holiday parties, and it’s a great excuse to add on the sparkles.  Unless it’s a formal event, you can’t go wrong with a cocktail dress for most holiday parties. If the shortened hemline makes you nervous for a professional event, a suit in a festive color with a standout blouse can be a great choice. Add some sparkling jewelry, a brooch, or a dazzling pair of shoes to boost the festive vibe.  New Year's Eve Party Metallics and black are usually the top color scheme for New Year's Eve parties. You can either choose a metallic that you love, slay in a black dress paired with some gorgeous jewelry, or go with a look that incorporates everything. New Year's Eve is all about decadence, so don’t worry too much about being extra!  If you don’t vibe with metallics or black and prefer to ring in the new year with an outfit in your favorite color, go for it!  A Great Outfit Is the First Step to a Great Party Now that you have an idea for what to wear to your next party, it’s time to start researching! Don’t be afraid to consult your loved ones and do some experimenting; you might end up finding your next favorite piece!  

Weddings are super happy occasions, though trying to figure out what to wear to them can be overwhelming. On top of this, the cocktail attire dress code can be notoriously unclear, especially if you don’t have any other instructions, which can make your attire options and shopping all the more confusing.  In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion around wedding cocktail attire, so you can focus on getting psyched for the big day. Plus, we’ll offer a few outfit ideas to help you start your wedding guest attire research.  What Is Cocktail Attire?  Cocktail attire hits a balance between semi formal and semi casual. In terms of the vibe, think attire that you could wear to an upscale restaurant and still feel like you fit in. Cocktail dresses are probably what comes to mind first when you think about cocktail attire (rightfully so), but suits and jumpsuits also fit the bill.  Cocktail attire for other events tends to be a little less formal than cocktail attire for a wedding, so do keep this in mind when choosing a wedding outfit.  What Is Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?  As we said, cocktail attire for a wedding is pretty much the same as the cocktail attire dress code, but you’ll want to go more formal when in doubt. The longer the dress, the simpler it should be, though, to avoid upstaging anyone. A print can work wonders for this – we’ll get more into that later.  For a daytime wedding, you can play with lighter colors, but still keep your look elevated. For an evening wedding, you’ll want to stick to darker hues.  Wedding Attire to Avoid The main things to avoid when dressing for a wedding are anything that looks like a wedding dress, the color white, and the color the wedding party is wearing (especially the couple getting married!) Black used to be a taboo color, and red can also be dicey. While black isn’t as unpopular as it used to be, definitely check with the organizers before going with it.  If the organizers have requested that you wear a certain color, certainly make sure you do.  Be mindful not to have your attire be too flashy so as to keep from upstaging the couple and their ceremony.  And, of course, do dress to the dress code: No jeans, no T-shirts, and only dressy sandals.  Cocktail Wedding Attire Ideas Now that we’ve covered the basics of what cocktail attire is for a wedding, we can dive into some outfit ideas.  Cocktail Dress  Cocktail dresses are a classic choice for this dress code. To ensure that your cocktail dress is formal enough for the wedding, you’ll likely want to stick with a solid color. Do try on your dress beforehand to be certain that the hemline is long enough to be appropriate.  Midi or Tea-Length Dress These dresses are practically made for a cocktail attire wedding. The slight crop of the hemline tones down the formality of the full-length design, making it great to dance in and still adding an air of elegance.  Long Solid-Colored Dress  Long solid-colored dresses are perfect for evening weddings, especially in a darker color. When you’re looking at a long dress for a cocktail attire wedding, you’ll want to opt for a simpler design to avoid being too flashy.  Printed Long Dress The print on these dresses brings down the formality of the length, making them a great option for a daytime wedding. Florals complement a spring or summer event (June is the most popular time for weddings because of the weather) and are a classic wedding guest look.   Jumpsuit  If you’re not that into dresses but still want to give a sense of glamour, a jumpsuit can get you there. As a bonus, jumpsuits tend to be very comfortable and easy to move around in, so you can dance the night away!  Suit  Suits can have a little variety, too! You can do a lighter color suit for a daytime wedding, especially one taking place in a garden. Darker colors are expected for an evening event. Add a pop of color with your tie or shirt choice.  Is There a Difference Between Semi Formal and Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?  These dress codes tend to be used interchangeably, though cocktail attire for a wedding leaves room for slightly less formal looks than a semi-formal dress code.  Can You Wear Cocktail Attire to Both the Ceremony and Reception? Yes, and generally, you’ll want to choose an outfit that feels good for both. Changing midway through the event can be stressful, and others may find it distracting. If you know the reception will have a party atmosphere, consider choosing a look that can transition from a more formal ceremony moment to the party by removing some accessories. If the reception is on a different day or at a different location from the ceremony, feel free to have a secondary outfit. You will likely get dress code instructions for both events.  Will Other Wedding-Related Events Require Cocktail Attire?  This is something you’ll want to talk to the organizers about, especially if there aren’t clear dress code instructions on the invite.  Generally, you won’t have to dress with quite the amount of formality for these events as you would for a wedding, but do keep the venue in mind. For instance, if the bridal shower is taking place at a fancy restaurant, you may want to get a second cocktail attire-appropriate look.  For these events, you won’t want to wear what you plan on wearing to the wedding. You’ll also want to keep in mind any color-related faux pas. Wearing the same color as the wedding party to the rehearsal dinner won’t be the biggest deal, but you definitely will want to steer clear of white (or any color you’re instructed to avoid) out of respect.  What Is Cocktail Attire for a Wedding? Your Questions, Answered Figuring out what to wear to a cocktail attire wedding can be a little tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. When in doubt, ask the organizers or get some opinions on your outfit shortlist from your loved ones. For a more formal dress code, check out our guide on black tie weddings.