Dressing for a formal event can be confusing, especially if you’ve never been to an event with a formal dress code before. It’s important to keep in mind the basics of formal outfits when selecting what to wear and to consider certain aspects of your formal event, such as the location and season when it is being held. Our style guide will help you better understand formal dress codes and give you ideas for what to wear to a formal event.
What Is a Formal Dress Code?
Formal dress codes can include semi-formal, formal, and black-tie events. It’s important to pay attention to any specific dress code that is given for an event, as formal events may have masquerade themes or other fun themes you should tailor your outfit to.
In general, formal and black-tie dress codes for women include floor-length gowns or knee-length gowns and accessories like gloves, shawls, and high heels. Black tie events are slightly dressier than formal, and you will likely not see any knee-length gowns when it comes to these events.
Semi-formal is a step down from formal, and dressier cocktail dresses are generally appropriate for this dress code. For most formal events, you can expect one of these dress codes or the general ‘formal’ dress code that allows for knee-length or floor-length dresses, less revealing cocktail dresses, and suits or tuxedos for men.
Style Ideas for a Formal Event
If you want to know what to wear to a formal event, review our outfit ideas below. We list appropriate formal outfit ideas for both men and women to help you get started with selecting the best outfit.
Formal event outfit ideas for women:
- Floor-length gowns
- Knee-length gowns
- A dressy cocktail dress
- A well-tailored pantsuit
Formal event outfit ideas for men:
- Dark suits
- Dress pants with a collared shirt and vest
- Tuxedo
Keep in mind that the outfit you select should be well-fitting, not too revealing, and flattering. Formal dresses in general are more modest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t select something that shows off your best features in a tasteful way.
Always consider the type of formal event you are attending, such as a wedding or a gala, to make sure that you select an appropriate color and style of formal outfit.
What Accessories Can I Wear to a Formal Event?
Formal events generally call for more upscale accessories, and jewelry or other accessory items tend to be more understated. Simple necklaces, earrings, and hair ornaments may all be appropriate for a formal event, as will gloves, shawls, and jackets, depending on the weather. You can match your formal event outfit with a pair of high heels or a dressy pair of flats.
For men, cuff links, bow ties, ties, and lapel pins are all appropriate accessories for formal outfits.
Where Can I Buy a Formal Dress?
Purchasing a formal dress can be equally overwhelming when you start looking at your outfit options. We recommend searching in a local boutique store, your local mall, or online to review your options for formal gowns and semi-formal cocktail dresses. The Sherri Hill Collection has both floor-length and shorter formal dresses, and you can browse by size and color online to help you narrow down the selection of dresses you’re sure to love.
Dressing in Style for a Formal Event
Dressing in style for a formal event can often seem confusing, as there are several different outfit possibilities when it comes to the best outfit. It’s important to take into account the specific dress code requirements of the formal event you are attending, the venue, and the season of the year to ensure you find a formal outfit that perfectly fits the occasion.
Review our formal outfit ideas above and browse the Sherri Hill collection for formal dresses that are sure to have you looking your best and turning heads at your next formal event.
