Dress for every occasion
Networking, conferences, conventions, cultural events, festive evenings... there are many opportunities to go out. And each time, the same question comes up: "What am I going to wear?"
Dressing appropriately is one way to show respect for the event and its hosts. But without a dress code specified on the invitation, it can be difficult to know where to stand.
Here's a clear and practical guide to help you adapt your outfit to the occasion, while staying true to your style. (And for those who come with a partner, you'll also find suggestions for men.)
Casual attire
Examples: meeting in a cafe, a team brunch or a friendly, unpretentious activity.
To wear:
· Comfortable jeans or loose pants
· Clean T-shirt or sweater
· Cardigan, denim jacket or bomber jacket
· Clean sneakers, ankle boots or ballet flats
· Light makeup and natural hairstyle
For the accompanying person:
Dark jeans or chinos, polo shirt or cotton shirt, sneakers or clean shoes.
Business Casual
Examples: more relaxed work day, professional lunch or informal 5@7.
To wear:
· Straight pants or skirt
· Structured blouse, shirt or top
· Light jacket or refined cardigan
· Closed-toe shoes: loafers, ankle boots, or elegant flats
· Simple jewelry, structured bag
For the accompanying person:
Dark trousers or clean jeans, shirt or polo shirt, jacket optional.
Business attire
Examples: conference, formal business meeting or networking event.
To wear:
· Pantsuit or skirt suit
· Structured dress
· Neat blouse or shirt
· Fitted jacket
· Closed shoes with low heels or simple pumps
· Neat hairstyle, professional makeup
For the accompanying person:
Dress pants, shirt, jacket or suit, leather shoes.
Evening dress (Cocktail)
Examples: openings, receptions, launch evenings or cultural events.
To wear:
· Cocktail dress
· Chic jumpsuit or elegant suit
· Noble fabrics: satin, crepe, silk
· High heels or dress shoes
· Clutch, fine jewelry, evening makeup
For the accompanying person:
Dark suit, shirt, dress shoes. Tie optional, but recommended.
Gala dress or black tie
Examples: fundraising evening, charity event or annual gala.
To wear:
· Long dress or high-end cocktail dress
· Elegant evening jumpsuit with chic accessories
· Luxurious fabrics, elaborate details (lace, sequins, embroidery)
· Elegant heels, refined handbag, remarkable jewelry
· Makeup and hair done in a salon or carefully
For the accompanying person:
Tuxedo or dark suit, white shirt, tie or bow tie, patent leather shoes.
White Tie
Rather rare in Canada, but can be worn for certain balls or diplomatic receptions. It is the height of refinement.
To wear:
· Floor-length dress
· Long gloves (optional, but stylish)
· Sophisticated hairstyle (chignon or impeccable blow-dry)
· Fine shoes, jeweled clutch
· Formal makeup, bright jewelry
For the accompanying person:
Tailcoat, white shirt with a wing collar, white vest, white bow tie, patent leather shoes.
Dressing according to the dress code doesn't mean sacrificing your personality. Rather, it's a great opportunity to showcase your sense of style while respecting the event's context. And if you're still unsure, here's a simple rule: it's better to be a little overdressed than underdressed.
