The first thing to know about the dress code is that, as the luxury specialist Abraham de Amézaga indicates, "whoever organizes the event to which we are invited is the one who dictates the clothing and indicates it in the invitation." What happens is that there are no unequivocal terms to name each category, so debuting in dress codes can be a labyrinth of Anglo-Saxon terms: 'casual dress' (casual clothing), 'dress down' (simple clothing), ' dress suit' (etiquette suit), 'dress up' (etiquette or even costume for the party), etc. Although a priori we all know the basic codes of the label, "the subtypes or taglines such as 'informal', 'sport', 'business', etc., have emerged to adapt that more carefree or casual style that is exaggeratedly presented in our days," he explains.

Ramón Piqué Sans, author of Dress and Protocol, points out that interpreting the dress code “depends on factors as diverse as the type of party, the time or even the weather or the customs of the geographical area in which the event takes place”. The unwritten rules of etiquette also have something to say about the use of color. In general, light colors will be used during the day and dark colors at night, although if you have expertise in the art of dressing, these limits can be overcome.

With the help of both experts, we have put together this brief guide that goes from the most relaxed to the most formal rules with which to decipher the most frequent dress codes:

Casual

Style: Informal and also known as 'sport'. Garments: Cotton t-shirts, polo shirts, blouses, jeans. In all the codes that include the word 'casual', the jacket or blazer is optional and black is a color that is best avoided. Footwear: Sports shoes and low, comfortable shoes are allowed. Accessories: few, some discreet piece of jewelry .Big bag.

Rosie-Huntington Whiteley embodies the casual spirit very well in her daily looks. Photo: Cordon Press

smart-casual

Style: Less 'sport' than the previous one but also informal. If it is required, it is because you want the guest to be elegant but not excessively formal. Garments: Same as 'casual' but allowing more combination variations and more daring designs: printed or plain blouses, skirts, pants, jackets, collared sweaters turned, sweater, blazers, cardigans. The rule says that, from this category onwards, logos or garments with slogans should be avoided... even if they are fashionable. Footwear: Ankle boots, ballerinas, moccasins, sandals... except sports shoes, practically all footwear is appropriate. Accessories: Few. Bag: Large or medium.

The 'smart casual' allows for more daring designs, a mixture of prints and slightly more formal elements such as the blazer.

Business casual / Semi-formal

Style: It is the one that is usually worn on Fridays, so certain informal touches are allowed. Clothes: Cotton pants, informal suits. The strict interpretation of the label would prevent jeans, although they are increasingly accepted. What we should try to do is pay attention to upper garments such as blouses and jackets instead of t-shirts to give a professional image. Footwear: Except for sneakers, all those that are comfortable for the professional activity that is going to take place fit. Accessories: Few, They may be more discreet or form part of the look such as a special necklace, although in general, work appointments should be austere. Bag: Medium, purse, clutch...

This would be a perfect example to wear on a Friday at the office.

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— Bernie Sanders Sun Oct 06 20:49:09 +0000 2019

business professional

Style: It will always depend on the type of company, its size and its sector. For example, it is not the same to work in bank, legal or certain company offices where there may be dress code impositions, than to work in creative or technological companies, which are usually more informal. Clothes: Suits, blouses, shirts, skirts. In general, a miniskirt is usually not correct for work or at least not more than a couple of fingers above the knee. A white shirt with well-cut trousers is a fairly accepted solution.Footwear: Medium heels and stockings if a skirt is worn.Accessories: Scarves, few and simple jewels.Bag: Medium, small, wallet...

Victoria Beckham has several pieces in her wardrobe that are perfect for a professional date. Photo: Cordon Press

Cocktail

Style: These are usually events that take place standing up, so they are "moments of great brilliance," explains Piqué. Clothes: You will wear shorts, although midi lengths, between the knee and the ankle, are also accepted. Printed fabrics are better during the day and plain ones for the afternoon and evening. Always of good quality such as silk, satin or chiffon. Shoes: High heels, medium heels are allowed and although closed heels are more elegant, sandals can be worn depending on the occasion. Accessories: In addition to light makeup, jewelry is recommended. If the event is outdoors, the season allows it and the act is during the day, a hat or headdress will be part of a perfect 'cocktail'. Remember that the day is the only time to adorn your head properly. If you decide not to go 'touched', the hair must go with a semi-updo or at least fixed. Bag: Small or purse, clutch...

The length of the dress should preferably be short and the prints are perfect if the event is during the day. Photo: Cordon Press

The black tie / Evening Dress / Semiformal

Style: This is a dress code that is named in reference to the male tuxedo. They will be evening garments and especially for parties, although there are those who also use ceremonial garments. Garments: Elegant dresses, various heights are usually allowed but none must touch the ground. Shoes: Mid-height and high, always with stockings. Accessories: They play a very important role. The most striking jewels and costume jewelery pieces are welcome. Although also capes, stoles, jewel coats, etc. The hair, better collected. Bag: Very small and that plays with special materials such as rhinestones.

In this 'dress code', dresses that do not touch the ground and stockings must be used. Photo: Getty

Gala or etiquette Style: The most important thing to get right is to know the time at which the act takes place. Clothing: If the act is during the day, the companion wears a morning suit and the woman can wear a cocktail dress. But if it is night and the men wear tails, the women should choose a long dress, to the floor, whose fabric and cut are of quality: satins, silks, brocades, sequins, etc. It's time to show off, without going overboard, necklines, straps and bare backs. Although the dress will cover the legs, stockings must be worn. Shoes: High heels. Accessories: Quality jewelry, elbow-length gloves, fantasy coats, scarves, fur stoles, etc. Never wear a watch unless it is a jewelery watch. It is the moment in which both the hairstyle and the makeup admit a little more fantasy. Bag: Without a bag or with a very small 'jewel' type bag.

If the event is at night and the men wear tails, the women should choose a long, floor-length dress. Photo: Getty