There are various dress codes used for an event or a party. Since the wedding season is in full swing, there is a good chance you will receive an invitation stating "city attire." Do you know what you should wear for this? City Attire as a dress code? Have no idea? GENTS comes to the rescue and explains which etiquette you should follow for City Attire as a dress code.
Throughout the year, various parties and events are on the agenda. Around spring and summer, it is noticeable that the number of weddings increases. That is why it is also referred to as wedding season. When you are invited to such a special occasion, there is often a dress code mentioned. Of course, you adhere to it neatly. You just need to know what the accompanying etiquette is. A common dress code for, among other things, weddings, outdoor parties, openings is the City Attire, or city wear.
Tenue de Ville and the associated etiquette
One of the oldest and most disputed dress codes is the Tenue de Ville. Literally, Tenue de Ville means “clothing you wear to the city,” so city wear. This has led to countless doubts and uncertainties about what exactly you should wear when this dress code is mentioned. This specific dress code is mainly known as neat and formal, but not too fancy.
The reason why the etiquette of city wear sounds so general is easy to explain. Tenue de Ville is a dress code from a time when everyone went out formally dressed. Nowadays, we often talk about neat clothing with a subtle touch when we talk about Tenue de Ville. This means avoiding flashy clothing and also black is not really used as a color for the Tenue de Ville dress code. To clearly explain what exactly the associated etiquette is, GENTS first discusses city wear for gentlemen and then the Tenue de Ville dress code for ladies.
City wear for gentlemen
In the time of the Tenue de Ville dress code, it was customary for a man to appear in a tailored suit that was in line with the etiquette. Think of a two- or three-piece suit. This is still expected of you if the invitation states “city wear” or “Tenue de Ville” as the dress code. On the other hand, it used to be standard to appear as a gentleman in a gray trousers with, for example, a navy blue blazer. When you have to attend an event today according to the etiquette of city wear, the following points are especially important to remember:
- Calm colors are required (pastel, earth tones, or gray);
- The outfit consists of two or three pieces (preferably a tailored suit);
- Avoid clothing with bright colors or patterns (a small stripe is allowed);
- Keep the accessories basic (pocket square and cufflinks);
- At formal occasions, a tie is mandatory;
- Neat men's shoes in a dark color are the standard.
As long as you follow the above rules, you will be fully dressed according to the Tenue de Ville dress code. For example, take that neat gray suit from the wardrobe. Complete the look with a white shirt and tasteful cufflinks. For the etiquette of city attire, it is especially important that the overall appearance is subtle.
Tenue de Ville for women
In general, dress codes and etiquette for women are somewhat 'freer' than for men. This also applies to city attire. You can give your own interpretation to the Tenue de Ville dress code. Of course, there are a few rules you must take into account. Always take the Tenue de Ville dress code seriously, especially at formal events. When you see the Tenue de Ville dress code on the invitation, you adhere to the following rules:
- The clothing has calm colors (earth tones, summer colors, or pastels);
- A dress or skirt suit is required;
- The length of the dress is appropriate (it falls just over the knee);
- Keep accessories subtle (no bright or busy jewelry);
- Wearing a hat is encouraged (not mandatory);
- Stylish pumps are a requirement (sometimes ballerinas are accepted).
Getting style advice at GENTS
Do you still have doubts about your outfit despite this clear explanation? Do you find it difficult to find a perfectly fitting suit in subtle colors for the Tenue de Ville dress code? Then take a look at our webshop or visit one of the GENTS storesOur employees are ready to help you. Getting style advice is simply part of the experience, we at GENTS believe!
