Fashion

This is what the most common wedding dress codes mean

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:003730#30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:00-11Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 21am30am-30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:0011Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +02004511456amWednesday=9#!30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#06-21-2023#!30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:003730#/30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:00-11Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:45:37 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#

Summer has officially started today, which means the wedding season is open. I have already had my only wedding of the year (can my friends hurry up and get married, please?), but I have spotted a few absolute no-gos when it comes to adhering to the dress code. Do you have a few weddings planned this summer with a dress code you have no idea what it means? I’m here to help you out of your fashion crisis.

Black tie
Black tie is a formal dress code usually used for evening weddings or other formal events. For women, this means a long evening gown if the event includes a dinner, and you can opt for a chic cocktail dress if there is no dinner. When choosing the perfect dress, go for elegant fabrics like silk or chiffon and complement your look with stylish, understated accessories.

White tie
This dress code is definitely worth mentioning, although you will encounter it the least quickly of all the dress codes on this list. It is a bit stricter than black tie. With white tie, you are expected to wear a long, stately evening gown that reaches the floor and to wear long gloves. The dress must be elegant and refined with a slim fit, so save your Sissi dress for another event.

Cocktail
My fashion heart always skips a beat for this dress code, because with cocktail you can go in many directions. It is much less formal, but still stylish and a chance to really go all out. A cocktail dress can be a bit shorter, have festive colors or even sequins, and should be seen. Not a fan of dresses? A chic pantsuit is also absolutely suitable for this dress code.

Tenue de ville
Tenue de ville means ‘clothing you wear to the city’ and is therefore also called city attire. It originates from a time when people made an effort to look good when they went out, and you will encounter this dress code more often at a wedding that takes place outdoors and during the day. Think of tenue de ville as neat clothing in light pastel shades (black is discouraged) and subtle accessories. Flashy clothing, makeup, and jewelry are not common with tenue de ville.

Ton-sur-ton
If TikTok is to be believed, ton-sur-ton is the dress code trend of 2023. What does it mean? Everyone in the same color tones. Ton-sur-ton stands for a monochrome look where you dress yourself from head to toe in one color. Some couples will ask you to stick to one specific color, while others will give multiple options. The result? Stunningly styled photos that many Instagrammers will be jealous of.

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