Where to Wear
Dress up or dress down, we’ve got you covered for a San Francisco night on the town.
By Katie Baynes

Aug 20 | archive | subscribe

 

San Francisco is famous for its individualistic style, but sometimes wild ways must be tamed. Here is our list of dress codes and their San Francisco interpretations. Now go out and dress to impress… yourself!

Black Tie Optional
Also known as Black tie, creative black tie, black tie and long dresses, bohemian black tie, white tie, Texas tuxedo, gala garb, formal attire.
Translation: Dignified glamour. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed, because remember you can always take your tie off, but you can't put one on. For ladies, a walk-the-red-carpet sequined gown isn't necessary, but be sure to stay classy, and skip the micro-mini.
Variations: Long and flowing gowns are a safe bet for women, dressy fabrics like velvet and lace. Men can wear their tux, and have fun with a cummerbund and bow-tie or whichever variation you'd like. After all, it's optional.

Festive Attire
Also known as Holiday threads, holiday chic, festive holiday attire, colorful gowns, carnival attire, exuberant shindig, glitterati gear, fiesta fashion.
Translation: Freedom of fashion. Keep the holiday or theme of the party in mind, and take the opportunity to be playful with your look. It could be Christmas or the Fourth of July, but show your support in colors, and let your creativity flow with style.
Variations: If you're not one to make a scene, then try to do a single showy item like a scarf or festive jewelry or cufflinks for men.

Cocktail Attire
Also known as Fun cocktail attire, simply fabulous, gorgeous garb, dress to kill.
Translation: A cute, flashy little dress. The majority of party go-ers will be in the little black dress, and dresses are kept around knee-length. Men generally would wear a suit, and can always take the jacket off.
Variations: Black always reads as more formal, so it's the safe bet, but you can spice it up with a bright green a-line chiffon dress or a classic Pucci piece. For men, keep it simple with a suit, match your tie to your dates tie or dress.

Suit & Tie
Also known as bring your suit, dark suit, jacket requested, dark and chic, semiformal.
Translation: Pretty cut and dry here for the men, but women should try on something dressed up, but not too fancy. Avoid sequins at all costs.
Variations: If he's wearing a blue tie, wear a knee-length a-line blue dress. Keep it simple and classic.

Casual Chic
Also known as smart casual, dressy casual, casual threads, informally fabulous, simple and chic.
Translation: This is a fashionistas dream. You can wear anything you want, as long as it's comfortable, HOT and NOW.
Variations: Play around with fabrics and colors you wouldn't normally wear. You can wear all black, but wear some wild hot pink gator pumps. This is a good time to test out the latest fashions but comfortably. For men, this gives you the opportunity to experiment with pants and colors. Summer cocktail party? Try seersucker, or Nantucket red pants with a navy jacket.

Business Attire
Also known as business casual, trade-show chic, town dress, urban chic, City dress.
Translation: Timeless and formal. Something you'd wear to work for a big meeting.
Variations: Suits for both men and women, throw in a fun accent with a tie or jewelry.

Come As You Are
Also known as dress as you please, day clothes, smart day, smart attire.
Translation: Anything! Anything at all! But keep in mind, a person kind enough to put a dress-code still obviously cares about appearance. No denim cut off short shorts, please.
Variations: Nearly anything goes. Just be sure to leave some to the imagination.