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Weddings and parties are, for the most part, super fun! Wouldn't you agree?! Deciphering the often-confusing dress codes beforehand? Not so much. Yes, a dress code helps complete the whole vibe of the soirée, but they can be vague—and can also become the catalyst of a huge group text thread with your friends all sending photos of potential outfits and hoping for some sort of confirmation that it'll work. We've all been there. One dress code stands out from the rest as particularly head-scratching: Dressy casual. What a contradiction!

You hear the word “dressy” and think, Oh, great. So...formal! Then you hear “casual” right after and you’re like...Wait, what? Hard same. Apparently, dressy casual lives on to confound us all. Don't fret though. We talked to Elaine Swann, lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, to help break it all down so you can nail your next wedding guest look with confidence. Ready?

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What does dressy casual mean?

It’s a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don’t-wear-jean-shorts. It's about dressing up what you'd wear casually. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire. If the event is at night, Swann says it’s best to err on the more formal side of the spectrum.

Dressy casual vs semi formal—what is that even?

Okay, now that you know what dressy casual is...let's talk about what it is not! To clear things up, dressy casual is not the same as a semi formal dress code. In fact, semi formal is more elevated. It's like dressy casual's big sister.

What does one wear to an event with a dressy casual dress code?

Swann describes the dress code as fairly laid-back. "This is where you're thinking more light colors and casual materials," she says, versus fancier fare like satin and sparkles. You can wear things that are a little more flowy, and even bold prints are acceptable. "That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says.

There are actually a lot of options that fit into this category, and Swann says although it's fun to buy something new, you can often work with what's already in your closet and lean into accessorizing. "For example, you can take a maxi dress and instead of wearing flats with it, swap it out with a cute pair of wedges (perf for a beach wedding) and put on some bold earrings that stand out a little bit," Swann says. Here are a few more options that are perfect for dressy casual occasions.

Some clothing that would fit into this vibe:

• Sundresses or day dresses. This is a dress category that falls under “casual” but is still pretty “dressy.” It’s probably the safest bet to nail the dressy-casual code. These dresses are made from jersey, cotton, lace, and more, and they typically have a summery feel.
• A jumpsuit. These guys can seem formal, but the pants part of the design is playful, which means it fits better into a “trendy” category than a formal or casual one and therefore applies to both.
• An outfit with a midi skirt. Longer hemline = more formal, but skirts are less dressy than dresses.
• A trendy suit or fun trousers. Aka colorful or patterned ones. Staunch tuxes or darker solids will look out of place in this setting.
• A two-piece ensemble. Matching sets are a great solve for this dress code. Like I said before, skirts are more casual than full-on dresses, and these coordinating ’fits are basically the cocktail dress’s more fun cousin.
• Cocktail dresses, although they’d be better for something you think would skew more dressy. It’s usually safe to wear one of these to a dressy-casual party taking place at night.

Shop some "dressy casual" styles right here:

Dia Tyra Dress

Abercrombie Linen-Blend Button-Through Mini Dress

SNDYS x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress in Olive

Petal & Pup Lulu Floral Print Two-Piece High-Low Dress

Rebdolls Abena Zebra Print Crop Top

Now 20% Off

Abercrombie Emerson Waisted Satin Mini Dress

Farm Rio

Red Summer Foliage Mini Dress

Petal + Pup Beatrice Romper - Apple Green

Lulus Eye-Catching Trend Taupe Multi Striped Ribbed Lurex Midi Skirt

Lemlem Nia Pleated Color-Block Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

L*SPACE Santorini Dress

Eyelet Tie Front Maxi Dress

Now 60% Off

Remi Cropped Linen Pant

Studio 189 Hand Batik Cotton Fitted Mini Skirt

Stefana Tank Dress

Now 56% Off

What should guys do?

Usually, just avoid shorts and a T-shirt. A great standby is the classic combo of nice trousers and a button-down shirt. For a more polished look, a lighter-colored suit with no tie works well.

So there you have it! Here’s a toast to just doing your best and whoever’s hosting accepting that you at least tried.

Rachel Torgerson is the fashion features and lifestyle director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing fashion and lifestyle coverage online, in print, and on our various social media platforms. She has over a decade of experience in the fashion and media industries. Before landing at Cosmopolitan as a digital fashion editor in 2016, she worked at Us Weekly, The Knot, and Fitness Magazine, among others. When she's not discussing runway trends, you can definitely catch her trying out (and, in many cases, failing) a new crochet cardigan pattern or in a spirited debate about the difference between the Bridgerton books vs the Netflix series. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @RachelTorgs 

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn. 

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