What to Wear to the New Year's Affair

Chicago, IL - It's that time of year where you've gotten a million invitations to all those fabulous parties. From Black tie, chic, casual, informal - here's a primer to help you figure out what kind of attire fits the party invitation.

Black tie
Men - Black tuxedo with black bow tie
Women - Long or short cocktail dress, cocktail suit, pantsuits only if ultra dressy (tuxedo pants)

Formal
Men - Tuxedo with black bow tie
Women - Long dress, dressy cocktail suit, very dressy pants

Creative black tie
Men - Tuxedo with colored tie and cummerbund, tuxedo shirt may be replaced with a printed shirt. If creative black tie event is extremely casual and weather is warm, tuxedo pants may be replaced with a very nice pair shorts.
Women - Long or short cocktail dress; dramatic hair, makeup, jewelry

Texas black tie
Men - Tuxedo with black string tie or banded tuxedo shirt. Stay away from bolo ties. Some men wear tuxedo jacket with jeans and cowboy boots.
Women - Dressy dress or cocktail suit in fabrics with shine—satin, taffeta, even sequins; dramatic hair, makeup, jewelry

Dressy/cocktail
Men - Dark suit and tie
Women - Dress, pants, or suit—preferably in a fabric with sheen; heels. Black dress preferred. Adorn with pearls

Black tie optional/ preferred
Men - Tuxedo or dark suit with white shirt, fancy tie
Women - Dressy dress, cocktail suit, dressy pantsuit

Elegant casual
Men - Neat, polished and comfortable. Tailored trousers with turtleneck or tailored shirt. A vest or sports coat preferred. Italian loafers.
Women - Nice pants, skirt with silk blouse, cashmere sweater or twinset

Chic or urban chic
Men - Something tailored, stylish, with minimal pattern and in dark hues: Try Italian-cut wool pants, black cashmere turtleneck, with or without jacket, Italian loafers; no jeans
Women - Basic black is good, but sleek not boxy. Think cashmere twinsets, Hermés scarves, gold jewelry, shoes or boots with interesting details; no jeans

Smart casual
Men - Khakis or Dockers—but pressed, please; sweater or sport shirt; loafers; no jeans, shorts, sneakers, T-shirts
Women - Pants or skirt with blouse or sweater. Dresses are okay. Low-key, minimal accessories; no jeans, shorts, sneakers, T-shirts, leggings, or baggy knits

Casual/informal
This is difficult to define since there are many levels of casual. Unless it's a friend's cookout or an outing to a ball game—where you know what to wear—consider the time of the party (evenings are dressier),and whether it's business or social (business requires more polish). It's best to ask when you RSVP. Casual, for men, can mean anything from t-shirt and jeans to a jacket and tie.