Article: Dress Codes Explained: Black Tie, Formal, Semi Formal & Cocktail Attire

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Not sure what an invitation dress code actually means? Here's a simple guide to the four dress codes you'll see most often, from the most formal to the most relaxed, with links to the styles that suit each one.

Black tie

Black tie is the most formal dress code you're likely to see. It calls for a floor-length evening gown in an elegant fabric such as satin, sequin, crepe or beaded tulle. The dress doesn't need to be black: any colour works as long as it is full-length and formal.

Wear: black tie dresses, ball gowns, mermaid gowns and sequin gowns.

Black tie optional

A floor-length gown is still ideal, but an elegant midi or a very dressy cocktail dress is also acceptable.

Wear: evening dresses or a dressy midi dress.

Formal

Formal events, including most school formals and prom, call for a long gown or an elegant midi. This is where you can have the most fun with colour, sparkle and silhouette.

Wear: formal dresses, prom dresses, school formal dresses and corset dresses.

Semi formal

Semi formal sits between cocktail and formal. Knee-length, midi and tea-length dresses are perfect. Many Year 10 formals are semi formal.

Wear: semi formal dresses and Year 10 formal dresses.

Cocktail attire

Cocktail attire means dressy but not floor-length: think a mini, knee-length or midi dress in satin, sequin or lace. It suits parties, birthdays, engagement parties and many evening events.

Wear: cocktail dresses, birthday dresses and engagement party dresses.

Quick tips for any dress code

If in doubt, dress up rather than down.
Leave white and ivory to the bride at weddings and engagement parties.
Match your accessories to the formality: a sleek clutch bag works with every dress code.
Wearing a backless or strapless style? Our boob tape and nipple covers keep everything in place.

Still unsure? Book a fitting at our Gold Coast showroom, Australia's largest prom and formal showroom, and our stylists will help you choose.

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Ashlee H.Online & Showroom
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PaulaOnline & Showroom
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Laura M.Showroom
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Charlotte W.Online & Showroom
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Natasha G.Showroom
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Talea P.Showroom
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Mia S.Showroom
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Chloe K.Online & Showroom
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Steph L.Showroom
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“The dress stayed in amazing condition and I had lots of fun at my formal with the dress, gaining many compliments and smiles on the night!!”
K'gari L.Online & Showroom
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Stacey N.Showroom
“I visited this store looking for a formal dress for my daughter who doesn’t like wearing dresses and they were fantastic.”
Maree M.Showroom
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Emily H.Online & Showroom
“Love coming to this place where I got both my daughter’s formal dresses … will definitely be back for my third daughter’s formal.”
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Joanne K.Showroom
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Clare Y.Showroom
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Alisa C.Online & Showroom
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Katie J.Online & Showroom
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MikaelaOnline & Showroom
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Hayley B.Showroom
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HeatherShowroom
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Lara S.Showroom
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Kayleen T.Online
“Seriously I have never had such a positive experience in retail.”
Chloe B.Showroom
“The ladies were so incredibly sweet and gave me their honest opinion on the dresses I tried on.”
Lucy J.Showroom

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