Staud, Amiri / Mary Ellen Matthews
You’ve got the invite, the date, the gift idea—now comes the hard part: figuring out what to wear. With modern weddings spanning everything from lavish city soirées to laid-back outdoor gatherings, decoding the dress code has never felt trickier. Should you wear heels or flats? A floor-length gown or a chic midi? And why does “cocktail attire” mean something different at every wedding? So here it is: a breakdown of the most common wedding dress codes.
White Tie
White tie, the most formal of all dress codes, is the pinnacle of old-world elegance. Think state banquets, royal balls, and ultra-luxury soirées. For women, this is your moment for dramatic, floor-grazing gowns, ideally styled with heirloom jewelry, a pair of opera gloves, and perfectly coiffed hair. Men are expected to bring full formal ensemble: a black tailcoat with lapels, matching high-waisted trousers, a white formal shirt, waistcoat, and, of course, a bow tie.
Photography: Bohdán Bohdánov, Kosmas Pavlos, Daniel Archer
Black Tie
A step down from white tie but still impeccably polished, black tie is the go-to for glamorous formal affairs. Women should arrive in floor-sweeping gowns or polished pantsuits in luxe fabrics. For men, the black tuxedo is non-negotiable: traditionally paired with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, and gleaming dress shoes. While tradition reigns, modern interpretations (like velvet jackets or sleek tailoring) are welcome as long as the look stays sophisticated.
P. Johnson / James E Harvey-Kelly, Tanner Fletcher, / Lawrence De leon,
IZETA/ Maria Mikheeva, Tatyana Kochnova, P. Johnson,P. Johnson
Formal
Formal dress code leans into elegance without the full tuxedo requirement. It's ideal for sophisticated evening weddings that don’t require tails or tiaras. Men can choose between a dark suit and tie or a classic tuxedo. Women have more freedom here—refined cocktail dresses, modern gowns that don’t quite hit the floor, or sleek pantsuits with a dressy edge.
Helsa, Staud, Belance / James Tolich
Cocktail
Chic, playful, and polished—cocktail attire is the sweet spot between formal and casual. For women, this means anything from midi and knee-length dress to a sharp mini with statement accessories. Men should stick to a tailored suit in a dark or neutral tone, a tie is encouraged but not a dealbreaker. Cocktail dress code is perfect for showing off personal style while still keeping things celebration-ready.
Gallello Atelier, Jacquemus, Cult Gaia
Marta Marti, Richard Biedul, Cult Gaia
Smart Casual
The unofficial uniform of laid-back but stylish weddings. Smart casual strikes that elusive balance: relaxed, but intentional. Women might wear a floaty sundress, a tailored jumpsuit, or separates in elevated fabrics. Men can go with chinos or tailored trousers, a crisp shirt, and a blazer if the mood calls for it—ties are usually left at home. It’s breezy, effortless, and perfect for garden parties or alfresco receptions.
Mango, Amiri / Christian Coppola, The Row
Themed
Themed weddings have become a favorite among couples who crave creativity in every detail. These celebrations invite guests to step into a carefully curated world—dressing to embody a specific concept, mood or aesthetic. While some couples may go all out with bold, theatrical looks inspired by a favorite book or movie, often the theme is as simple as tropical chic, desert-inspired minimalism, or retro.
Valentino, Young Emperors, Amiri
Chloe / Pierre Mouton, Amiri, Valentino
