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Foreign dress codes

Foreign dress codes

Foreign dress codes is an article on sense and etiquette that explains and describes most of the dress codes in other countries, often called dress codes. Read this article in Swedish

Short introduction

  • There is a direct link to the Swedish version in the different dress codes.
  • The list is a mixture of the different concepts that you come across in different countries and continents.
  • It’s not like in Sweden, four clear codes.
  • The goal is to include the most variants that you can meet, privately but also in business.
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Formal

White tie, Tail coat, Tails, Habit Noir, Habit, Frack (German) or Full dress

Annons:

White tie, Habit, Coat, Full suit

Tail coat, Tails, Habit Noir, Habit, Frack (German) or Full dress, Black Evening Tailcoat. For the lady Formal evening, Evening gown or ball gown.

  • Sometimes ”Tails” is written, then you mean the skirt of the coat.
  • When talking about or writing about the dress code, you can also say Black Evening Tailcoat.
  • In English, the code ”Dress/White tie” describes a white bow.
  • It means frock (black dress coat), national costume or fair costume and is the most formal dress code. The most common is the coat or frock dress.
  • In England they have single silk stripes on the trousers, in Europe and the UK double.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for him. Click here >> .
  • For the woman is written in English Formal evening or ball gown.
  • Sometimes it is written Evening gown, which is then a long ball gown or an ankle-length evening dress.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for her. Click here >> .
  • Ball gown is a more ornate, beautiful, expensive dress. It is loved by many women and especially in the UK.
  • Orders are worn if the invitation states ”Evening Dress-Decorations”.
  • In French it can say ”Habit frac” but also ”Grand tenue”. This means a frock coat or similar large festive attire.
  • The French ”Habit Noir” or simply ”Habit” means black festive clothing.
  • In Germany, as in Sweden, it is called ”frack”.
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Jacket, Morning coat, Formal Day Dress

Also called Smart Day, Cutaway coat (USA) or Jackett (Germany)

  • In Sweden there is no equivalent, we instead use the dark suit in the morning.
  • Morning means before 3 p.m.
  • If Formal Day Dress/Smart Day is written, it is a jacket or dark suit. An invitation to a celebration in the morning can then be written as formal day dress, then the jacket applies, but it can also be written as Smart Day and then it is the dark suit.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code. Click here >> .
  • Abroad, the jacket is the ceremonial dress of the morning, in our country, the jacket is not its own dress code.
  • For women, the same dress code applies, as with a dark suit, regardless of jacket or dark suit.
  • Hat and short gloves are just fine for her at these dress codes.
  • In the USA, the dress code is called ”Cutaway coat”.
  • The German says ”Jacket”.
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Annons:

Frock Coat

Tailcoat or Bonjour

Black tie, Tuxedo, Dinner Jacket

Also called Evening suit (also dark suit), Evening Dress/Dinner, Cravate noire, Smoking (Germany), Tuxedo or Tux.

  • Black Tie or in Swedish Tuxedo is accepted at most formal parties (English – balls), even if the invitation says ”formal”.
  • The term ”Black tie” means black bow, which implies the dress code Tuxedo/Evening dress.
  • Sometimes the invitation is sent with the dress code Evening Dress/Dinner, which then indicates that there will be no dancing.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for him. Click here >>.
  • The ”Black Tie” dress code means for women that they have several elegant options to choose from.
  • A long evening dress is a classic choice, but a shorter cocktail dress can also work.
  • Keep in mind that the dress should be festive and elegant, but not as formal as a coat dress.
  • A festive trouser suit can be a modern and stylish option.
  • Jewelry, a small evening bag and elegant shoes complete the look.
  • Remember to keep the accessories sophisticated and in line with the outfit.
  • For the woman, it can sometimes say ”Saturday night is black tie, but palazzo pants will be absolutely fine” . Then a trouser suit is definitely suitable.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for her. Click here >>.
  • among others, Dinner Jacket is written on the invitation, but then it must be a white blazer.
  • The white blazer is less formal and is mainly used during summer – preferably at outdoor parties.
  • The French indicate ”Cravate noire” on the invitation, i.e. like the English a black bow.
  • In the US it is called ”Tuxedo” or ”Tux”.
  • The German indicates ”Smoking”.
  • The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit.
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Annons:

Black Tie Optional

Tuxedo (see above)

Creative Black Tie

Tuxedo (see above)

Annons:

Cocktail dress

  • A cocktail dress is a dress worn at cocktail parties and semi-formal (less formal) occasions where a Tuxedo is the attire.
  • Historically, the length of a cocktail dress, in the case of a cocktail dress, is long, often to the ankle.
  • But even ballerina dresses, just below the knee can fall into this category.
  • The modern definition of a cocktail dress is usually a shorter knee-length dress.
  • It can be ”the little black” and can have sequins or lace.
  • On less formal occasions, the shorter length of a cocktail dress can be worn.
  • On these occasions the men wear a suit.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code. Click here >> .
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Semi-formal, Dark suite

Also Dark lounge suit, suit, Business suite

Annons:

Festive outfits

Mostly for weekends and holidays

Business Formal

Dark (business) suit, Dark lounge suit, Evening suit (also Tuxedo)

  • This dress code stands for a dark suit, single-breasted or double-breasted in dark blue or dark grey.
  • Suit shirt with tie.
  • If Smart Day is written, it means a dark suit in the morning.
  • Dark lounge suit refers to a dark suit.
  • The dress code specifies only black at funerals, but the color has become more modern with today’s outlook.
  • In the USA, Dark business suit is written.
  • In France Tenue de Ville.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for him. Click here >> .
  • Female suit/jacket with trousers/skirt.
  • Dress/skirt/business attire.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for her. Click here >> .
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Annons:

Corporate, Informal, Business attire

Business Suite, Dark (business) suit, Dark lounge suit

  • The color of the Business suite for him should be dark.
  • The shirt should be in colors such as white, off-white or light blue.
  • The model prefers a button-down collar.
  • A tie or bow tie is recommended.
  • Feel free to use cufflinks.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for him. Click here >> .
  • Stylish shoes in blue or black are best.
  • In the case of a business suit for women, a skirt is the preferred attire.
  • The skirt must not be too short, preferably below your knee and long enough to cover the knee when you sit down.
  • A white or gray blouse can be worn under the blazer, the blouse can be made of cotton or silk.
  • Trousers are also acceptable in most business contexts.
  • When she wears a suit with pants, it should not be too high heels.
  • A dark colored shoe for her is preferred and it should match the woman’s purse or briefcase. Preferably in colors such as black, navy and burgundy.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for her. Click here >> .
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Annons:

Informal

Often business attire, sometimes called Business Attire

  • A conservative form of suit/dress, suitable for almost any formal occasion that does not require white tie or black tie.
  • It is often worn in religious contexts such as funerals, in government offices, in schools and other contexts where casual attire is not accepted and where formal attire would be considered excessive.
  • Informal clothing is the international standard in business clothing linked to business (think e.g. banking).
  • Suit, dark (with or without a pattern), grey, dark blue, brown or black.
  • For women, in the most accurate interpretation based on the male standard, – a suit consisting of a jacket with a matching skirt or trousers, with a blouse to go with it.
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Business Casual

  • Business casual has partially replaced corporate formal wear (suits and ties, which are sometimes the international standard in business).
  • For women, a skirt (not short) or full-length pants of non-jean material paired with a top (eg, a dress, shirt, polo or sweater) is acceptable.
  • An informal dress with an appropriate 7/8 length skirt is also acceptable.
  • For men, a combination of colored shirt (or polo shirt), cotton trousers (such as khakis or chinos) with a belt, and shoes (such as loafers) with socks.
  • It is perfectly fine to forego a tie and have the top button of the neck open
  • Unacceptable for everyone are gym clothes, wrinkled or worn clothes, mini skirts, underwear as outerwear, inappropriately revealing clothing,
  • Many companies also refuse shorts.
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Annons:

Casual

  • If it says only ”Casual” as the dress code, then it is roughly the same as shirt and trousers.
  • Khakis or jeans (nice).
  • Bermuda (pirate) shorts depending on climate and temperature.
  • T-shirt without print, polo shirt or shirt with a high collar (turtleneck).
  • Short-sleeved shirt or polo shirt.
  • Loafers, Sneakers (without socks) or sandals.
  • For her clothes to sunbathe in, summer dress or similar.
  • Long or short skirt.
  • Khakis or jeans.
  • Also for her T-shirt without print, polo shirt or shirt with a high collar (turtleneck).
  • Relaxed short-sleeved blouse.
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Dressy Casual

Annons:

Smart Casual

  • Seasonal Blazer or sports jacket.
  • It goes without saying that Smart Casual must be sporty yet appropriate clothing if you want to succeed in your choice of clothing. But definitely not jogging shoes and a sweatshirt.
  • Shirt with tie or open collar.
  • Loafers.
  • Smart Casual provides opportunities to adapt the clothing.
  • Pants or skirts used to be unusual after 6 p.m., but are becoming more and more accepted.
  • There are still special events that accept this abroad. But a rule of thumb is that where dancing is expected, a pantsuit is a worse choice.
  • The basis is more strict clothing in the winter and more relaxed during the summer months.
  • Smart Casual, it’s our level of quirky trousers and club blazer in the best dressed sense, but can go all the way down to cotton trousers and polo shirt at the other end. The last in that case with brown shoes.
  • Smart Casual woman = a cute outfit, or longer blouse with trousers, skirt and blouse and low-heeled shoes.
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Unchanged, Country Clothes

Smart Casual

  • Unchanged certainly does not mean ”come as you are”. It is a suit for the man and the equivalent for the woman. The term stands for the same as Smart Casual.
  • In the UK, in a city or in the countryside, there may be differences between Town versus Country. Formality is stricter in rural areas.
  • Country Clothes are almost obvious clothes in certain contexts. On a fishing trip they work well and if you’re visiting a farm in England with this dress code, a coarsely patterned tweed jacket can be excellent.
  • Read the Swedish version of the dress code for her. Click here >> .
  • Ask a question about common sense and etiquette
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Annons:

Come as You Are

Casual Chic, Dressy Casual, Denim and Diamonds, Come as You Are

  • For her and when the host says: ”Come as you are” or ”Come as you are” , the host couple know you very well.
  • They probably don’t mean old worn in jeans and a sweater in the same class.
  • The category ”Com as You Are” means comfortable, but chic trousers such as jeans, a dress/skirt in any material and a sweater in, for example, cashmere.
  • A leather jacket will always work.
  • If you still feel a little too simple, complete with a necklace or a fun ring.
  • For him, this can be anything from trousers such as chinos, stylish jeans, unbuttoned sweater and loafers.
  • A t-shirt, sneakers and short-sleeved food like at a BBQ.
  • In the US, you can also, in the summer, arrive in knee-length shorts and a Hawaiian shirt.
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Service Dress

  • Service Dress is an informal type of uniform used by the military, police and other uniformed public services when serving in an office and not in the field.
  • Usually a jacket, trousers, white shirt a skirt and could probably be translated into the Swede’s daily costume. The equivalent in civilian use can be a suit.
  • The clothing can be supplemented with orders, medals and insignia but may differ between arms.
  • It is more formal than the Casual wear combat uniform.
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