Maintaining a professional image in a formal environment is very important and this includes dressing accordingly and appropriately to suit our workplace. Sometimes it is confusing for women to pick the right attire for the right formal occasion. Scroll down to take a glimpse of women’s dress codes for formal occasions and what to wear for each of them:

• Business formal dress code
  Business formal dress codes come into play during events like work lunches and conferences. These occasions call for you to wear a dressed-up version of your best formal wear. A tailored dress or a pantsuit that is worn with high heels would be perfect for such formal occasions. Keep in mind to keep the color code as neutral as possible in order to maintain an air of seriousness.
• Black tie
  Most of us are pretty unsure of what the dress code for a black-tie event may be, although we have heard about it. The dress code for women is more lenient for black tie events. The ideal outfit for any black-tie event is a floor-length dress or gown. The long dress is more elevated for such events, although you can get away with wearing formal cocktail attire. It is, however, important to choose a sophisticated look with a dress in elegant color.
• Black tie optional
  These occasions are not as formal as the traditional black-tie events. For a black-tie optional event it is important for you to choose an attire that is elegant as well as formal. A long dress or a formal cocktail look is the way to go to nail your outfit for this formal occasion. An ankle-grazing dress paired with statement jewelry is also a great option.
• Creative black tie
  This is actually the most fun formal dress code that you can experience. Creative black tie is more of a contemporary and fashionable version of the more serious black tie events. As the name suggests, you can get creative with your dress code by choosing a formal gown that has some standout details like an interesting drape.
• Warm weather black tie
  This is a black-tie event that is normally hosted outdoors. Warm weather black-tie events usually happen on cruise lines, country clubs, galas, and outdoor formal weddings. The dress that goes well on these occasions is a traditional lightweight, long gown paired with long white gloves and some jewelry. Long-sleeved formal dresses can also be worn if you are a person who does not like wearing gloves.
• White tie
  These events are very formal events that require the highest level of formal dress code. The white tie glamorous occasions call for a full-length ball gown paired with long gloves. In modern times, however, wearing gloves is not called for but if you do decide to wear them, you can keep them on while drinking and dancing and then take them off during dinner.

Whatever the formal occasion you may be attending, the way you dress and the choice of your attire is primary. Dressed in the right formal attire will make you feel comfortable and ready to take on the world.