If you're confused about what to puton, we have a few tips to help you banish those wardrobe jitters sothat you can show up, feel confident and rock the dance floor/gardenparty/regional conference/night away!

When the invitation says "White Tie":

This event is ultra-formal. Likely some sort of gala with marblefloors, glistening chandeliers, a string quartet and champagne serveddeliciously in crystal flutes.

Her: Women should wear long gowns. Choose luxurious silks, satins,organza and chiffons. A fur shawl or muff is also a nice optionduring the chillier months. Diamonds, pearls and all of your mostelegant pieces can work as the perfect accents. This is one eventwhere you don't have to be shy or feel overdressed. Long satingloves finish the glamorous look fabulously.

Him: Men should wear a full-piece tuxedo with white tie,vest andshirt. Think James Bond cool. You want to appear tailored, chic,crisp and clean. Make a stop at the barber before the event and treatyourself to a professional cut and shave. Tonight you are a modern,sophisticated gent.

When the invitation says "Black Tie":

No doubt, you've received this one many times before. Should bea breeze, but it seems that many people define the term "black tie"in a variety of interesting and confusing ways. This event is formal.A sit down dinner, a few speeches and probably a bit of dancing willbe on the menu.

Her: Here you have a bit of variety. Depending on location, timeof year, host and purpose, women have the choice of wearing acocktail dress, a long dress or even dressy separates. If you'reinvited to an outdoor summer wedding at someone's family cottage, along gown will look ridiculous. Use your judgment as to what attirewould be most appropriate. Just remember the no-excuse, never-wearrules: NO panty lines, clear bra straps, or visible bra straps of anykind!

Him: Men should wear tuxedos, a French-cuff shirt, a bow tie and acummerbund or vest. A silk or linen pocket square should be neatlytucked into your breast pocket (refer to our How to wear a pocketsquare tutorial). Black socksand brightly polished black dress shoes should also be worn. Again,as for the ladies, you have a few options depending on season andoccasion. If this is a summertime event, awhite dinner jacket andblack dress pants are perfectly acceptable instead of the tuxedo.

When the invitation says "Black Tie Optional":

Expect to attend a nice affair. The optional means that men havethe choice of wearing either a formal tuxedo or a dressier suit. The"optional" absolutely does not mean that you have theoption of dressing down.This is still a very formal event and shouldbe treated as such.

Her: Generally speaking, the host would prefer for you to dressmore formally than not. Wear what you would for a "black tie"event - a cocktail dress, a long evening gown or dressy separates.

Him: Men should arrive in either a tuxedo or a dark-colouredformal suit. With your suit, be sure to wear a white French-cuffedshirt and tie. Treat this occasion as formally as possible.

When the invitation says "Creative Black Tie":

This invite is a bit trickier and allows for a bit more leniencethan your regular black tie soirée. Strict formalwear rulescan be slightly bent as guests are permitted to add a little flair totheir traditional looks.

Her: Have fun at an event like this and opt for a more trendyinterpretation of the ensemble you've chosen. Play with statementjewelry like oversized cocktail rings and stacks of gold bangles. Or,add excitement to your LBD (little black dress) with a jaw-droppingpair of pumps in the season's latest hue. Top off your gown with afringed, feathered or sequined cape to ensure a grand all-eyes-on-youentrance.

Him: Men need to be cautious at an event like this. Wear a tuxedobut maybe skip the tie. Be sure to still wear a jacket, dress shirtand polished dressy shoes no matter what.

When the invitation says "Semi-formal":

This event is another one that needs some analysis before anoutfit is chosen. Where will the event be taking place? What is thenature of, or reason for the event? Will the event be before or after6pm? Is there a sit-down dinner?

Her: Traditionally, the term "semi-formal" is an indicationthat long dresses are not required. If you're attending a morningor afternoon affair, wear an appropriate (knee-length) dress or adressy suit. If it is to be an evening affair, choose a cocktaildress and a dressier pair of heels.

Him: Here, you can leave the tux at home. Wear a suit, however, itshould be light coloured for a daytime event and should be dark(black, navy, brown or dark grey) for an evening event. In somecircumstances, you can go without a tie - usually only for a daytime,casual affair.

When the invitation says "Dressy Casual":

This type of event would require that you dress a little bitdressier than you would for a business casual occasion. No jeans orshorts are permitted. This may be an event with potential businessopportunities and you should be dressed suitably to feel confidentand comfortable mingling and networking.

Her: Women can usually get away with a nice blouse, pencil skirtand pumps or a nice pantsuit. A conservative dress can also be a niceoption and can allow you to experiment with jewelry and perhapsheels. You want to create a look that says "casual elegance". Youwant to look coordinated, polished and put-together.

Him: A suit is acceptable and sometimes expected. You have theoption to wear a tie if you choose. Simple trousers, a button-updress shirt and a sport jacket are sufficient as well.