Philippine Daily Inquirer: Casual, cocktail, formal, black tie–how to decode party dress codes I'm going to an event on Saturday night, and the invite reads "suggested attire is business casual or cocktail attire." Now, to my semi-uneducated mind, there's a bit of a difference between the two. Who What Wear on MSN: The dos and don'ts of cocktail attire, according to fashion editors Surely your mailbox is overflowing with invitations to everything, from cocktail events to office parties, to Christmas dinners and family reunions. This season spells a lot of merrymaking.

Understanding the Context

But then ... Star-News: Celia Rivenbark: Are you smart enough to know what smart casual party attire is? It’s the holidays and now that we’re (mostly) back to in-person gatherings, it’s time to revisit those confusing dress code instructions. What, pray tell, is beach casual?

Key Insights

Or creative black tie? Or ... Celia Rivenbark: Are you smart enough to know what smart casual party attire is? Houston Press: Black Tie Optional, Beach Casual or Semi Formal? What to Wear to a Wedding