Freaking Out About The Dress Code?

White tie

This is the most formal of all the codes and good for, say, if someone wins a Nobel Prize. (A guy can dream, right?) These are less common these days, but this is a step up from black tie. You need a suit with a vest and a white bow tie. Make sure your shirt is super sharp, your black coat has tails, vest, the whole shebang.

Black tie

The most straight-talking of all the dress codes, black tie means just that: wear a black tie. Preferably with a black suit. Or, if it’s a very formal occasion, try a tux. Go for a black bow tie or sharp looking thin tie. And always: a crisp white dress shirt.

Cocktail

Really, as above but you can play with the tone of your suit. Navy. Grey. Whatever you’re feeling.

Black tie optional

See black tie but yes, you guessed it, lose the tie.

Lounge

See: cocktail.

Beach Formal

This code made the cut by popular demand (thanks for all your DMs). Seems a lot of you have been roped into destination weddings this year. The hint: linen, linen and more linen.

Business casual

A suit sans tie. A colour other than black is always a winner here. Navy or grey are our go-tos.

Smart casual

Neat is the key word here. Clean-look denims, chino or suits pants with a shirt. No tie needed.

Casual

DIY adventure (finally).

When in doubt:

Go for something black