What To Wear If The Invitation Says...

"Black tie optional." "Smart casual." These and other terms on party invitations are intended to tell the recipient what is appropriate to wear for the occasion, but they are just as likely to raise questions. For hosts and hostesses, then more thoughtful approach is to stick with the standard categories (business casual, semi-formal, black tie and white tie) and to use ambiguous terms (sport casual, smart casual and dressy casual) only when an explanation is supplied. This chart includes traditional as well as current dress notations:

White Tie

Men. Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid, while pique wing-collared shirt with stiff front, white vest and white bow tie; white or gray gloves; black patent shoes and black socks.

Women. Formal evening gown

Black Tie

Men. Black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, formal (pique or pleated-front) white shirt, black (silk, shiny satin, or twill) bow tie, black cummerbund to match tie, dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional); black patent shoes and black dress socks; no gloves. In summer or on a cruise: may have white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers, plus other black tie wardrobe.

Women. Formal evening dress or short, dressy cocktail dress.

     Black Tie Optional

Men. Either a tuxedo (see "Black Tie" above) or dark suite with white shirt, conservative tie. 

Women. Formal evening dress; short, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates.

Creative Black Tie

Men. Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund; black patent or dressy black leather shoes and black dress socks.

Women.  Formal evening gown, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates; any of these accessorized with items such as an ostrich-feather boa, a colorful brooch, or and elegant shawl.

Semiformal

Men. Dark, dressy business-type suit (usually worsted wool), with or without a matching vest, white shirt, conservative tie; dressy leather shoes and dress socks. 

Women. Short afternoon or cocktail dress or long, dressy skirt and top.

Festive Attire

Men. Slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, open-collar shirt, perhaps a holiday-theme tie.

Women. Short cocktail dress or long, dressy skirt and top or dressy pants outfit.

Dressy Casual

Men. Slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer, open-collar shirt.  

Women. Street-length dress, skirt and nice top, or dressy pants outfit.

Business Casual

Men. Khakis or slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer, open-collar shirt.

Women. Khakis or slacks, skirt, open-collar shirt or knit shirt, sweater.

Sport Casual

Men. Khakis or jeans; nice tee, polo, or casual button-down-the-front shirt.

Women. Khakis or jeans; nice tee, polo, or casual button-down-the-front shirt.

Beach Casual

Men. Khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda), knit shirt, sport jacket optional.

Women. Sundress or khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda), open-collar shirt or knit shirt, lightweight jacket or sweater.

Holiday Casual

Clothing is the same as for "Business Casual" with some holiday colors or designs. Just be careful not to overdo.