Dressy casual is one of those terms people may note on invitations, and there is significant range in defining it. Many definitions draw up lists of what to wear and what not wear but these lists don’t always agree. For instance, some people would recommend that people not wear jeans for dressy casual events and others suggest that “nice jeans” are fine when paired with a button down shirt for men, or heels and a dressy blouse for women. These differing definitions mean it can take some discretion to decide what to wear to dressy casual occasions.

Possibly the safest way to dress appropriately is to avoid certain things. Even though some people might consider fancy jeans as dressy casual, others don’t. Therefore, avoiding jeans is a good idea.

Other things that ought to be skipped are shorts of most kinds, t-shirts, informal short sleeve shirts, and very casual shoes like flip-flops. The other thing to avoid is overly dressy clothing. Men shouldn’t wear three piece suits or tuxes, and women should avoid cocktail dresses or formal gowns.

Instead, people may want to view this category of dress as similar to business wear, with a bit more informality. Women in nice slacks and a blouse fit the dressy casual bill, but they can also wear dresses, skirts and blouses, slacks and a pretty sweater, or less formal suits. Most office wear can be dressed up with a scarf, an attractive pin, the change to a different blouse, or by taking off jackets and wearing a skirt and blouse combo.

Shoes for women should be either semi-dressy heels or flats. Nylons or tights are usually worn, as bare legs don’t typically fit this description. Yet in summer, some women do fine with dressy casual wear that doesn’t include nylons.

For men, this category of dress typically means slacks and a button-down shirt. People who want to be a little dressier can choose to wear a jacket, but it certainly doesn’t have to match pants totally. Cardigan sweaters, pullover sweaters, and sweater vests fit the dressy casual bill, and most men will be relieved to know that a tie isn’t exactly required. However men should check to be certain that they don’t require a jacket or tie at certain locations, like various restaurants.

Shoes for men in dressy casual wear should be simple loafers, very similar to business wear shoes. Some men do wear boat shoes, but this may be a little too casual.