What Does the Dress Code “Dressy Casual” Even Mean?! (2024)

Weddings and parties are, for the most part, super fun! Wouldn't you agree?! 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 you can nail your next wedding guest look with confidence. Ready?

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. It's about dressing up what you'd wear casually. 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.

Dressy casual vs semi formal—what is that even?

Okay, now that you know what dressy casual is...let's talk about what it is not! To clear things up, dressy casual is not the same as a semi formal dress code. In fact, semi formal is more elevated. It's like dressy casual's big sister.

What does one wear to an event with a dressy casual dress code?

Swann describes the dress code as fairly 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 what'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 (perf for a beach wedding) 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 part of the design is playful, which means it fits better into a “trendy” category than a formal or casual one and therefore applies 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 co*cktail dress’s more fun cousin.
• co*cktail 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 "dressy casual" styles right here:

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.