Modern dress code

Today’s informal lifestyles have caused a relaxation of male dress codes. However, this easing of the rules has created some confusion.

At Parker & Co. we are happy to give you the benefit of our experience regarding appropriate dress for different occasions. Following is a decoding of some dress code terms:

Business (or Corporate)

Generally this means a classic business suit and tie. Conservative environments like finance, law and government usually dictate more conservative dress. Creative environments like architecture, advertising and IT are more open to interpretation. (For details, see Businesswear.) Where seen:

Relaxed Corporate (or Business Casual)

An alternative to the suit, defined as a comfortably relaxed version of classic corporate attire. The look may or may not involve a jacket, although this is recommended for meetings and more formal situations. Tailored trousers and a woven collared shirt are safe choices. Any knitwear should be fine in finish and plain in design. A tie is optional. (For details, see Relaxed Corporate.) Where seen:

Smart Casual

Similar to Relaxed Corporate.However, as this mode of dress is worn for social occasions there is more scope to dress it down with knits and more casual trousers. Jackets are still a good idea, because if you go somewhere dressed in smart casual attire and no-one else is wearing a coat, you only need to remove your jacket to blend in. In summer, linen suits can qualify as Smart Casual. In winter, leather and suede jackets work well. Where seen:

Sporty Casual

A more dressed-down version of Smart Casual. May include active sportswear garments such as sweatshirts, windcheaters, polo shirts, T-shirts, jeans, bulky knitwear, as well as shorts and sandals in summer. Where seen:

Resort Casual

Think linen suits or navy jackets and light trousers for more formal events; polo shirts and shorts for barbecues and more casual get-togethers. Where seen:

Lounge Suit (or Semi-formal, Formal or Cocktail)

In each of these cases, a dark-coloured business suit is appropriate. Luxury, refined fabrics (for details, see Fabrics), and a dressier shirt and tie than you may normally wear for business will help give your suit a sense of occasion. If the event has an artistic edge, you may consider substituting your shirt and tie with a piece of high-necked fine knitwear worn underneath your jacket. Where seen:

Urban Chic

Sophisticated designer wear, often in a monochromatic colour grouping. Ties are not necessary. Try pairing leather with knits, or of-the-moment pieces with classics. Where seen:

Black Tie

A black dinner jacket, black trousers, white dress shirt and a black tie form the basics. (For details, see Black Tie.) Where seen:

Creative Black Tie

Creative Black Tie leaves room for post-modern interpretations of formalwear. Be advised by a Parker & Co consultant as to the current seasons trends. Where seen:

White Tie

A long black tailcoat worn with a white wing collar dress shirt and white tie. Where seen:

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