Working hard throughout our lives, giving our tasks and jobs our best, trying to ensure nothing but prosperity and positive results, there comes a day when we bid adieu to all the long, sometimes hectic, and sometimes jolly days, and that is the day of retirement. This day deserves nothing less than some celebrations, remembering all the efforts and accomplishments the retiree has achieved during their working days and expressing our gratitude for them. But here arises a little confusion: what to wear to the retirement party as a guest? Well, well, don’t you worry. We’ve got you covered. While it is important to make sure that you’re up to the theme (if there is any), retirement parties don’t necessarily always have one. From now on, you don’t have to fuss about what to wear to a retirement party as a guest. Below are some tips to help you out, revealing five outfits to wear to a retirement party as a guest.
White Tie:
The most formal dress code of all, the “white tie” dress code or attire, is worn, as previously said, at formal events. In the case of retirement parties, if the celebration is at your workplace with a formal gathering, then it is apt for one to simply go with what the white tie attire says. While for men it consists of a three-piece suit of the same fabric with tail coats, a bow tie, a cummerbund, and a white shirt, for women it consists of floor-touching gowns and magnificent jewelry to pair with their awe-inspiring dresses. Women are advised to avoid wearing cocktail dresses and short skirts, while men are suggested to wear formal shoes with their suits, and the cummerbund in the case of a retirement party can be avoided.
Black Tie :
Black tie is a slightly relaxed version of the white tie dress code, which came into existence when King Edward VII decided to swap his even tailcoat with a jacket for, well, obviously, more comfort in the fit. Similar to the white tie, almost all the components for men are the same, except for a black bow tie in place of a white bow tie, which is strictly reserved for the white tie dress code only, and a well-tailored jacket in place of the long tailcoats for men. Women, on the other hand, have more options, as they can wear anything from a knee-length dress to trousers, a floor-length dress to palazzo pants, and pair it with simple accessories like a clutch, earrings, and a simple necklace.
Semi Formal:
Since the atmosphere of a retirement party is somewhere between formal with a slight hint of casualness, semi-formal wear that consists of a suit without the bowtie and waistcoat for men and a cocktail dress that’s up to the knees, paired with light jewelry for women, is quite the right fit for the “FIT.” A retirement party is about expressing one’s gratitude towards the retiree for their selfless service, so what better than a semi-formal dress to mark the celebrations?
Smart Casual:
Not all retirement parties require formality. If the party is taking place in a cozy atmosphere with a select group of people, the outfit too can be modified to make it more relaxed. For the gentlemen, the fit would consist of a polo shirt with loafers, a pair of jeans or trousers, and a light jacket. And for the sheila, smart casual wear would be pairing a shirt or a polo shirt with jeans, knee-to-floor-length skirts, or even trousers, with little accessories, depending on the wearer’s style.
Dressy Casual:
“Dressy casual? HUH?” Confused, right?
Worry not, dressy casual is nothing but a tad bit close to formal and a lot closer to elegantly styled casual attire. Worn during daytime events such as lunch parties with close social gatherings, dressy casuals are a very smart pick for retirement parties. In today’s era of comfort-driven clothing that also serves the purpose of an event, dressy casual would be my choice too if I were to go to a retirement party. So can you wear jeans to a retirement party now? If dressy casual is the dress code, then you can absolutely rock ’em. Men are suggested to wear trousers or jeans but with leather loafers or oxfords and a sport coat, while women are advised to wear dress pants, silk pants, or skirts with nice embellishments like a bow or a buckle and loafers to go with them.
These were some of the dress categories or dress codes one can keep in mind while attending a retirement party as a guest. However, do you know what our biggest recommendation to you would be? ( Hint: it’s something that looks the best on you )
DRUMROLL!!!!
It’s a SMILE. Remember that a retirement party is all about the memories and endeavors of the retiree. So, make sure that you present yourself with a thankful heart and a warm smile.
