Party Hard: Best Outfit Ideas for Receptions and Parties

Section: Dressing for the Occasion - Blog

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Formal, semi-formal, business casual or casual - who can remember all those dress codes? Deciding if certain events are formal or casual is not as simple as one could wish.

Get-togethers, cocktail parties, and receptions are events with respective dress codes increasing in their level of formality. Complicating matters further, casual receptions and formal get-togethers are not unheard of either. Therefore, dressing for each depends on the situation; here's what you need to know to be properly attired at any event.

Dressing for Get-togethers

Get-togethers are usually more relaxed, comfortable social events. These are loosely planned since most of the attendants know each other and share a common bond, too. For such parties, the dress code can vary from casual to business casual.

Your safest option? Check with the host or hostess for tips on how to dress appropriately, but if unable to contact them, you are always well dressed in a men’s business suit. If need be, you can lose the jacket and tie, unbutton the top button of the shirt, and roll your sleeves up for an Avant garde look.

Cocktail Party Attire

Typically, cocktail parties are planned events where many of the guests are strangers. Therefore, these usually call for dress codes with higher levels of formality as people meet and greet and make new friends. It is at these parties that judgments and assessments are made, business deals proposed and started, and business cards liberally distributed.

The dress code for these parties ranges from business casual to black tie optional.Tailor made men's suits or tuxedoes are always appropriate for these occasions. Depending on the formality of the occasion, you might jazz up your look with a statement making tie or other accessory.

Reception Dress Codes

While receptions may be informal events, if the event is for an occasion such as “receiving” the new couple / new company president / new child and so forth, then they can be forma. Thus, upgrading your appearance to semiformal or black tie is a smart move.

When in doubt, always refer to the invitation’s stated dress code or confer with the party host for instructions on appropriate attire. It is always better to be a little over dressed rather than underdressed for receptions and parties, because you never get a second chance to make a good first impression or so the old saying goes.

If you need some fresh ideas for ways to update your image for the next party or reception, call our showroom today toset an appointment for a personal styling session.

Original idea for article from Antonio Centeno, author of the internet's most actionable men's style guide. We recommend a read!

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