Restaurant Dress Codes 101: How to Nail Your Outfit Every Time

Restaurant dress codes can feel like decoding a secret language, especially when the difference between “business casual” and “smart casual” isn’t always clear. We’ve all been there—standing in front of the closet, second-guessing what’s appropriate.

Whether you’re headed to a fancy dinner or a trendy club, understanding the nuances can save you from that dreaded moment of being underdressed (or worse, overdressed).

This guide breaks down the most common dress codes, so you’ll always arrive looking just right, no matter the occasion!

Here’s a listicle-style article outlining different types of dress codes commonly required at restaurants and clubs, along with what they mean and examples for men and women:

Black Tie

What It Means: Formal and elegant, reserved for upscale restaurants or events.Black tie is a formal dress code that’s often worn to events like weddings, balls, dinners, proms, and fundraisers. 

• Men: A dinner jacket or tuxedo with a bow tie, matching trousers, and a pleated white shirt. Black shoes are the safest color choice. A waistcoat is optional. 
• Women: A long dress, usually below the knee or floor length, made of an evening-appropriate fabric like silk, velvet, satin, or lace. Flowing, slinky silhouettes and features like cutouts and halter necklines are ideal. Dressier cocktail dresses in darker colors or with sequins can also work. 
• Shoes: Formal and dressy shoes like oxfords, loafers, or heels for women. 

Some things to avoid wearing to a black tie event include:

• Patterned ties or shirts
• Casual clothing like jeans, T-shirts, shorts, jumpers, and tennis shoes
• Suits that aren’t black or dark blue

White Tie

What It Means: The most formal dress code, typically for grand events or extremely high-end venues. White tie events are extremely rare these days, and most establishments do not regularly require such formal attire. However, certain high-profile events and venues still uphold this dress code such as the, Nobel Prize Banquet, State Banquets at Buckingham Palace,The Vienna Opera Ball.

• Men: Wear a black tailcoat, white dress shirt, white bow tie, white waistcoat, black trousers with suspenders, and black leather shoes with black ribbons and socks. 
• Women: Wear a floor-length evening gown, long white gloves, and jewelry. A tiara or other headpiece may also be worn. 
• Accessories ideas:
• For white tie, jewelry should be authentic and reflect the grandeur of high society. This could include precious stones or family heirlooms. 
• Avoid shoes with embellishments, perforations, or bold designs. Instead, opt for black patent leather lace-up dress shoes. 
• Wear black evening socks made of silk or a silk blend.  
• A top hat, white gloves, and a dress cane are optional accessories, but they can add an extra layer of formality. 
• A pocket watch with a fob is an acceptable accessory. 

Business Formal

What It Means: Professional yet polished, often seen in high-end restaurants or private clubs.

• Men: A tailored suit or blazer in a dark color like navy, gray, or charcoal is a good choice for men. Wear with a dress shirt, and tie, paired with leather shoes
• Women: Shirt or blouse: A long-sleeved, button-down shirt or blouse in a neutral color like white, light blue, or pastel is ideal.  Women may also opt for a tailored pant suit or dress.
• Tie: Men can wear a conservative tie in a solid or subtle pattern. 
• Accessories: Simple accessories like a wristwatch or a subtle necklace are acceptable. 
• Shoes: Modest and clean footwear

Cocktail Attire

What It Means: Semi-formal, appropriate for evening events in upscale locations.The goal is to look sophisticated and chic, while avoiding outfits that are too revealing or uncomfortably tight. 

• Men: A suit without a tie, or a blazer with dress slacks. Opt for dark colors like navy or charcoal. If not wearing a blazer, a tie can be acceptable.
• Women: A dress, or a pair of sleek trousers and an elegant blouse. For a statement-making cocktail dress, consider a sleeveless dress with floral lace. For a modern take on classic cocktail attire, try a pair of sleek trousers and an elegant blouse. 

Smart Casual

What It Means: Polished but relaxed, common in trendy, upscale casual eateries. Smart casual attire is a professional dress code that combines trendy pieces with a semi-formal appearance. 

• Men: A blazer with dark jeans or chinos, collared shirt, and loafers.
• Women: A sophisticated blouse paired with tailored pants or a chic midi skirt. For footwear, stylish flats, ankle boots, or modest heels are all good options

Business Casual

What It Means: A step down from business formal, appropriate for work dinners or semi-upscale venues. Business casual is a dress code that’s professional but comfortable, and is a mix of formal business wear and casual clothing. 

• Men: A button-down shirt, polo shirt, or sweater paired with khakis, chinos, or dress pants. Men can also wear a suit jacket and slacks with a shirt and tie, or a sweater and button-down.  Footwear options include loafers, oxfords, or dress shoes. Accessories like a leather belt, tie, and classic watch can complete the look.
• Women: A blouse, button-down shirt, or sweater paired with dress pants, skirts, or tailored trousers. Women can also wear a knee-length or midi dress. Footwear options include flats, loafers, or low-heeled pumps. Accessories include minimal jewelry, a structured handbag, and a belt. 

Resort Casual

What It Means: Relaxed, yet still stylish.

Resort casual is a dress code that’s a step up from casual wear but not as formal as business or evening wear. It’s often requested by resorts, hotels, and cruise ships.

• Men: Polo shirts, button-down shirts, collared shirts, linen shirts, tailored shorts, chinos, khakis, and sport coats or blazers.
• Women: Sundresses, flowy maxi dresses, jumpsuits, capris, dressy skirts, blouses, rompers, and light sweaters or cardigans
• Shoes: Sandals, flats, low heels, sneakers, tennis shoes, or loafers 

Some tips for resort casual attire include: 

• Consider the climate and activities you have planned for your trip 
• Pair prints with solids to create multiple looks 
• Avoid wearing flip flops 

Casual

What It Means: Simple and comfortable attire, often seen at family-friendly or fast-casual spots.

Casual dress code is a style that combines comfort with presentability, but is not formal.

• Men: Jeans or chinos with a t-shirt or casual button-up, sneakers allowed. Polo shirts are a great option to wear with Khaki pants.
• Women: Casual dresses, jeans, or leggings with a stylish top, comfortable shoes. A cute sundresses, casual dress that’s usually loose fitting and made of light fabric. 

Dressy Casual

What It Means: A hybrid of casual and polished, common at trendy, mid-range restaurants. A dressy casual dress code is a style of dress that’s more formal than casual, but less formal than black-tie or formal attire. It’s often used for special events like weddings and dinners, and it’s a way to dress up what you’d normally wear casually.

• Men: A smart button-up or sweater with dark jeans or chinos, loafers or dress sneakers.
• Women: A nice blouse with tailored pants or a casual dress, paired with ballet flats or booties.

• Consider the time of dayFor daytime events, you can wear lighter colors and more casual materials. For evening events, you can wear something more upscale. 
• Avoid casual clothingJeans, shorts, casual shirts, and athleisure are generally not appropriate. 
• Choose well-fitted clothingA well-fitted blazer or elegant flats can add a sophisticated touch. 
• Add accessories Delicate accessories like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or a nice watch can help you look polished. 
• Consider a dress A cotton or light fabric shift dress is a good choice for a daytime wedding, while a midi dress with statement jewelry is good for an evening wedding.

Festive Dress

What It Means: Fun, creative, and stylish—often for themed parties or special events. Festive attire is a dress code that encourages guests to add a personal touch to their outfits with colors, patterns, and accessories. It’s similar to cocktail attire, but with a festive twist.

It’s important to consider the audience when choosing an outfit for a festive event, as the host is indicating what kind of party they want.

• Men: A blazer with a fun shirt or tie, bright or bold accessories. Pair with a festive twist like a Christmas tie or a more colorful suit. Men can also add a pocket square that pops.
• Women: A vibrant or themed dress, paired with fun accessories and heels or boots.