What should I wear?! Decoding common party dress codes     

White tie: This is the most formal type of event. Think dinner with the Queen, night at the opera or Vanity Fair's Oscar Party. Think formal and expensive as you can afford to buy, borrow or rent. Women should wear very formal, long gowns (think Presidential Inauguration Ball). Gloves are optional. Hair is elegant updos, nails freshly done but understated, bring out the red lipstick, but expertly applied. This is not the time for glitter on eyes or body or any other current fad. If it's cold, an expensive long black coat or black cashmere wrap.

Black tie: Again, long gowns in satin or velvet but less dressy than white tie are good selections. It is always a safe bet to go with an elegant black dress. You can go with shorter knee-length dresses (stay away from minis) and beading or elegant trim is fine. Hair and makeup follow the same rules as white tie - the finished look should be polished and elegant. Shoes - think rhinestones, decorative stones or beading. Jewelry of full strand pearls, gold or platinum chains with pearls or diamonds or diamond tennis bracelets and necklaces are appropriate.

Creative black tie: This requires formal dress, but a little trendier and more fun. Try tuxedo pants and silky halter with gorgeous heels; satin ball gown-skirt with formal sweater set; cocktail dress, elegant evening separates, think red-carpet hip and trendy designer wear. Hair and makeup can be more trendy too - you can break out the body glitter and fun lipsticks or eye shadows. Hair can be worn down or a more casual updo.

Black tie optional: This event is still formal, but with a little more flexibility in what to wear. Cocktail dresses, long dresses or elegant evening separates.

Business formal attire: This means nice office attire. Dressy suits or conservative dresses are appropriate. Don't go with outfits that are too slinky or too sexy - save that for cocktail party attire.

Informal, semi-formal or after five: This is not the same as casual. If it is an evening event, go with a cocktail dress or elegant separates. If it is a daytime semi-formal event, wear a knee-length dress, a dress suit or dressy separates.

Cocktail attire: Knee-length dresses can be paired with sexy sandals or try tailored trousers beaded shells or silky tube top. Throw on your little black dress and add fun hosiery, or a vintage brooch, or faux-fur wrap. Simple jewelry is fine, leave the jewel-intensive stuff for more formal events. No denim, sweats, cords or T-shirts. Hair can be fun, messy updos, high ponytails, messy buns or wear hair down and sleek or sexy curls. Glossy lips, shimmery eyes and body glitter turn up the heat.

Business casual: This is a dressed up version of your casual clothes. Khakis, slacks or skirt, dressy T-shirt or sweater set, open-collar shirt and jacket. Your outfit should communicate professionalism but business casual can mean different things. If it is a company function, large companies might expect a sport coat and tie while smaller companies would expect khakis and a nice polo shirt.

Casual attire: This typically means "anything goes". But leave the dirty, "didn't buy it ripped that way" stuff at home. Pull out your best jeans (darker the better) with a nice shirt or sweater. You're going to a party, not the grocery store. Put a little thought into your outfit.

Resort attire: Think golf or country club. Daytime wear might be nice short skirts, elegant capris, linen pants paired with nice shell in summer fabric and color, nice sundress or casual dress (knee length or longer for evening), chic sandals or flats, newish clean sneakers for daytime. For comfort in the sun, add a beautiful chic floppy summer hat and cool sunglasses. Be sure to "weather proof" your hairdo for breezing outdoors or humidity- cool hair clips, skinny metal or faux croc headbands, casual updos or ponytail.

Wedding casual: For daytime, choose a short dress in a floral print or bold color for summer weddings, sunshine yellow, hot pink azalea in a breathable fabric. For casual evening wedding, a short dress but in a darker color such as brown, black or navy, or choose a simple cocktail dress. For outdoor wedding, dressy capris or nice pants are easier than a dress to tame in the breeze. For outside, cute flats make walking over the ground easier and you won't worry about your heels sinking in. If the wedding is on the beach, be prepared to take off your shoes for easy walking and a great pedicure and polish in a fun summer color is a must! If you'll be in the sun, a chic hat and cool shades might make you more comfortable.

By Tammy Golden