What’s the Difference Between Formal and Informal Wear?

Formal wear, formal apparel or evening dress is generally the standard Western dress code classification applicable for all the more formal occasions, including weddings, Christenings, confirmations, holidays, funerals, corporate events, balls, and many state dinner events, as well as special social occasions like birthdays. It is worn by most men and women alike on some occasions, especially on occasions of high importance, like a wedding, while some choose to wear it only at dinners and other informal events. Wearing a suit or a tuxedo on some formal occasions might seem too formal for some women who might consider jeans or skirts to be more appropriate on those kinds of events.

On the other hand, there are some women who are too formal for formal attire, but who would never dream of cutting their prom dresses short or wearing jeans to a fancy restaurant. Formal attire is usually very formal and rarely ever opts for a casual look or something that goes well with it, like a casual tuxedo or jeans. Formal wear is usually either black or white with a very high neckline and sometimes, a very low one as well. These are very long dresses that can sometimes reach the floor, with intricate details and sometimes, even a little bit of lace.

On the other hand, a wedding would require you to wear a normal tuxedo with a nice collar and a matching shirt or a simple buttoned up shirt. There is nothing wrong with a nice shirt or necktie, but you would not wear a black or white formal wear for a wedding, unless your invitation states otherwise. Formal attire for a wedding is usually a full-length dress, which reaches the ankles and is often accompanied by a vest, bow tie, or a briefcase, or by a suit jacket and a matching tie. Usually, women opt for knee-length skirts for a formal wear at a wedding, as well as a classic tuxedo for themselves.