What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (2024)

What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (1)

Although the phrase may seem mysterious when you see it on an invitation, "after five attire" is actually another way to say "semi-formal." To dress appropriately for after five events, you'll simply take your work-day style up a notch in formality. This can mean anything from a stylish satin suit to a cute co*cktail dress. The right choice for you is all about your own personal fashion preferences.

The Basics of After Five Attire

When it comes to semi-formal dressing, women have a lot of fun choices. You want to be dressy, but you aren't required to wear a long or formal dress. You can't go wrong with any of the following outfits or accessories:

  • Sleek evening suit
  • Simple black dress
  • Knee-length semi-formal dress
  • Black or metallic pencil skirt with a striking top
  • Flowing, wide-legged pants and a sparkly shell
  • Metallic accessories
  • Evening jewelry
  • Heels
Related Articles

Three Great After Five Looks

You probably already have many of the basic building blocks of these three after five looks right in your own closet. All you need to do is add a few accessories or purchase one or two key pieces.

Little Black Dress with Sparkling Accessories

What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (2)

In dressing for an after five event, you're always a winner when you wear a little black dress. Keep these guidelines in mind to make sure your look is perfect:

  • Look for a dress made of a formal fabric, such as velvet, satin, or chiffon. These fabrics ensure your dress isn't confused for basic office attire.
  • Choose a cut that isn't too revealing. If your dress is cut low in the neckline, make sure it isn't too short. Conversely, if you're wearing a shorter hemline, be sure the dress has a high neck or even long sleeves.
  • Pair your black dress with heels to keep it looking formal. Plain black pumps work fine, or you can glam it up with metallic shoes or a pop of color.
  • Add a few tasteful accessories. A rhinestone headband or a sparkling bracelet can keep your look fun and light. Remember to limit yourself to just one or two statement pieces to keep from looking overdone.
  • Carry a cute clutch in black, a bright color, or a metallic shade.

Glittering Top with Dressy Black Pants or Skirt

What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (3)

A little sparkle can take your look from office wear to oh-la-la. Swap out your regular button-down or shell for a stunning sparkly number, and pair it with your favorite black dress pants or skirt. Keep these tips in mind to make this look work for you:

  • The focal point of this look is the sparkly top, so make sure you love yours. Choose something with your favorite neckline or in a color that looks great on you.
  • If you're not really a skirt kind of girl, you can rock this look in a pair of wide-legged crepe dress pants or black satin cigarette pants.
  • A black satin pencil skirt or a full chiffon skirt would also look beautiful.
  • To keep this look tasteful, only one piece should be tight. If your top is slim fitting, choose a full skirt or wide-legged pants. If you're wearing slim pants or a tight skirt, keep the top blousey and loose.
  • Since your top has a lot of visual power, stick to simple accessories like chain necklaces, satin clutches, and cute black heels.

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Colorful Dress with Simple Accessories

What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (4)

Even though black is a great choice when it comes to after five attire, it's not the only beautiful option. You can really show off your own personal style when you wear a co*cktail dress in your favorite bright color. Remember these guidelines to ensure your look fits your event:

  • Choose a color that looks beautiful on you, not just on the rack. Know your best colors, and then try on dresses that will make you shine.
  • Look for fabric that has some sheen, but stay away from too much sparkle. The color of your dress will be the focus of your look, so you don't want to detract from that with sequins and beads.
  • Find a dress with details and a fit that flatters you. You know the best necklines and silhouettes for your body.
  • Keep accessories simple. Stick to one or two pieces of jewelry, a black or metallic clutch, and a nice pair of heels. Don't try to match your shoes to the color of your dress, or you will risk looking like a bridesmaid.

Turn Heads at Your Next Event

When it comes to after five attire, you can't go wrong with a great dress or pair of slacks and a little sparkle. From co*cktail parties and wedding receptions to gallery openings and nights at the dance club, you'll turn heads at your after five event.

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What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow (2024)

FAQs

What Is After Five Attire? | LoveToKnow? ›

Informal, Semi-formal or After Five Attire for Men

An evening event requires a dark, dressy suit with or without a vest, high quality white dress shirt, conservative tie, leather dress shoes and socks. For daytime, men can wear a light or dark color dressy suit.

What is after 5 mens dress code? ›

Informal, Semi-formal or After Five Attire for Men

An evening event requires a dark, dressy suit with or without a vest, high quality white dress shirt, conservative tie, leather dress shoes and socks. For daytime, men can wear a light or dark color dressy suit.

What do you wear to an after 5 event? ›

The Basics of After Five Attire

Sleek evening suit. Simple black dress. Knee-length semi-formal dress. Black or metallic pencil skirt with a striking top.

What are the 5 levels of attire? ›

Etiquette
  • Formal wear.
  • Semi-formal wear.
  • Informal wear.
  • Casual wear.

What is after six attire? ›

If the event is held in the evening (after 6 p.m.), the semiformal guidelines lean more toward the formal than if it were held during the day. Semiformal attire is typically worn to weddings, holiday parties, and to fine restaurants.

What do you wear to an after 5 wedding? ›

A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire.

Are jeans OK for co*cktail attire? ›

Don't Show Up In Jeans/ Do Wear Trousers

Jeans might be your ultimate comfort dressing, and there are no questions asked there, but it still does not give you the leeway to wear them for a co*cktail party. Since they do not fall under the formal-clothing category, don't even have it as an option.

Do you have to wear a suit for co*cktail attire? ›

Essentially, co*cktail attire means you need to wear a suit. But remember, this is a dress code usually reserved for occasions like weddings, celebrations and of course, co*cktail parties. As such, you should be a bit more creative with it.

What's after 5pm? ›

Time Difference Between Afternoon and Evening
Time of DayTime Frame
noon/midday12:00 p.m.
afternoon12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
evening5:00 – 9:00 p.m
twilight5:00 – 7:00 a.m. and p.m.
3 more rows
Dec 5, 2022

What is proper attire for a charity event? ›

Outfits like khaki pants and custom work polo shirts, neutral pants or capris with button-up long- or short-sleeved tops, or casual skirts with blouses or dress-casual tops are all good choices.

What is the most dress code? ›

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes.

What are the four dress codes? ›

Regardless of whether you are dressing for professional photos, a zoom call, or an actual meeting, it's important to understand the four main classifications of professional workplace attire: business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual.

What are the different levels of attire work? ›

There are three common levels of professional dress: Business professional, business casual and smart casual.

Can a woman wear pants to a black tie event? ›

A co*cktail dress—shorter, possibly ritzier—might cut it if your host is of a relaxed nature (or if the dress is, say, a dramatic Alexander McQueen style), but it's best to assume that a floor-sweeping number (or a tuxedo situation – yes women can wear a trousers suit to a black tie event) is expected.

Can I wear jeans in semi-formal? ›

Jeans: although jeans are casual pants, you can wear them to semi-formal events as long as they fit well and look classy. Men who wish to wear jeans to a semi-formal event need to choose a dark wash that is not too light or distressed. Jeans can have holes in them but should never have any rips or tears.

What is after 6 attire for men? ›

White Tie Dress Code

White tie is the most formal style of dress and is usually reserved for high society events such as state dinners, formal balls and evening weddings. It is typically considered only appropriate after 6 p.m., but it has been extended to anytime after dark.

Can you wear black to a wedding after 5? ›

"Traditional etiquette states that black-tie dress is appropriate for receptions starting at 6:00 p.m. or later, with suits or morning suits recommended for the afternoon hours," Arons says.

Can you wear black to a 5pm wedding? ›

"It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."

What do you wear to a wedding after 6pm? ›

If the wedding is at 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., you typically want to wear co*cktail (semi-formal) attire. Again, you want to consider the style of the couple getting married, as well as the venue, but unless otherwise noted, this time period calls for a co*cktail dress, jumpsuit or pantsuit.

Can I wear jeans and a blazer for co*cktail attire? ›

As a general guide, 'co*cktail' means no jeans and no sneakers. You want dress chinos or suit pants, a button-up shirt or suit shirt, and probably a blazer or suit jacket. Ties are optional, but recommended, and your footwear should look sharp and polished.

Can I wear a short sleeve shirt for co*cktail attire? ›

If it's a summer party, opt for a colorful dress with bold colors or print. Dresses with puffy sleeves or ruffles are super on trend right now and add a little extra drama to your outfit. Halter, short sleeves, long sleeves, or even spaghetti straps – sleeve length is up to you! Just wear what feels most comfortable.

What can I wear instead of co*cktail dress code? ›

The Suit. If co*cktail dresses aren't your thing, or if you're after a different take on formal styling, a blazer and pants combo is a great alternative. Not only are suits chic and sophisticated, they also provide a comfort factor that is — let's face it — missing with co*cktail dresses.

Can I wear a 3 piece suit for co*cktail attire? ›

co*cktail Attire is traditionally associated with single-breasted suit jackets, but a double-breasted jacket is acceptable. If desired, you may wear a three-piece suit with a waistcoat, but be aware that this look is considered more formal and might, at certain events, appear a little too stuffy.

Do co*cktail dresses have to be sleeveless? ›

co*cktail attire is all about sophistication, which means moderate hemlines are a must. Knee-length skirts and more modest short-sleeve dresses are the way to go. If you're pairing a skirt with a sleeveless v-neck blouse, consider topping the latter with a blazer or pashmina wrap.

What is the difference between formal and co*cktail attire? ›

Traditionally formal or black-tie events require the wearing of a long gown; for a co*cktail event, shorter frocks or pant or jumpsuit outfits are the go.

Is after 5 considered evening? ›

Mid-afternoon: 2-4 p.m. Late- afternoon: 3-6 p.m. Evening: 6-9 p.m. Late at night: Midnight-6 a.m.

Is after 5pm afternoon or evening? ›

Afternoon 12:01 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Late afternoon 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Early evening 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Dusk around sunset Evening 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Late evening 9:00 p.m. to 11:00p.

Is 5pm considered evening or afternoon? ›

12:00 p.m. is noon. 12:01 p.m. – 5:59 p.m. is afternoon. 6:00 p.m.- 11:59 p.m. is evening.

What is smart casual dress code? ›

What does it mean and what is the Smart Casual Dress Code? It is a style somewhere between formal and casual. Not a smart look with a jacket and tie then, but also not an overly sporty outfit with trainers, t-shirt and jeans. Smart Casual means 'simple, yet elegant'.

Can you wear a short dress to a ball? ›

The dress code for a classic ball is typically formal or black tie. Full-length gowns were what was traditionally expected but times are changing and it is not as strict. Guests can now get away with mid-length dresses - anything below the knee, so save those mini dresses for a daytime event in the summer time!

Do you need to wash clothes for charity? ›

Tips for Donating Clothing, Linens, and Accessories

No fabric items like bedding, towels, or clothes should be donated unless they have been cleaned. Dry clean or wash everything and treat any stains before donating.

What is dressy casual for a woman? ›

"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.

What is smart dress code for ladies? ›

A smart casual dress code for women includes combining a polished piece with something more laid back. Some examples are a day dress paired with heels or a shirt dress styled with trainers and a stylish shoulder bag. Depending on the office setting, jewellery and accessories should be kept to a minimum if you prefer.

How to dress well as a lady? ›

The Top 50 Best Style Tips for Women
  1. DETERMINE HOW YOU WANT TO SHOW UP IN THE WORLD. ...
  2. BE AUTHENTIC. ...
  3. DON'T PRIORITIZE FASHION OVER COMFORT. ...
  4. IDENTIFY YOUR INSPIRATION. ...
  5. BUILD A VISUAL STYLE GUIDE. ...
  6. ASSESS WHAT YOU OWN AND LET GO OF WHAT DOESN'T ALIGN. ...
  7. GIVE YOUR CLOTHES A SECOND LIFE. ...
  8. USE HANGERS TO SEE WHICH ITEMS DON'T GET WORN.

What is relaxed casual dress code? ›

A casual dress code is generally considered less formal than business casual. Employees may wear more relaxed, informal clothing but not necessarily what they wear on the street or lounging at home. For example, a casual dress code may let employees wear jeans every day but still discourages sweatpants.

Are dress codes still a thing? ›

However, according to the GAO, almost half of all public schools nationwide enforce a strict dress code, and these policies tend to include more rules for girls than boys. Moreover, the GAO found that schools with higher percentages of Latino and Black students are more likely to enforce strict dress codes.

What is upscale dress code? ›

Upscale casual is a semi-formal look, mixing upscale pieces with comfortable, more casual pieces, such as jeans with a V-neck shirt and blazer for men or skinny-leg khakis, heels and a nice blouse for ladies. Upscale casual requires avoiding certain articles of clothing as much as it incorporates others.

What colors should you not wear at a black tie event? ›

All colors are fair game except white, off-white, or anything else that's even close to white. Apart from that, the only color you might want to avoid is the color the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a wannabe 'maid if you accidentally wear the same color. Other than that, you're good to go.

Can I wear a co*cktail dress to a black tie event? ›

A full-length dress or a fancy co*cktail dress will be just fine. Avoid black and white dresses and stick to colours such as navy, champagne or prints.

Can I wear a short dress to a black tie event? ›

Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable.

Is it OK to wear black jeans to a wedding? ›

Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.

Can a woman wear jeans to a wedding? ›

Denim or Jeans

While you might assume that a barnyard wedding theme calls for your favorite pair of jeans, this is not the case. Unless the wedding invitation explicitly says to wear denim, opt for some well-tailored trousers instead. Remember, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed at a wedding.

Can sneakers be semi-formal? ›

For a simple and casual look, a low-top sneaker is a great choice. Low-top sneakers are the most versatile, easily pairing with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to tapered pants and a blazer. To keep them formal in the office, try a neutral color, such as gray or brown.

What do men wear for after 5 attire? ›

Informal, Semi-formal or After Five Attire for Men

An evening event requires a dark, dressy suit with or without a vest, high quality white dress shirt, conservative tie, leather dress shoes and socks. For daytime, men can wear a light or dark color dressy suit.

How should a 5 7 guy dress? ›

9 Style Tips for Shorter Men (How to Look Taller and Leaner)
  1. Avoid loose fitting clothes. ...
  2. Avoid oversized details. ...
  3. Wear low contrast outfits. ...
  4. Choose small scale patterns. ...
  5. Wear proportionate accessories. ...
  6. Avoid bulky outerwear. ...
  7. Wear height boosting shoes. ...
  8. Work on your posture.
Jul 8, 2019

Is a jacket required for semi-formal? ›

Semi-formal attire is slightly more relaxed while still requiring a blazer with matching dress pants or a 2-piece suit, along with a dress shirt and in most cases, a tie.

What are the levels of men's formal wear? ›

Understand Your Formal Dress Codes

The highest level is white tie, then black tie, business formal, semi-formal, co*cktails, and comes down to semi-formal and dressy casual.

What is the official dress code for male? ›

What is the formal dress code for men? The formal dress code for men is the most traditional option and generally consists of a full suit or tuxedo. Accessories, such as neckties and pocket squares, are not typically allowed. The modern formal dress for men stipulates tuxedos, bowties and tailored fits.

Can you wear shorts at Five Guys? ›

Jeans are preferred by black pants permitted, while no shorts, leggings, or skirts are allowed.

What is the highest dress code? ›

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

Can you wear a GREY suit to a formal event? ›

The light grey suit is an excellent choice for both formal and casual looks, however it works particularly well as part of a smart-casual ensemble — especially during the summer.

Can you wear a normal suit to a black tie event? ›

For a black-tie event, avoid wearing: Suits even black – black-tie dress code means a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket outfit. Opened toed shoes. Shorts.

Can you wear a blue suit to a black tie event? ›

Can You Wear a Blue Suit with a Black Tie? Yes! This combo is a classic and looks great with the right styling. You can wear dark blue suits with black ties for formal occasions or situations where you don't want to attract a lot of attention to your outfits, such as funerals or job interviews.

How do you dress formal without a suit? ›

Crew neck sweaters, half-zip knits and V-neck jumpers are all excellent alternatives to a suit blazer. Their formal style pairs well with a long-sleeve shirt and chinos. If it is colder outside, they can also be layered under a sports or casual jacket.

Does formal attire mean suit? ›

The phrase “formal attire” is misunderstood in modern society. Formal attire does not mean suits and ties! It is a substantially higher dress code – requiring clothes that most men don't own.

Can you wear a suit to a formal event? ›

If the event is in the evening, you should wear a dark suit and add a splash of color with your tie and a pocket square. Semiformal attire Semiformal wear can be a gray area. Traditionally, it means you should wear a suit, but you may also be able to wear dress pants with a sportcoat.

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