Daytime Dress v. Evening Dress

What It Means: As if attire terms aren't confusing enough, "semi-formal" day event attire is actually different from "semi-formal" evening attire. A distinction exists for formal attire as well.

Ladies, Semi-formal: For a semi-formal daytime event, such as a wedding, a knee-length dress, dressy separates or a nice pantsuit are good picks. For a semi-formal evening event women should choose a nice cocktail dress. Pantsuits are too casual for night-time occasions.

Ladies, Formal: For a formal daytime event women can wear a nice short dress or a flowy long dress; even a dressy suit would be appropriate. However, only formal dresses should be worn to a formal evening event.

Gentlemen, Semi-formal: A suit of any color (light included) can be worn to a semi-formal daytime event. However, a semi-formal evening event requires a dark colored suit -- navy, dark grey or black.

Gentlemen, Formal: A dark suit with a tie would be appropriate. For an evening event, men should go dressier with a tux or a very formal, well-tailored black suit with nice silk black tie.

Expert Tip: You won't fool anybody by wearing a bowtie with your black suit.