Casual is a style of comfortable elegance. How to dress business casual Dress code cocktail formal

More frivolous than regular business attire, but still not as loose as everyday casual, business casual is designed for those business women, whose work does not require to be always “buttoned up”, but still obliges to look like an office.

First of all, the business casual style is good because we don’t have to invent anything: most modern manufacturers women's clothing produce a sufficient range of models that can be combined within this style. For example, Mango brand clothes on barbarys.com allow you to create an original and varied wardrobe in business casual style and at the same time be unlike anyone else.

Variety is the golden advantage of business casual style. You can mix and match many pieces of clothing and accessorize them to create completely different looks. For example, White shirt with a skirt and trousers will look completely different, and if you add it with a scarf, tie or jewelry, you can get some great sets for office life.

Of course, since business casual is, after all, a business style, the color scheme is mostly restrained. However, it will not be kitsch to wear, for example, red trousers with a neutral gray jacket, or a lemon yellow shirt with strict gray trousers. The color spot, if you decide on it, should be very balanced.

And yet, gray, white, beige and black are the basis of the wardrobe, which will never lose its relevance and almost 100% match with each other. Also, a two-color strip will always be appropriate: black and white, blue and white, white and gray.

In the cold season, light blouses and shirts can be replaced by a jumper or even a sweatshirt. However, it is worth combining them with strict classic models of trousers and skirts.

Compulsory dress code still causes a lot of negativity among us: those who disagree with the rules do not hesitate to come to the ballet in jeans, in wedding dresses for proms and in top siders to events where Black Tie is registered. Confusion is created both by people prescribing a dress code and relaxed rules. The Village decided to figure out what to wear if the invitation is White Tie, Black Tie or, for example, Smart Casual.

white tie

If the invitation says White Tie, then there will be at least a reception at the ambassador's, a ball or a prize, and not lower than the Nobel Prize, because even at the Oscars they observe a less solemn Black Tie. It is difficult to remember a dress code that matches White Tie in terms of severity and formality, probably because there is simply no such code.

Dressing a man seems to be a little easier than choosing a women's toilet. The point is in strict regulations: almost every item of the outfit is registered, so you can only make a mistake intentionally. A man going to an event where White Tie is registered must be in a bow tie and tailcoat. The tailcoat, in turn, must be black - other colors are not allowed. A three-button waistcoat is worn under the tailcoat, which you need to remember two things: it must be only white and always fully buttoned. Of the obligatory accessories - the white bow tie and white handkerchief that gave the name to the dress code, of the desirable ones - a pocket watch, white gloves and, no matter how it seems like a joke, a thin cane.

For women, everything is a little more complicated, if only because the floor-length dress, without which it is better not to appear at the White Tie event, has more styles than the classic men's tailcoat. If the choice of this style is still given to a woman, then in other details, amateur performance is excluded: hair must certainly be styled, eyes and lips made up, and hands covered with gloves of maximum length, corresponding, however, to the length of the sleeve of the dress. On the shoulders may be, but not required, a fur cape. It’s also better not to come without jewelry - you can rent them, as long as the stones are real. You can and should take a tiny handbag with you.

black tie

Black Tie is still formal and formal, but a more common and simple dress code. This is the style of weddings, festive receptions or theatrical premieres.

Women are expected to attend such events dressed in the same long evening dresses or, depending on the degree of solemnity of the event, cocktail dresses no higher than the knee. Jewelry is still welcome here, but now you can get by with expensive jewelry. A fur cape can also be left at home, as well as trendy dresses from latest collections Japanese designers. Everything should look as noble and elegant as possible, so the only shoe option is heels.

cocktail

Event with Cocktail dress code does not imply such strictness as White Tie and Black Tie, but it is also full of nuances that should not be neglected.

Instead of a tuxedo, men can wear a classic dark suit, and replace the monochrome bow tie with a brighter one or abandon it altogether, perhaps in favor of a tie. It is also no longer necessary to tie up with a silk belt, the main thing is not to forget to keep the bottom button of the jacket unbuttoned, put the starched snow-white cuffs out of the sleeves no more than two centimeters and put on socks that, if you cross your legs or on the table, would not show even a millimeter naked body. The fact that the socks should be a couple of shades darker than the trousers, and the tie should touch the buttons on the trousers, does not seem to need to be mentioned: these rules apply to any dress code at any event.

Smart and Business Casual

Quite often, in invitations to corporate events or business meetings, you can see the postscript “Dress code: Smart Casual or Business Casual”. In this case, the rules for how to look are somewhat blurry and depend on the time of day.

More difficult than the dress code for business meetings, perhaps, is only the choice between oxfords and derby for a tuxedo. However, the liberalization of recent decades has also affected the fashion for business suits. Today, there is nothing shameful if a man appears at a meeting in a jacket with a soft or even natural shoulder line, in loose trousers rolled up. Classic shoes remain obligatory (deviations are allowed only in color and degree of lacquering). Twinset - a turtleneck and a cardigan - is also quite appropriate paired with the same, as if too big, but slightly narrowed down trousers. The most dangerous option is a tuxedo or a very high-quality jacket with jeans or even shorts: you can allow it if there is no doubt about your own taste and the adequacy of your partners. The most boring, but also the most win-win is a classic, moderately strict business suit in a dark color, plain or with an almost imperceptible strip. With a strong desire, formality can be emphasized with a tie, and not necessarily narrow, but it is better to save a butterfly for entertainment events. If the meeting is scheduled for the morning or afternoon, a light-colored two-piece suit will be successful. Again, the opportunity to experiment with color depends on the nature of the event and the sense of humor of colleagues.

At negotiations with foreign partners or important business meetings, a dress code Btr (Business Traditional) can be established. This means that you are practically left with no choice: men should wear a classic plain or combination suit, women - a fitted trouser suit or sheath dress with a jacket. However, despite its severity, Btr still leaves room for imagination, unlike Bb (Business Best). Everything is extremely simple here: a man puts on a dark blue suit, a snow-white shirt, a tie of any shade of red, classic non-lacquered shoes and does not forget about cufflinks; it is better for women to abandon separate skirts and jackets and wear a gray, beige or dark blue suit with stockings and shoes with 3–5 cm heels.

costume parties

Costume parties in Moscow are not uncommon. Most often they coincide with the anniversaries of the clubs, the arrival of unknown and still very cool bands and the release of nostalgic films about bygone days. Moreover, in the invitation they can only give a vague hint of how to look, and you will have to come up with an outfit yourself. Sometimes the organizers help to get in the right mood with the help of moodboards, as Solyanka did last year, which celebrated its fourth birthday with a three-day circus party. If you're scared to death of clowns or not ready to come home at night with a pound of make-up on your face, you can enforce the dress code with a few salient details (one might not be convincing, especially if there's face control at the entrance). The biggest risk at such events is to use the most common interpretation of the proposed image and be one of hundreds of people wearing identical orange wigs.

Universal Rules

Andrey Fomin Organizer of the Bal des Fleurs and other social events

I organize great amount events, but the most striking and significant is the Bal des Fleurs. In invitations we write “Riviera style” - this is the dress code of the Cote d'Azur: light trousers, bright jackets. And what is called balls in Moscow are not real balls. I consider the notorious Black Tie the most blasphemous dress code for a Russian person, because no matter how hard my colleagues try to impose this dress code in Moscow, it is inorganic there. I personally saw the real Black Tie only in the UK at the Mikhail Gorbachev ball. The dress code can be anything, but, as Kirill Semyonovich Serebrennikov said about our people in tailcoats, they look like a scattered orchestra. A Russian person is not accustomed to a tie or a bow tie, he is uncomfortable in it, he is strangling him. Whatever the dress code, a person should not look perfect: something must be wrong. Here, for example, I saw Hugh Grant walking in a perfect tailcoat, unimaginably combed, but the bow tie hung untied around his neck. Rich people have a very simple option - go to Tretyakovskiy passage and buy a tailcoat, but they will most likely look more like a waiter or head waiter. The most universal dress code for most Moscow events for a man is expensive jeans, Converse sneakers(Nike sneakers have become popular now, but it’s more difficult with them) and a jacket is a must. I recently went to the Strelka ball, and the people there looked just great. I really liked the girls' approach to choosing an outfit and was struck by how organic many of them look in vintage.

Gavriil Egiazarov Event Director

The events that I direct most often solve corporate, marketing or PR tasks. Dress code, of course, is on most of them. Vowel and unspoken. Especially when these are events with the participation of the government or just officialdom with high leadership. At corporate meetings, a dress code is also often set, but only if there is some kind of conceptual idea. If we are talking about official events at a high level, then invitations do not often write a requirement: everything is clear anyway. But when they want to emphasize that you can dress not very strictly, they write “clothing for a cocktail” or “smart casual”. For corporate parties, they also indicate a dress code depending on the concept of the holiday: “Today we have an evening of fairy tales, choose a fabulous look for yourself” or “A bright element of cyclamen color is welcome.” At corporate parties, guests can simply distribute these items of clothing or take care of the rental and dress everyone in advance. At the events that I work with, the audience is most often predictable, so with appearance there are no surprises. Of course, there are those who may be in jeans or military at an official event with top officials. But more often than not, media representatives differ. Journalists are extremely dismissive of the dress code. If the invitation does not say anything about the dress code, but it is about a reception, presentation or gala dinner, wear a suit, preferably not black - you can't go wrong. I don't think girls need much advice. Evening Dress will always be found. If you are going to a corporate party with a certain theme, then do not be lazy and come up with some original element in clothing (but not the one that immediately comes to mind in connection with the proposed concept). If you come unprepared to where "everything is in the subject", you yourself will regret that you did not take care of it in advance.

The most strict dress code requiring strict adherence to the rules. For men: black tailcoat, white shirt with a stand-up collar, white waistcoat, white bow tie, black patent leather shoes. For women: long evening dress, gloves, clutch, high-heeled shoes, Jewelry.

Casual

Everyday, everyday form of clothing without any clear requirements. No casual category allows serious jewelry.

cocktail

Suitable for receptions where there is a solemn part. For men: dark suit with tie. For women: dresses no higher than the knee, shoes or sandals with heels, jewelry or expensive costume jewelry.

black tie

It also requires compliance with the rules. For men: black tuxedo, white shirt with a stand-up collar, black bow tie, black patent leather shoes. For women: long evening dress, clutch, jewelry is allowed.

smart casual

Semi-business style. For men: a quality sweater or turtleneck, trousers, shirt with a blazer or vest. For women: dresses, skirts with blouses, allowed bright accessories, necessarily tights, shoes.

A5 (After Five)

Clothes for events after five in the evening. Basically, that's enough. general concept, which includes different styles: Dressy Casual, Cocktail etc. For men: suit in any color, tie optional. For women: cocktail dress, evening top with skirt, evening suit.

formal

Formal business style. For men: dark suits and ties, club jackets are appropriate. For women: suits, closed sheath dresses, closed shoes.

Dressy Casual or Fancy Casual

Catchy casual for festive occasions. Not only bright accessories are acceptable, but also bright elements clothes: for women, a dress (not an evening cut) or a separat (a skirt with a blouse), the male version may include a spectacular shirt or sports jacket.

Bb (Business Best)

For men: an expensive business suit in dark colors, a tie, a white shirt, shoes, cufflinks. For women: suit in neutral colors, white shirt blouse, optional tie, beige tights, low-heeled shoes.

semi-formal

Semi-formal, discreet daytime style. For men: light-colored suits and jumpers. For women: light dresses and trouser suits.

business casual

Casual business style is a comfortable, relaxed version of a traditional business suit, while still emphasizing the professional and financial advantages of its owner. In fact, this is the same Smart Casual, only a little more strict and expensive. For men: trousers (often slacks), shirt, blazer, sports coat. For women: separat, dress without a deep neckline and knee-length, capris, fabric trousers. Bare feet are not allowed.

Btr (Business Traditional)

For men: business suit. For women: business suit, office dress.

Photos: Okssi, Yuri Arcurs(3)/Lori Photobank; GettyImages/Fotobank (7); WireImage/GettyImages/Fotobank

AND So, if your job requires casual business style, do not despair.

We will help you understand the intricacies of this style and the corresponding wardrobe, and we will consider all possible options. We present to your attention a brief guide on what is the casual business style of clothing, which is sometimes also referred to as "business casual".

Business casual- This is a standard dress code for many modern offices. Of course, each office has its own requirements for dressing, but the main idea is that you dress in a way that will be appropriate in the office, but not too strict. Of course, this does not mean that you will have to wear a boring business suit all the time, but you should look presentable enough. In order to achieve this result, try to combine bespoke and traditional pieces of clothing with more comfortable and fashionable ones.

Dress code for summer

D quite difficult to create perfect image in business casual style and at the same time correspond to the current fashion trends, but there are still ways to achieve the perfect look for the office for the summer. Great for warm sunny days light-colored clothing made from breathable materials such as linen, cotton or silk. Give preference to dresses and skirts, then you are not in danger of "overheating". Try to choose more spacious models, because in too tight outfits you are likely to be hot.

Winter business casual

Z I should think about warmth, so when composing your winter wardrobe, do not forget about long-sleeved shirts and knitted sweaters. It is not forbidden to use multi-layered clothes, in which case even light clothes are suitable for cool weather. Good Examples such combinations are a turtleneck complete with a sleeveless dress, a T-shirt under a blouse, paired socks with a skirt, and so on. As outerwear choose an elegant jacket or coat to keep warm on the way from home to office and back.

Conference casual business style

IN Choosing an outfit for a business conference is not that difficult. The most important thing is to take into account the conditions where you are going - climate, weather conditions and, accordingly, choose the right wardrobe for them. For daytime events, choose something suitable from your usual business casual outfits, and for evening events, something more dressy. If the conference lasts for several days or more, be sure to bring basic items in neutral shades, as they can be the basis for many looks. You need to take a few accessories with you, it can be jewelry or an exquisite scarf, small details like these will allow you to make your travel wardrobe more diverse and at the same time they take up almost no space in your luggage.

Casual business style: pants

Trousers- This is a universal wardrobe item for a business business woman. They can have a very different cut: be narrowed or wide, shortened and long. When choosing trousers for the office, you should opt for neutral colors - it can be black, brown or dark shades- burgundy or dark blue. Pants can decorate any unpretentious print. Particular attention should be paid to the fabric, it is better if the material stretches, so you will feel as comfortable as possible if you have mostly sedentary work.

Business casual: jeans

Jeans- This is a good option for a casual business style, but you should still be careful with them. If you do not want to look inappropriate for the office, then you should choose elegant and concise denim models. The most successful options are skinny jeans or skinny dark tones. It is worth making sure that the jeans model you have chosen does not have the decor characteristic of this clothing - scuffs, fringes or torn edges. You can complete the look with a beautiful top and elegant shoes. Your outfit should be sophisticated, not sloppy.

Women's casual business style: shirts

E Another type of clothing that is ideal for a business casual style is shirts. You have the right to choose any model, it can be a classic cotton shirt, a more feminine silk model or a weightless one. synthetic fabric. If you decide to opt for a cotton version, make sure that neutral and neutral colors prevail in your entire look. soft colors. Well, if your favorite is a silk shirt, then you are free to choose the color and pattern. This wardrobe item can have bright color and fun print. Pay attention to the thinness of the fabric - if the shirt is see-through, it is better to wear a top under it.

Business casual: jackets

D even if your office is in tropical heat, you will need jacket, which can be thrown on the way home in the cool season. If you want to look professional, then you can not do without an elegant jacket or blazer in classic shades - black or navy blue. The main thing in the pursuit of an impeccable appearance is not to forget about convenience - in this jacket you should feel comfortable.

Business casual: sweaters

Sweaters- a must-have wardrobe item for every successful business woman. They not only give the image more femininity, but also warm you on cold days. Therefore, you can safely fill your wardrobe with the most different models- both basic colors and the most fashionable of the season. Sweaters can be combined with trousers, skirts, and also worn with shirts and even dresses.

Business casual dresses

TO Of course, nothing compares to the comfort of trousers, which are ideal for the office, but you should not deprive your business wardrobe. dresses. Dresses are especially good in summer, they will make any girl feminine. When choosing a dress, you should pay special attention to the style, it can be a pencil dress, an A-line dress or a wrap dress. All these models are good for office life.

Business casual: skirts

E If you have enough fashionable clothes in your wardrobe skirts, then we can assume that creating sets with them in a casual business style will not be difficult. Firstly, this wardrobe item looks very stylish, and secondly, the skirt is good for its versatility. When you're shopping for the perfect office skirt, remember that pencil skirts work especially well. A-line skirts and pleated models also look good. The main thing is not to forget that the skirt should have a “decent” length and no frank cuts.

Casual business style: choosing shoes

H As for shoes, here the business casual style gives young ladies almost complete freedom: you can give your preference to flat shoes - loafers (soft leather shoes like moccasins), or brogues, or ballet flats. The heel can also be very different - from a glass to a block heel. Boots are perfect for winter. The most important thing when choosing a pair is to remember that, first of all, shoes should be comfortable, without scuffs and with a heel of a suitable height. But with embellishments it is worth being more modest - fewer buckles and spikes.

A few secrets of a successful business wardrobe

When choosing an outfit for the office, do not save on basic things, they should be of the highest quality. Diversify your wardrobe with a couple of trendy gizmos for each season.

Do not forget that the standard length of clothing for the office is knee-length. It is worth remembering about the neck - it should not be too defiantly open.

When going to the office, make sure that all clothes are clean, ironed and there is not the slightest wrinkle on them.

First of all, the wardrobe should have things in neutral colors, these include gray, navy blue, black, white, and only then you can replenish your clothing collection with bright or patterned items.

Complete your looks with accessories, it can be elegant jewelry, fashion shoes with or without low heels.