10 Tips for Today’s Meeting Dress Codes

Just as the faces of today’s attendees have changed, so have their wardrobes – and meeting dress codes have had to follow. Here are 10 guidelines for contemporary dress codes and how to spell them out for your attendees.

1. Start With What’s Not Acceptable

Right up front, list banned wardrobe items, such as yoga pants, T-shirts with printed lettering, or ripped jeans. 

2. Share Visual Cues

Post on social media in the run-up to the event to clarify any questions about what to wear. If time permits, set up a lookbook; templates are available at Canva and Flipsnack, among other sites.

3. Don’t Expect Attendees to be Mind Readers

Ultimately, some people will pick out the easiest thing in their wardrobes, which will often be black.So if you don’t want them to wear black (or white, or red), say so. 

4. Communicate Details About the Venue

Is the event outside? If so, is the area tented? Should attendees bring a coat or jacket, or just a wrap? Is there going to be grass? Let people know so they can choose the proper footwear. 

5. Explain the Difference Between ‘Casual’ and ‘Smart Casual’

‘Casual’ doesn’t mean showing up in just anything, like sweats or gym clothes. It’s a balance between comfort, style and looking relaxed. ‘Smart casual,’ on the other hand, is the dress code of choice for informal networking – for example, a jacket and t-shirt, or a tailored blouse with jeans.

6. ‘Cocktail Attire” Means Different Things to Different People

That’s why you need to spell it out: For men, “Cocktail Attire’ traditionally meant a suit with a tie, but today that can be a blazer with different-colored pants (think smart black or grey). For women, it generally means shorter dresses (usually knee- or tea-length), jewelry and accessories, in darker or neutral colors.

7. Black Tie vs. White Tie

The definition of ‘Black Tie’ has remained constant throughout the years: longer evening gowns, tuxedos and traditional black bow ties, often with cuff-linked shirts and cummerbunds for the men and heels for the women. ‘White Tie’ refers to long evening gowns and white gloves for women, and tailcoats, single (or double) striped matching trousers and white ties for men. White Tie is often too formal for most corporate events, other than a high-profile awards ceremony.

8. What is ‘Comfortable’?

The term ‘Comfortable’ has made its way into dress code guidelines. It’s still new, and requires explanation. One meeting’s dress code guidelines described it this way: “Most people wear business casual. We encourage you to wear clothes you feel most comfortable in.”

9. Make the Case for Sneakers

As dress codes evolve, well-maintained sneakers can fit into business- casual and smart-casual attire. Wearers are not only more comfortable, but they also get to show off their individual style through their sneaker choices.

10. Ask Attendees What They Think

When you make a change to a meeting’s dress code, include a question on the follow-up survey to gauge the reaction. Leave room for attendees to express their opinions as well.