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DressDex · The Index

The Dress Code Index

All standard dress codes, ranked from most formal to least, each with a plain definition. Search the table, filter by formality or open a code straight from its row.

Most Formal

No.Dress codeWhat it meansFormalityTier
01White TieFloor length gowns and tailcoats for the most formal occasions.10/10Most Formal
02Black TieTuxedos and formal evening gowns.9/10Most Formal
03Morning DressTraditional daytime formal, morning coats and elegant dresses.9/10Most Formal
04Tenue de Soirée (Evening Wear)European evening wear, equivalent to black tie.9/10Most Formal

Formal

No.Dress codeWhat it meansFormalityTier
05Black Tie OptionalFormal attire with flexibility. Dark suits are welcome.8/10Formal
06Business FormalThe most polished business attire. Boardroom ready.8/10Formal
07Creative Black TieBlack tie with personal flair. Colour and texture encouraged.8/10Formal
08FormalTailored dark suits and elegant dresses for formal day or evening events.8/10Formal
09Formal ChicHigh end elegance with a fashion forward edge.8/10Formal
10Resort FormalUpscale resort elegance for destination events.8/10Formal
11Summer FormalWarm weather formality with lighter fabrics and full elegance.8/10Formal
12Abito Scuro (Dark Suit)A conservative European dress code built around a dark, well tailored suit.7/10Formal
13Beach FormalFormal sophistication with a coastal feel.7/10Formal
14Business ProfessionalClassic professional dress, suits and structured separates.7/10Formal
15Country FormalFormal elegance with a countryside twist.7/10Formal
16Dress to ImpressMake a statement. Elevated and eye catching.7/10Formal
17Elegant AttireRefined, graceful, and polished head to toe.7/10Formal
18Lounge SuitA well tailored suit. The standard for smart occasions.7/10Formal
19Race Day AttireHats, fascinators, and polished ensembles for the track.7/10Formal
20Semi FormalA polished step between formal and cocktail.7/10Formal
21Tenue de Ville (City Dress)European city dress, smart and sophisticated daywear.7/10Formal

Semi-Formal

No.Dress codeWhat it meansFormalityTier
22Cocktail AttireSmart evening wear, dark suits and cocktail dresses.6/10Semi-Formal
23Corporate AttirePolished office dress, suits and structured separates.6/10Semi-Formal
24Elegant CasualEffortless elegance, refined but never stiff.6/10Semi-Formal
25Evening WearA broad term for Cocktail Attire or Semi Formal dressing after dark.6/10Semi-Formal
26Festive AttireSeasonal celebrations, think sparkle and holiday colours.6/10Semi-Formal
27Resort ElegantUpscale resort style, polished yet relaxed.6/10Semi-Formal
28Summer CocktailWarm weather cocktail with lighter fabrics and brighter hues.6/10Semi-Formal
29Business CasualProfessional but comfortable. No tie required.5/10Semi-Formal
30Chic AttireFashion forward, put together, and trend aware.5/10Semi-Formal
31Dressy CasualA step above casual, polished but relaxed.5/10Semi-Formal
32Garden PartyFlorals, pastels, and outdoor elegance.5/10Semi-Formal
33Luxury CasualPremium casual, designer basics and understated luxury.5/10Semi-Formal
34Upscale CasualElevated everyday dressing with quality fabrics and clean lines.5/10Semi-Formal

Casual

No.Dress codeWhat it meansFormalityTier
35Corporate CasualOffice appropriate casual, neat and presentable.4/10Casual
36Elevated CasualAbove average casual, intentional and well curated.4/10Casual
37Smart CasualRelaxed but put together, blazers, chinos, and midi skirts.4/10Casual

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