How to read the invitation
Formal, Ultra formal, White tie (Cravate blanche – fr.)
The most official evening wear.
- Possible events: diplomatic reception, charitable ball dinner at high ranker’s etc.
- Men: tailcoat with white tie, black varnish shoes, pocket watch. Dark vest is prohibited otherwise you can be taken for a waiter. White gloves are advisable.
- Women: long evening dress, gloves, medium heel shoes, purse. Hair a-la naturel, bijoux and bare hands are prohibited.
Black Tie (Cravate noire – fr.)
Less formal than White Tie But still quite official.
- Possible events: official evening (f.e. Christmas) reception, theatre or opera first night
- Men: dinner jacket
- Women: cocktail or long evening dress. Fur absence and bijoux are acceptable.
Formal Formal evening event
Usually means the same with Black Tie but sometimes this formulation can imply something more creative that just classical look.
- Possible events: official evening (f.e. Christmas) reception, theatre or opera first night
- Men: dinner jacket or dark suit with tie
- Women: cocktail or long evening dress or evening separates.
Black Tie Invited
Possible events: supper party, corporate banquet, family celebration with big number of guests etc. In respect to cocktail usually it is evening drinks reception.
- Men: classical dinner jacket is advisable.
- Women: cocktail or long evening dress or smart outfit
Black Tie Optional
- Possible events: supper party, corporate banquet, family celebration with big number of guests etc. In respect to cocktail usually it is evening drinks reception.
- Men: dinner jacket or dark suit with tie.
- Women: cocktail dress, smart skirt and shirt etc.
Creative Black Tie
- Possible events supper party, corporate banquet, family celebration with big number of guests etc. In respect to cocktail usually it is evening drinks reception.
- Men: dinner jacket with creative accessories or of unusual colors. If you are doubting chose classical dinner jacket with bright vest or informal dinner jacket with dark shirt without tie
- Women: long or short evening dress or outfit
Cocktail Attire:
- Possible events supper party, corporate banquet, family celebration with big number of guests etc. In respect to cocktail usually it is evening drinks reception.
- Men: dark suit.
- Women: cocktail dress.
Semi-formal
The most cunning dress code. It seems that guests are free to chose anything they like but at the same time only in accordance with the set dress code.
- Possible events: supper party, corporate banquet, family celebration with big number of guests etc. In respect to cocktail usually it is evening drinks reception.
- Men: dinner jacket is not necessary. Before 18:00 you can chose usual suit with tie.
- Women: after 18:00 cocktail dress is preferable. Before this time day but smart dress or outfit is acceptable.
A5 (After Five)
It can be added by phrase Semi formal for instance. Otherwise means cocktail.
- Possible events: any evening event that starts after 17:00
- Men: suit of any color. Tie is not necessary
- Women: cocktail dress or just smart outfit
A5c (After 5 casual ) or Casual dress
- Possible events: any evening event that starts after 17:00
- Men: style or ultra style clothes from fashion designers. Or you can wear smart suit and shirt without tie
- Women: feminine suite or smart dress
Btr (Business Traditional) or Undress Traditional business suit or casual wear
- Possible events: business meeting.
- Clothes: traditional business suit.
Bb (Business Best): the most formal and expensive business suit. - Possible events: important business meeting, negotiations, business reception.
- Men: best business suit, usually dark blue, pinstripe is acceptable. White shirt (with double cuffs and cuff links), suitable tie.
- Women: grey, blue or beige suit, light shirt, black or appropriate shoes.
Bb (Business Best) the most Formal and expensive business suit.
- Possible events: important business meeting, negotiations, business reception.
- Men: best business suit, usually dark blue, pinstripe is acceptable. White shirt (with double cuffs and cuff links), suitable tie.
- Women: grey, blue or beige suit, light shirt, black or
appropriate shoes.
