Dress-code – How to talk about clothes in English
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We live in a world that values ββappearance and, more than that, it is often the clothes we wear that represent our behavior, profession and also the environment we tend to frequent. Of course, there are always exceptions, but the standards serve to classify and better understand the receptivity of places and events we attend.
With that in mind, check out the βdress codes” more common:
streetwear
This is one of the most laid-back and change-friendly styles. Think here about colorful pants, freer and more stylish clothes. Pieces that you use to go out to the park, to take a walk in the city. The origin of this “dress codeβ came about in fashion βsurfβ, which has always bet on simpler and more laid-back elements. Later, this way of dressing evolved and, today, it is a mixture of different elements: βsurfβ, βhip hopβ, βjapanese fashionβ and even more daring elements of the catwalks.
Casual
You know that combination βblue jeansβ (blue jeans) + βwhite T-shirtβ (white shirt) + βsneakers” (sneakers)? So, it’s a casual way to dress. For women, it’s not much different: a pair of jeans and a βshirtβ (shirt) or a βdressβ (dress) basic, without too many cutouts or details. This “dress codeβ serves both to work in a place with more liberal rules and to go out to dinner in a quiet restaurant, for example.
business casual
“khaki pantsβ (khaki pants), βskirt” (get out), “polo shirtsβ (polo shirts) or βlong-sleeve shirtsβ (long-sleeved shirts). This is the casual pattern for workplaces in the European and North American corporate world. Don’t think about jeans, leave this piece for the category we mentioned above. Oh, and a tip: go for the shirts “tucked in your pantsβ (inside the pants) to look more βclean” (clean). With regard to footwear, use βpolished shoesβ (polished shoes).
smart casual
This is a style beloved by fashionistas who enjoy aligning formality and boldness. Think of the style βbusiness casualβ and try to make it a little less formal: βblue pantsβ, βblack pants” and “slim pantsβ (slim pants β adjusted to the thigh), βsleeveless dressβ (sleeveless dress), βcolorful blazersβ (colored blazers) and βcasual shoesβ (casual shoes, with materials other than leather). In this style, βsocial shortsβ (dress shorts) for an outdoor company party, for example. For women, in addition to the more laid-back dress, it is also possible to join more formal pieces (a blazer, for example) with jeans and an open shoe.
business
This is the most standard style of all. In that “dress codeβ, men wear a βshirt” (shirt), “tieβ (tie) and blazer or βsuit (suit)” followed by “classical social pantsβ (classic dress pants). It’s the typical style of βbusinessmanβ. And the “businesswomanβ come with basic skirts and blazer.
black tie/ formal
You know those movies that take place in the 20s or 30s? With those men all in “bow tie” (bow tie), “waistcoatβ (vest) and a βdinner jacketβ (a tuxedo, as we speak here, or βtuxedoβ, as they say in the US)β¦ So, this is the formal style of dress in English cultures. Clothing is very traditional for men, usually changing the cuts of the pieces. For women, it’s time to use βevening gownsβ (party dresses, haute couture).
See even more clothing options in English here.
So, were you in doubt? Ask our βfashion consultantsβ in the comments below! π
Written by Bruno Lopes.
Check more articles in our categories Fashion & Looks & Luxe & 90s Outfits.
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