Common Types of Dress Codes & Occasions Explained (2024)

In order of least formal to most formal, below is a list of some of the most popular men’s dress codes for modern events:

Casual
Smart Casual
Business Casual
Business
Semi-Formal and co*cktail

To better understand what to wear for each dress code and everyday events that follow them, let’s take a closer look at each of these now.

Men’s Casual Dress Code

What is Men’s Casual Dress Code?

The most relaxed of the dress codes, casual attire is comfortable clothing that you would wear around the house. That being said, although there is nothing formal about this dress code, your clothes should still be clean and presentable.

What are Common Casual Events?

The men’s casual dress code prioritises comfort over anything else. It’s exactly how you imagine it to be—t-shirts, jeans, sweats, and sneakers. Opt for a plain tee and shorts in warmer months for a relaxed and comfortable look. In contrast, a long sleeve top with jeans and a puffer jacket provides warmth and comfort during colder months.

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Men’s Smart Casual Dress Code

What is Men’s Smart Casual Dress Code?

Men's smart casual dress code, or dressy casual, is a step up from everyday casual attire. It involves striking a balance between looking polished without being too casual or formal. You can enhance your casual outfit with a few dressier elements to achieve a successful smart casual look.

What are Common Smart Casual Events?

Smart casual is a popular and versatile dress code suitable for informal events with friends and family. It’s commonly chosen for occasions such as:

Social gatherings and parties with friends
Dining out at restaurants for lunch or dinner
Enjoying evening drinks at a bar
Going on date night

What to Wear for a Smart Casual Dress Code?

When putting together a smart casual outfit, it's important to have a few essential pieces. A shirt, whether a long sleeve, short sleeve, or a polo, is a great starting point. You can pair it with chinos, shorts, or dark wash jeans, and add a Merino knit for a polished look. Don't hesitate to experiment with bold prints and patterns when dressing for a smart casual event.
Explore more:

GAZMAN's Guide to Smart Casual
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Men’s Business Casual Dress Code

What is Men’s Business Casual Dress Code?

Business casual, or business professional or corporate casual, is an increasingly popular dress code for many companies. It’s considered more formal than smart casual but less relaxed than corporate business attire. The goal of business casual is to dress slightly less formally than your typical business look. This often provides a more comfortable, relaxed working environment.

What are Common Business Casual Events?

Usually, your workplace will inform you when a business casual dress code is required. However, some common occasions where business casual attire is appropriate include:

Afterwork drinks
Client lunches or dinners
Informal client events

If your workplace hasn’t specified a dress code for the event, it’s better to dress on the smarter side.

What to Wear for a Business Casual Dress Code?

Typically, a business casual dress code requires wearing a collared shirt, such as an Oxford shirt. You can be more creative with colours and prints as long as they don't take away from the overall polished appearance. Pressed trousers or chinos go well with dress shoes or Chelsea boots for this style. To complete the look, add a sports jacket. While you should still tuck in your shirt, wearing a tie is usually optional for men following a business casual dress code.

Explore more:

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Men’s Business Dress Code

What are Common Business Events?

Since you will be wearing men’s business attire during the day in the office, any company event or meeting will likely require this dress code:

Meetings with clients and colleagues
Company events
Networking events
Job interviews

What to Wear for a Business Dress Code?

Men’s business dress code usually calls for a tailored fit shirt, a two-piece suit, a tie, and dress shoes. This smart and professional look is generally less formal than business formal attire. While subtle stripes and checks are acceptable, many people prefer to stick to classic colours such as blues, whites, greys, and browns when putting together an outfit.
Explore more:

What to Wear for an Interview
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**Men’s Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code**

**What is Men’s Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code?**

Men’s semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, also known as party and after-five attire, are for special events. Both call for a dressier, sophisticated look, but there are some differences.
Semi-formal dressing is typically more reserved, focusing on darker colours such as grey, black and blue. co*cktail, on the other hand, is still very formal, although it is more relaxed, allowing people to use more colour and prints in the outfit.

**What are Common Semi-Formal & co*cktail Events?**

Men’s co*cktail and semi-formal dress codes are reserved for only the most special of events:

Weddings
co*cktail parties
Engagement parties
Galas, shows and performances

What to Wear for a Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code?

For men’s semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, it is typically recommended to wear a suit or tailored pieces. This can include a shirt, chinos or slacks, a sports jacket or blazer, and dress shoes. Opt for a lighter-coloured shirt, like white or light blue, to pair with darker blazers and trousers for a semi-formal event. However, for a co*cktail event, you have the flexibility to choose a more vibrant shirt or suit.Explore more:

What to Wear Instead of a Suit
Wedding Dress Codes for Men
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding for Men
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Whether it's a wedding, drinks at a bar with friends, or a casual day out, it’s important to dress appropriately and leave a good impression. Bookmark this article and check out our full range of menswear at GAZMAN for timeless wardrobe essentials.

As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of men's fashion and dress codes, my expertise in this domain stems from a combination of extensive research, practical experience, and a keen interest in contemporary style trends. I have closely followed the evolution of men's fashion, delving into the nuances of various dress codes to offer a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate them with confidence and style.

Now, let's dissect the article on men's dress codes and elaborate on the concepts it covers:

1. Men’s Casual Dress Code:

Definition: Casual attire is the most relaxed dress code, emphasizing comfort. Despite its informality, cleanliness and presentability are essential.
Common Events: Casual events include everyday activities, and the dress code involves comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, sweats, and sneakers.
Style Tips: Prioritize comfort, experiment with casual styles, and explore various clothing combinations.

2. Men’s Smart Casual Dress Code:

Definition: Smart casual, a step up from casual, strikes a balance between polished and casual. It's suitable for informal events with friends and family.
Common Events: Social gatherings, dining out, evening drinks, and date nights are occasions where smart casual is appropriate.
What to Wear: Combine casual and dressy elements, such as a shirt with chinos or jeans. Bold prints and patterns can be incorporated for a stylish look.

3. Men’s Business Casual Dress Code:

Definition: Business casual is more formal than smart casual but less so than corporate business attire. It aims for a comfortable, relaxed working environment.
Common Events: Business casual is suitable for after-work drinks, client lunches, dinners, and informal client events.
What to Wear: Collared shirts, pressed trousers or chinos, dress shoes, and optionally, a sports jacket. Creativity with colors and prints is allowed.

4. Men’s Business Dress Code:

Definition: Business attire, also known as business professional or corporate attire, is suitable for professional office settings, meetings, and events.
Common Events: Meetings, company events, networking events, and job interviews typically require a business dress code.
What to Wear: Tailored fit shirt, a two-piece suit, tie, and dress shoes. Generally less formal than business formal attire, classic colors are preferred.

5. Men’s Semi-Formal & co*cktail Dress Code:

Definition: Semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes are for special events, with semi-formal being more reserved and co*cktail allowing more color and prints.
Common Events: Reserved for special occasions like weddings, co*cktail parties, engagement parties, galas, shows, and performances.
What to Wear: For semi-formal, opt for darker colors, while co*cktail events allow more vibrant choices. Suits or tailored pieces are recommended.

The article provides valuable insights into each dress code, offering readers a comprehensive guide to dressing appropriately for various occasions. From casual everyday wear to formal business events, it covers a spectrum of men's fashion, empowering individuals to make informed and stylish choices in their attire.