Why a dress code is more than just fashion advice

There are more dress codes than most people realize. Here are the five you’ll encounter most often at business events in the Netherlands:

Casual. Anything goes, as long as it’s comfortable and neat. Jeans: fine. Sneakers: fine. No suit required. Suitable for informal team activities, staff outings, or innovative corporate cultures.

Smart casual. The most commonly used—and most misunderstood—dress code. More polished than casual, less formal than business attire. Think chinos paired with a smart sweater or blazer, or a dress or smart skirt. No athletic wear, but a suit isn’t required either. Use specific examples in your communication; “smart casual” on its own is too vague.

Business casual. More formal. Think dress pants with a shirt (no tie), a blazer, and dress shoes. For women: a suit or a dress. Typically worn for daytime seminars, conference dinners, or client events.

Business formal / cocktail. A (dark) suit for men, a cocktail dress, or smart evening wear for women. For award ceremonies, galas, or formal dinners. Please specify clearly whether a tie is required.

Black tie. Tuxedo or tailcoat for men; evening gown for women. The most formal dress code. Used for exclusive galas, anniversary celebrations, or international events of a ceremonial nature. Be sure to communicate this well in advance—guests will need time to prepare.

The dress code you choose for your event says something about you as an organization. Whether you realize it or not—it’s always true.

A company that requires its employees to dress in business attire for the annual staff party, even though they wear T-shirts to work every day, creates a sense of distance. It feels like playing a role, not being yourself. That undermines the connection you’re actually trying to build.

Conversely, an organization that hosts an exclusive client event but fails to specify a dress code—or specifies "casual" as the dress code—sends the message that the evening isn’t special. This undermines the effect you’re trying to create.

The best dress code aligns with three factors: the type of event, the audience you’re inviting, and your organization’s identity. A tech company hosting an innovation conference for external partners: smart casual, perhaps with a thematic twist. A law firm hosting an anniversary gala: business formal or cocktail attire. These aren’t arbitrary choices; they’re consistent brand signals.

Tip: Ask yourself how you want guests to talk about the event the next day. That feeling starts with the dress code.

The most common mistake: describing the dress code in just a few words and expecting everyone to understand. That doesn’t work. Especially not for international guests, younger employees, or people who rarely attend business events.

Always provide an explanation when communicating your dress code. Don’t say: “Dress code: smart casual.” Instead, say: “Dress code: smart casual—think chinos, a nice sweater, or a blazer. No jeans, no sneakers.”

It’s best to also give an example of what NOT to wear. That might sound prescriptive, but it helps people make a conscious choice and prevents any awkwardness on the night itself.

Be sure to mention the dress code in all communications: the invitation, the reminder, and the confirmation email. Also, make sure it’s clearly visible on the event page or app.

For events with a themed dress code (see the next section), including an inspiration board or mood board with the invitation is a great idea. Guests enjoy experimenting with their outfits—as long as they know what’s expected.

Also keep accessibility in mind. Make it clear that the dress code is not mandatory for people who need to deviate from it for health or religious reasons. This is respectful and inclusive.

Do you have international guests? If so, there are some extra pitfalls to watch out for when it comes to dress codes.

First of all: terms like "smart casual" or "business casual" aren't universal. What counts as smart casual in the Netherlands may be interpreted differently in the United Kingdom, and yet differently in the U.S. Always describe the dress code in specific clothing terms, not just by labels.

Second, climate and culture play a role. A guest from a warmer country attending a winter gala in Amsterdam may literally not have the right clothes with them. Be flexible in your approach if guests have traveled a long way.

Third: religious and cultural dress codes. A "no headwear" dress code is not an option for some guests. Never present your dress code as a strict rule, but rather as a guideline. That is the only inclusive approach.

Finally: for international events, always specify the dress code in both English and Dutch, along with a brief explanation. A misunderstanding about attire can lead to an unnecessarily negative start to an event that you want to present in a professional manner.

More and more corporate events are adopting a themed dress code: "Roaring Twenties," "Black & White," "Tropical," "Futuristic." It can make the event a huge success. It can also go wrong.

What works: a theme that’s clear, easy to pull off (not everyone has a costume closet), and suits the target audience. “Black & White” is the safest bet: everyone has dark clothes, a white shirt, or a black dress. Accessible, yet festive.

What doesn't work: a theme that forces people to buy something new. That feels like an extra expense on top of the event itself. And a theme that's too open to interpretation—that results in a chaotic scene on the night instead of a cohesive whole.

Practical tip: Announce the theme at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Provide examples (a mood board or a Pinterest link). Make it easy: Offer an optional accessory (a colored tie, a sash, or a hat) that guests can pick up upon arrival if they don’t have the appropriate attire.

Themed dress codes work best for internal events (staff parties, kick-offs) and are less suitable for events where you’re meeting external contacts for the first time.

A great event is consistent. The venue, the program, the catering, and the dress code all come together to tell a single story. We’ll help you maintain that consistency, from the initial concept to the moment the last guest walks out the door.

Would you like to discuss the dress code for your event, or would you like to have the entire concept handled professionally? Please contact us at live-impact.nl/contact.

Want to learn more about how to organize an event seamlessly from start to finish? Read our article on developing an event concept.

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