What to Wear for Any Event, Big or Small

Choosing the right outfit for everything from weddings to job interviews can be tricky—especially with the growing trend of casual attire at some events (while others remain as formal as ever). With so many occasions to consider—weddings, baptisms, networking events, funerals, job interviews, barbecues, holiday parties, and baby or bridal showers—what you wear depends on multiple factors: the venue, the event's level of formality, the weather, and often, the style choices of fellow attendees. Stop stressing about what to wear for each event with this ultimate guide to every dress code, curated by Mytour fashion editors and experts.

Black Tie & Formal Gatherings

Formal events often come with a more specific dress code. For example, you may find "black tie requested" on a formal wedding invitation. However, you’ll still need to choose an outfit that flatters you and fits the tone of the celebration.

Religious Ceremonies: Baptisms, Bar Mitzvahs, and More

Outfit Suggestions: Opt for a lovely daytime dress, perhaps in a soft pastel or floral print, or a suit with feminine details and accents. Don’t forget to bring along a light sweater, blazer, or a smart jacket to cover up sleeveless looks. If there’s a reception right after the ceremony, and you won’t have time to change, consider wearing a cocktail dress or elegant pants with a jacket or wrap to stay modest in the temple or church.

What to Avoid: Steer clear of anything too low-cut, too short, or form-fitting.

Luxury Weddings or Charity Galas

Outfit Suggestions: Think tuxedos, glimmering fabrics, and intricate details. Although the strict rules on dress length have softened, your safest option is a tea- or floor-length gown. A column or A-line dress is always classy, but a well-tailored, chic suit is a fine choice as well. Now’s the time to elevate your style with luxurious jewelry, stunning shoes, and a gorgeous hairstyle.

What to Avoid: Keep the hemline long unless the invitation specifies "black tie optional." In that case, you can relax the rules a bit with a formal knee-length cocktail dress.

Cocktail Party, Engagement Party, and Weddings

What to Wear: These events typically call for "cocktail attire" (though they’re not as formal as a black-tie event). Go for a cocktail dress—whether it’s a timeless little black dress or a striking jewel-toned or pastel piece. Dressy separates also make a stylish choice.

Today, cocktail parties can range from sophisticated gatherings—think glittery knee-length dresses from the "special occasions" section—to a more relaxed evening with friends around appetizers. But generally, "cocktail parties are dressy-casual, so you can’t go wrong with a top featuring unique details and a skirt or tailored pants, paired with heels or elegant flats," says fashion stylist Joseph Williamson.

What to Avoid: "Steer clear of materials that are too casual, like chino, jersey, or denim." Also, avoid overly short styles. To check if your hemline works, stand with your arms at your sides: The hem should not be higher than your fingertips.

Holiday Party, Dinner Party, or "Festive Attire" Event

What to Wear: These types of events offer a chance to go bold with sparkle and vibrant colors. Basically, you can wear anything that’s nice enough to fit the setting. Have fun with statement jewelry, like a dramatic necklace or eye-catching earrings. Pair them with a lively dress, a sleek jumpsuit, or a festive top with a fun midi skirt or palazzo pants. Bonus points for adding textured details like feathers, tassels, lace, sequins, beads, or bows.

What to Avoid: Keep the guest list and party theme in mind when planning your outfit. For instance, if it's a family-friendly ugly sweater holiday party, wearing an ugly sweater is a must—just be sure to avoid any inappropriate ones if kids will be attending.

Informal Events

Casual attire can be a challenge to master, especially with more and more events embracing a "casual" dress code. When picking an outfit for a casual event, aim to strike a balance between elevated glamour and the ease of your go-to at-home wear.

Outdoor, Daytime, or More Relaxed Weddings

Outfit Suggestions: If the wedding is outdoors and the weather is warm, go for a breezy sundress, an elegant maxi dress, or a chic shift dress. While black is not off-limits, lighter hues and vibrant patterns are often more fitting. Think colors that harmonize with the outdoor scenery, like blues, greens, yellows, and coral. A knee-length dress in cotton is a great choice. In warmer weather or regions, strapless dresses and open-toed shoes are perfect.

What to Avoid: "For daytime weddings, which tend to be more relaxed, stay away from anything too heavily embellished with beads or sequins," advises Rothman. For outdoor events, avoid heels, as they may sink into grass or sand.

Bridal Shower or Baby Shower

Outfit Suggestions: A flattering, feminine dress, a printed skirt paired with a sweater, or a fun pair of pants and a flowing top are all excellent choices for showers. Wear either flats or heels based on your comfort level, or go for cute booties if the weather is chilly.

What to Avoid: Similar to a wedding, avoid wearing white at bridal showers unless the bride or host specifies otherwise. Black is not off-limits, but ensure it looks more chic than somber.

Family Gathering, Barbecue, or Birthday Celebration

Outfit Ideas: Take a cue from the host: if they're known for always looking sharp, make sure to step up your game as well. Keep it casual yet polished with a pair of well-fitted jeans, a fun top, and stylish sneakers, sandals, or flats.

What to Avoid: Leave the yoga pants, graphic tees, and worn-out sneakers at home.

While on a Cruise

Outfit Suggestions: Your cruise line is likely to have a website outlining general packing tips as well as dress codes for dining and events aboard their specific ships.

For a warm-weather cruise, pack items you’d take on a beach vacation: shorts, light shirts, sundresses, skirts, swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, and sneakers. For colder cruises, pack a mix of clothing you'd wear on a fall or winter getaway: jeans, leggings, slacks, sweaters, sneakers, a winter coat, boots, and flats (don't forget your bathing suits if there’s a hot tub or indoor pool). Dress comfortably, but remember you're not at home on the couch.

Cruise ships typically feature a variety of dining options with different dress codes, ranging from casual to smart casual, and sometimes formal. If there's only one main dining room, expect the dress code to change throughout the cruise, like casual on the first night and formal or even black-tie on the final evening. Be prepared with dinner outfits to meet each requirement.

A knee-length sundress or crisp white jeans with a nice top paired with sandals or flats is a safe bet for casual dinners. For a smarter-casual vibe, swap white denim for elegant pants, add some jewelry, and wear wedges or chunky heels. For formal nights, tea-length or floor-length dresses, heels, and a chic wrap are perfect. If there's a black-tie dinner, don your most glamorous attire.

What to Avoid: Avoid wearing swimsuits without a cover-up, going barefoot, or sporting ripped jeans, as none of these are allowed in even the most casual dining areas.

Professional Events

Work attire has evolved in recent years, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work environments. However, when it’s time to make a strong first impression, it’s best to leave the jeans behind and opt for something that exudes professionalism.

Job Interview

What to Wear: Maintain a clean, professional, and appropriate look. Pumps paired with a tailored suit (whether pants or a skirt) or a simple black or navy dress are reliable choices for a job interview outfit. These are the staples for most corporate settings, but if you’re applying at a more relaxed company like a tech startup, creative agency, or trendy magazine, feel free to show off your personal style.

What to Avoid: Avoid going too casual or too trendy—it can leave a negative impression. Skip distracting, noisy jewelry and don’t wear denim (even if the company’s dress code is casual; always aim to look slightly more polished than the staff).

Graduation

What to Wear: For a graduation event, don’t stress too much about your outfit. It should be neat but not overly formal. If you’re the graduate, pick something you’ll be happy to wear in photos for years to come and at celebratory gatherings with family. A knee-length dress in bright colors, white, or a floral print is perfect for the occasion. Choose comfortable heels, flats, wedges, or sandals for easy movement across the stage.

For a guest at someone else’s graduation, follow the same guidelines or consider the attire you'd wear to a spring baptism, bar mitzvah, or Easter celebration: neat, fun, and considerate, but not overly fancy. Think chic cropped pants with a nice blouse, a pretty patterned skirt, or a cheerful sundress in quality fabric.

What to Avoid: Wait until closer to the event to pick your outfit, so you're prepared for the weather. Many graduations are in late spring or early summer and can take place outdoors for long periods. Avoid long sleeves or pants that may leave you overheated; opt for a breezy A-line dress or skirt for comfort. If it rains or the venue is air-conditioned, bring a light sweater or wrap to keep warm.

Business Dinner, Work Party, or Networking Event

What to Wear: The key word here is: polished. When dressing for a work event, consider your office's culture. "In a conservative setting, it's best to maintain a conservative look for these events," advises Williamson.

Take your office attire up a notch. Pair your suit with a stylish blouse or necklace, or opt for a skirt and heels instead of pants and flats. You’re the best judge of your company’s dress code, but in general, it's wise to lean toward the conservative side, especially when mingling with clients or superiors. For more casual outings, like a company picnic or a charity 3K, feel free to dress more comfortably to suit the planned activities.

What to Avoid: Avoid anything inappropriate or too revealing, such as skimpy tank tops, distressed denim shorts, or graphic T-shirts with controversial messages or images.

Funeral or Wake

What to Wear: A safe and respectful option for a funeral is often a tailored pantsuit or a knee-length dress, complemented with a cardigan or jacket. Jewelry should be subtle and tasteful, like simple stud earrings and a modest pendant necklace.

Regarding color, black is typically chosen, but it’s not obligatory. The key is to maintain the solemnity of the occasion, which can be achieved with subdued clothing in dark neutrals like navy, brown, or forest green, as suggested by etiquette expert Leah Ingram. Muted patterns are also acceptable.

What to Avoid: Stay away from anything overly flashy or trendy. Your attire should be neat, respectful, and modest, unless otherwise instructed.

School

What to Wear: Sweats are totally acceptable for class or study days, says Rothman. "Opt for coordinated sweats that show purpose and style. Achieving style doesn’t take more than five minutes," she advises.

If you're meeting professors or discussing internships and career opportunities, consider dressing more professionally. "Whether it’s for a college interview, job, or internship, demonstrating executive presence should be part of your story," Rothman recommends. "This doesn’t always mean a suit—coordinated separates are a great alternative."

Layers are essential for busy days. You can stay warm in a hoodie or jacket for that early morning class, then easily shed it when the afternoon temperatures rise.

What to Avoid: If your clothes are showing signs of wear—whether it’s stains, rips, or a general rundown look—save them for lounging at home. "Keep them for the dorm," Rothman suggests.

Rock Concert or Music Festival

What to Wear: This is your chance to have fun with your fashion—whether you decide to channel the artist you're seeing (like those stylish Swiftie Eras outfits) or make a statement and stand out from the crowd.

But remember to balance fun with practicality—bring layers so you can throw on a jacket if the evening gets cooler, or pack a hat to protect yourself from the sun during a long outdoor concert.

Your footwear should combine both style and comfort. Consider choosing shoes that offer some arch support if you'll be standing for extended periods during the performance.

Also, don't forget to check the venue's rules—many places now require clear bags for your essentials, so be prepared.

What to Avoid: Flip-flops and open-toed shoes can leave you vulnerable to injury, especially in crowded areas.

Opera, Ballet or Symphony Concert

What to wear: Before picking your outfit, it's important to check the dress code for the event, as Rothman advises. High-profile events like opening nights or galas may call for a formal or black-tie dress code.

Even if the event is more laid-back, consider dressing up a bit for the occasion. "Dressing up and trying something different can still be enjoyable, especially in a beautiful venue." If you're unsure, a timeless little black dress paired with a clutch and stacked heels is a great go-to option, according to Rothman.

What to Avoid: Even for a casual event, avoid going too far in that direction. Items like cutoff jeans or a graphic T-shirt might be too informal for some outings.

Shopping Excursion

What to Wear: Consider what you're shopping for and make sure you're prepared to try on those items with confidence. Foundation pieces are crucial, says Rothman. "Wear your best bra and seamless underwear," she suggests. "I've had clients forget to wear underwear—your sports bra won't work here." Choose clothing that's easy to remove, such as joggers or wide-leg pants, and layer with a tank top and a button-down shirt.

Make sure you're prepared for your shopping trip by bringing along items that complete your outfit, such as strappy heels for trying on dresses or the right jeans when shopping for boots. Rothman also advises ensuring your hair and makeup are done. "If you're shopping for a vacation, apply sparkle oil or self-tanner," she suggests. "Fluorescent lighting can be harsh, so make sure you feel good when you walk in."

What to Avoid: Avoid clothing that takes too long to get in and out of, like leggings, shirts with tricky sleeves, or high-top shoes that are difficult to lace up.

If You're Pregnant

What to Wear: Rothman advises embracing maternity clothing early on, as it offers the same level of style as regular clothing, with the added benefit of elastic and stretch to accommodate your growing bump through to the postpartum period.

"Many women wait until they're visibly pregnant, thinking it’s only a few months left," Rothman says. "However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the last trimester. Those clothes will still be useful after pregnancy, so it’s a smart investment."

Maxi dresses are a popular pick for pregnancy, and Rothman recommends the "side tuck" for concealing an early bump. "Take an oversized t-shirt, tuck it in at your hipbone, and create an asymmetrical line that flows diagonally down to your upper thigh."

What to Avoid: If you're attempting to keep your pregnancy a secret but your bump is starting to show, avoid wearing anything too tight that will draw attention to it.