Formal

Once we go down the scale of attire, we encounter a great deal of confusion in modern America.  The term formal is not universally understood these days.  Technically, it means different things at different times of the day.

Before 6:00 p.m., the term means that the gentleman should wear a dark suit, white shirt and a conservative tie while the lady who accompanies him should wear a business type of a suit, an afternoon dress or a nice sweater and skirt outfit, but not a fancy dinner suit.

This blue blouse and skirt by Issey Miyake that I purchased in Toronto, would be appropriate for a summer occasion designated as formal but which was held before 6:00 p.m.

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This cashmere sweater and skirt by Fendi, that I modeled and later purchased, would also be appropriate to wear to a formal event that was held before 6:00 p.m.

After 6:00 p.m., the term, formal, means black tie, which is defined above.

Dress Code

Introduction
White Tie
Black Tie
Black Tie Preferred, Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited
Formal
Informal
Casual
Business Casual
Country Club Casual
Dressy Casual
Traveling Attire for Business
Traveling Attire for Personal Travel
Ladies Who Lunch Attire
Wedding Attire
Shower Attire
Christening Attire
Dinner Attire During the Week
Dinner Attire for Saturday Evening
Attire for Baseball Games, Football Games, Rock Concerts, Etc.