Dress codes are often loathed upon because they sound confusing and restrictive. Funnily enough, if you master them well, they are quite the opposite of that myth. Rather than see them as a checklist of fashion don’ts, look at them as a guideline and rise up to their challenge.
We all know what Casual, Smart Casual and Business dress codes entail. But for most of us, rarely do we come across codes such as Black Tie, Cocktail or even Business Formal.
We’ve put together a simple dress code guide, so you never have to scratch your head thinking about what to wear next time.
Celebrity images: TPG News
READ MORE
Chic Accessory Duos Starting At $9
10 Lightweight Sweaters From $30
How To Stack Your Bracelets For Every Occasion
Think office-appropriate, but with a glamorous spin. Smarten up in a dark suit and a smattering of silver jewellery.
Cara Delevingne demonstrates the power of a well-tailored suit in this Burberry ensemble.
A double-breasted jacket gives you the illusion of an hourglass figure.
A pair of slim-fitted trousers gives you longer looking legs.
Add a bit of feathered flourish by way of a fluttering brooch.
A slick of red on your lips take you from boardroom to ballroom.
The faux pearl embellishments add a glamorous twist to these classic sandals.
Besides letting this encrusted headband be your crowning glory, it also holds your messy tresses at bay. Double win!
Cocktail attire usually has less restrictions, so experiment with bright pops of colour and a shorter hemline.
Looking radiant in her Delpozo dress, Olivia Palermo nails the look with her spot-on interpretation.
A knit dress gets a fun update with bright geometric blocks of colour.
Subtle without being boring, and so easy to wear with everything.
When you look this fabulous, you really only need a clean, light perfume to tie it all together.
Break up all the solid colours in your dress with a textured clutch.
A whimsical addition to any outfit, whether it’s with your cocktail frock or just with jeans and a t-shirt.
Step out in a pair of vertiginous heels that come lightly-studded for that slightly punk feel.
Don’t let the formality of the event stifle you. Look for interesting details and embroidery to add visual interest.
Proving that she is queen of both our screens and the red carpet, The Crown‘s Claire Foy wows in a glittering Gucci gown.
A showstopping floral gown is all you need to turn heads as you enter a room.
Add a touch of sparkle to your look with an understated ring.
If you’re wearing a black gown, then let your shoes have a bit of fun by choosing one in a bright pink colour.
With multi-textural sequins and patterns, this box clutch is a sure winner.
A bejewelled headband eliminates the need to head to your hairdresser.