Weddings and parties are, for the most part, super fun! Deciphering the often-confusing dress codes beforehand? Not so much. Yes, a dress code helps complete the whole vibe of the soirée, but they can be vague—and can also become the catalyst of a huge group text thread with your friends all sending photos of potential outfits and hoping for some sort of confirmation that it'll work. We've all been there. One dress code stands out from the rest as particularly head-scratching: Dressy casual. What a contradiction!
You hear the word “dressy” and think, Oh, great. So...formal! Then you hear “casual” right after and you’re like...Wait, what? Hard same. Apparently, dressy casual lives on to confound us all. Don't fret though. We talked to Elaine Swann, lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, to help break it all down so when you can nail your next wedding guest look with confidence.
What does dressy casual mean?
It’s a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don’t-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire. If the event is at night, Swann says it’s best to err on the more formal side of the spectrum.
What does one wear to an event with a dressycasual dress code?
Swann describes the dress code as fairy laid-back. "This is where you're thinking more light colors and casual materials," she says, versus fancier fare like satin and sparkles. You can wear things that are a little more flowy, and even bold prints are acceptable. "That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says.
There are actually a lot of options that fit into this category, and Swann says although it's fun to buy something new, you can often work with something that's already in your closet and lean into accessorizing. "For example, you can take a maxi dress and instead of wearing flats with it, swap it out with a cute pair of wedges and put on some bold earrings that stand out a little bit," Swann says. Here are a few more options that are perfect for dressy casual occasions.
Some clothing that would fit into this vibe:
- Sundresses or day dresses. This is a dress category that falls under “casual” but is still pretty “dressy.” It’s probably the safest bet to nail the dressy-casual code. These dresses are made from jersey, cotton, lace, and more, and they typically have a summery feel.
- A jumpsuit. These guys can seem formal, but the pants are playful, which means they fit better into a “trendy” category than a formal or casual one and therefore apply to both.
- An outfit with a midi skirt. Longer hemline = more formal, but skirts are less dressy than dresses.
- A trendy suit or fun trousers. Aka colorful or patterned ones. Staunch tuxes or darker solids will look out of place in this setting.
- A two-piece ensemble. Matching sets are a great solve for this dress code. Like I said before, skirts are more casual than full-on dresses, and these coordinating ’fits are basically the cocktail dress’s more fun cousin.
- Cocktail dresses, although they’d be better for something you think would skew more dressy. It’s usually safe to wear one of these to a dressy-casual party taking place at night.
Shop some examples of these styles right here.
SAU LEE Beatrice Dress
Amanda Uprichard x REVOLVE Champagne Skort Romper
AMUR Parris One Shoulder Jumpsuit
Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress
L*SPACE Santorini Dress
Eloquii Ruched Bodice Maxi Dress
Shona Joy Irena Tailored Fitted Vest
House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Gashi Mini Dress
What should guys do?
Usually, just avoid shorts and a T-shirt. A great standby is the classic combo of nice trousers and a button-down shirt. For a more polished look, a lighter-colored suit with no tie works well.
So there you have it! Here’s a toast to just doing your best and whoever’s hosting accepting that you at least tried.
Rachel Torgerson is the fashion features director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing fashion coverage online, in print, and on our various social media platforms. She has over a decade of experience in the fashion and media industries, musing on style through multiple lenses, including cultural, celebrity, and bridal. Her ultimate focus: making fashion less exclusive and more relatable. Before landing at Cosmopolitan as a digital fashion editor in 2016, she worked at Us Weekly, The Knot, and Fitness Magazine, among others. When she's not discussing runway trends, you can definitely catch her trying (and, in many cases, failing) a new crochet cardigan pattern or in a spirited debate about the difference between the Bridgerton books vs the Netflix series. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @RachelTorgs
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
