The dress code decoder

What does 'cocktail' actually mean?

Got an invite with a dress code you're not sure about? Here's what each one really means, what to wear (and skip), and a few of our favourite dresses for it.

01

Black Tie

Think galas, black-tie weddings, awards nights

The most formal dress code there is. Go floor-length in luxe fabrics like satin, silk or crepe, and keep the look elegant rather than playful.

Wear

  • Floor-length gowns
  • Satin, silk and velvet
  • Statement earrings, simple everything else

Skip

  • Minis and midis
  • Casual cottons and linen
  • Anything too sheer

Shop black tie →

02

Formal & Ball

Think school formals, uni balls, cocktail-formal weddings

A little more room to play than black tie. Long is the safest bet, but colour, leg splits and bold shapes are all fair game.

Wear

  • Maxis and gowns
  • Bold colour and a leg split
  • Shoes you can actually dance in

Skip

  • Day dresses and casual prints
  • Anything you can't sit down in
  • Forgetting a wrap for the walk home

Shop formals →

03

Cocktail

Think engagement parties, evening birthdays, work dos

Polished but fun. Midis and dressy minis are perfect, and this is the dress code where you can show a bit of personality.

Wear

  • Midi or dressy mini lengths
  • Satin, lace and structured fabrics
  • Heels or strappy sandals

Skip

  • Floor-length ballgowns
  • Beachy or boho day dresses
  • Trainers

Shop cocktail →

04

Race Day

Think Cup Day, Christchurch Cup Week, Melbourne Cup lunches

Bright, polished and made for daylight. Colour and print are welcome, and a headpiece finishes the look.

Wear

  • Fun minis, midis or a light maxi
  • Colour, florals and prints
  • Block heels for the lawn

Skip

  • Stilettos on grass
  • Anything too short or sheer if you're in a members' area (check the dress code)
  • Forgetting a jacket for the Canterbury wind

Shop race day →

05

Garden Party & Day Wedding

Think daytime ceremonies, garden parties, vineyard weddings

Soft, pretty and a little romantic. Pastels, florals and flowy maxis or midis all work beautifully.

Wear

  • Florals, pastels and soft prints
  • Flowy maxis and midis
  • Flats or block heels for grass

Skip

  • White, ivory or cream at a wedding
  • Heavy black-tie gowns
  • Anything too short for a church

Shop wedding guest →

06

Smart Casual & Long Lunch

Think long lunches, christenings, rehearsal dinners

Relaxed but put-together. Two-piece sets shine here because they feel effortless but still special.

Wear

  • Two-piece sets and midi skirts
  • Linen, cotton and soft satin
  • Sandals or loafers

Skip

  • Full-length gowns
  • Overly sparkly or formal fabrics
  • Overthinking it

Shop day events →