Perhaps a fashion oxymoron. The name itself tends to confuse many people. The question what is a dressy casual attire may have bothered you when you were expected to don this look for a particular occasion. Not that difficult though!
Often, an invitation to an important function requires you to dress a certain way. In most cases, the invitation will specify what kind of dress code you are required to adhere to. If you have received an invitation to an event that is not entirely formal, but one that requires you to tread that thin line between formal and casual, then you have probably been asked to go the dressy casual way.
For such an event, you need to sport a look that borders on the formal and casual, and is deemed acceptable by the host of the event. Some examples of events for which you may be asked to go with a dressy casual look are class or school reunions, semi-formal dinners with friends or family, PTA meetings, or art gallery exhibitions.
What is Dressy Casual For Men?
As far as men are concerned, the range of fashion clothing on offer is very limited. However, the variety of designs and colors available can enable men to sport different looks. Although, at the end of the day, there is no comparison to the variety that is available for women. The best way to dress according to the invitation is to avoid certain articles of clothing. Here are some examples that shed some light on this matter.
Dos
Often, people do not consider jeans to be a part of the dressy casual attire, but if the pair of jeans looks simple yet elegant, it can be a great option. Men can wear a jacket or an overcoat along with a pair of jeans or khaki pants and a plain tee or a white shirt. Another option for men is to wear a sophisticated open-collared shirt without a jacket, along with a comfortable pair of pants. Men can also sport a turtleneck sweater.
Don’ts
If a man wants to go the dressy casual way, he must surely avoid T-shirts with printed messages. Hats of any type and jeans that are worn-out or ripped are a definite no-no. It is advisable not to wear a tie as it makes the look very formal. Try to avoid loafers and sandals for footwear.
What is Dressy Casual for Women?
In comparison to men, women have a vast range of options to choose from as far as clothes and accessories are concerned. Women need not restrict themselves to sporting pants or jeans and can experiment with many different outfits. There are no predetermined rules, and the look can be constantly revised.
Dos
To get a dressy casual look, it is required that women use some accessories and appear well-coordinated. Trousers and a silk shirt are the easiest option to pull off a casual yet semi-formal look. Wearing a pant suit would also be considered appropriate. For such a dress code, women can also stick to a casual business look which would resemble what they usually wear to work, but on a slightly more informal level. Skirts are also great to pull off this look. A scarf around the neck complements the dressy casual look perfectly too. For accessories, pearl necklaces work great as dressy casual. It is advisable to stick to delicate and minimal jewelry. Makeup can change the look of an outfit. A natural look and soft colors like pink should be used. Semi-formal heels or flats are the best footwear options.
Don’ts
Women should strictly avoid low-neck tops or T-shirts for a dressy casual look. Women should also stay away from T-shirts that have messages printed across them. Even though skirts are a good choice, short skirts must definitely be avoided. Women should also avoid long, flowing formal gowns or cocktail dresses, as these would be considered too formal for the occasion. Loud makeup and extremely high heels or stilettos are a no-no.
This is a look that can leave many people perplexed as it is neither casual nor formal. Turning up at the event and being dressed inappropriately is not a very pleasant experience and can leave one feeling humiliated and embarrassed. The next time you need to be dressy yet casual, keep these tips in mind and be the center of all attention.
