Black-Tie Optional or Formal

One step down from black-tie, this dress code indicates men should opt for a tuxedo or dark suit, preferably with a white button-down shirt underneath. Nicer dress shoes are appropriate.

Ladies should wear either a floor-length evening gown, a formal pantsuit or a formal (longer hem) cocktail dress. Go for heels rather than wedges or sandals.

Source: What Does This Dress Code Mean? A Guide to Wedding Guest Attire

Traditional Attire

While these definitions and images relate to standard American descriptions, formal culturally-appropriate traditional attire is also encouraged.

Dos and Don'ts

Note that the following is a general list and dos and don'ts that cover most wedding dress code guidelines. That being said, each wedding celebration is unique—which means its attire guidelines might be an outlier. Take the following as baseline rules to follow, but always double-check any dress code information provided in paper suites or on a couple's wedding website.

• Do follow the requested dress code

• Don't wear white, cream, ivory, or any other shades of white

• Likewise, don't wear the same color or colors as the bridesmaids

• Do opt for appropriate wedding footwear (you can always bring a pair of backup shoes for dancing)

• Don't wear denim

• Do prepare and dress appropriately for the weather and season

• Don't wear anything too short, tight, flashy, or revealing

Source: What to Wear to a Wedding