Emily Post's Attire Guide

Don't know what to wear? Emily Post can help. Here are her suggestions (the words in italics are mine, the rest are from the site):

White Tie Event
Men:

• Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
• white piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
• white vest
• white-colored (e.g., mother of pearl) studs and cufflinks
• white bow tie
• white or gray gloves



Aurora is ready for a white tie event

• black patent shoes and black dress socks

 Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
  

 Black Tie Event
 Men:

• Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
  formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
• black-colored (e.g., onyx) studs and cufflinks
• black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
• black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
• dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional)
• black patent shoes and black dress socks
• no gloves.
• In summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe.

 Women (excuse the redundant words in the descriptions):

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• Your dressiest little black dress

Creative Black Tie (whatever this means)
Men: 

• Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund

Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• your dressiest little black dress
• fun or unique accessories (like a rainbow wig?)

Black Tie Optional
Men: 

• Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or
• Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

 Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• a little black dress
• dressy separates

Semiformal Events
Men: 

• Dark, business suit
• matching vest (optional)
• dress shirt
• conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

Women:

• Short afternoon or cocktail dress
• a little black dress
• long dressy skirt and top
• dressy separates

 Festive Attire (usually for the holidays)

Men:

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, and slacks
• open-collar shirt
• dress shirt and optional "festive" or holiday-themed tie (like the tie with LED Christmas trees)

Women:

• Cocktail dress or
• long dressy skirt and top
• dressy pants outfit or separates
• a little black dress
• feature holiday colors and accessories

Business Formal 
Men:

• Dark business suit
• matching vest (optional)
• dress shirt
• conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

Women:

• Suit
• business-style dress (What? No more dressy cocktail dresses?)
• dress with a jacket
• stockings (optional in summer)
• heels, low or high

Business Casual
Men: 

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
• dress shirt with optional tie, or casual button-down shirt
• open-collar or polo shirt
• loafers or loafer-style shoes and socks

Women:

• Skirt, khakis or pants
• open-collar shirt, knit shirt, or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)
• casual-style dress

Dressy Casual 
Men:

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
• dress shirt, casual button-down shirt
• optional tie
• open-collar or polo shirt

Women: 

• Dress
• skirt and dressy top
• dressy pants outfit
• nice jeans and dressy top

Casual


Men:

• Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
• cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occation and climate
• plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck
• casual button-down shirt
• sweater
• loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), or sandals

Women: 

• Sundress
• long or short skirt
• khakis or nice jeans
• shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
• plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck
• casual button-down blouse