The Wedding Invitation Glossary: I Just Want to Know What to Wear

Dressy Casual, Casual: This is usually reserved for day events. It can even be outdoors, especially if it’s a destination. If it’s a casual urban affair, a simple dress will do the trick. (Like this fabulous contemporary Helmut Lang – the ruching and draping at the waist is slimming and comfortable – you can actually eat in it!) You can even have some fun with a jumpsuit or skirt and blouse – just keep it modern and sophisticated, and don’t forget your heels. If it’s somewhere warm, you can do a pretty sundress or maxi dress. On the other hand, if it’s somewhere where they will be playing up the autumn leaves, hope for a nice day, keep your colors in a darker fall palette, and add a shawl. In both scenarios, leave the high heels at home. Opt for a wedge, chunky heel or flat.

Semi-formal, Dressy, Festive: You can wear a cocktail dress to cover all of these “themes”. The types of weddings for this kind of dress are usually evening cocktails/passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne/dessert, an indoor brunch, high tea, or lunch. Festive is just a way for your hosts to let you know this isn’t going to be a stuffy affair – have a little fun. So you can play with bold jewelry and color a bit more here. Really, if you’re unsure, airing on the side of keeping your look subdued will still be perfectly appropriate. If it’s a day event, you can opt for lighter colors, too, especially with pastels being so big right now. This fall, though, we generally recommend deep florals, reds, blues, orchids. You can never go wrong with black, too. This Tadashi lace sheath certainly covers all your needs. It comes in a bunch of colors – we adore this blue, and the red and purple are also amazing. The matte wraparound waist bands are very slimming and the straps are wide enough to wear a bra.

Formal: If it’s an evening affair noting that dinner will be served, and nothing is specified for your attire, this is probably what they mean, as it’s the most common. “Black tie optional” can fall in to this category, as well. A floor length gown is not necessary, but you can certainly wear one. In general, you’ll fit in with dressy separates, a more formal cocktail dress, or a long dress. If you’re going with a long option, we suggest keeping it simple and sophisticated, though you can certainly play with some color or pattern. You just don’t need the same level of glitz and glamour as you do for a true Black Tie. This Alice + Olivia dress is a great option if you opt for a long dress. The deep red/black floral pattern conveys modern style, while the lined, knit fabrication makes it perfectly appropriate – and comfortable. This contemporary style also has a widened open keyhole in the back, which is very refined and dresses up the knit fabrication.

Black Tie: While White Tie is the most formal (floor length evening gowns), that is pretty straight forward, and not all that common, so we’re going to jump right into Black Tie. This is almost always an evening affair. And this dress code is generally specified on the invitation, so it’s your opportunity to go all-out…a formal floor length gown is absolutely acceptable. You can opt for a shorter – yet upscale- cocktail dress, as well, if it’s a more modern and younger crowd. This Tadashi gown is the perfect choice – lined lace top, and beautiful ruched skirt that is so slimming and elegant. It’s timeless.