Cocktail, festive formal, smart casual — what each dress code really means, and exactly what to wear to each.
Cocktail
Knee-length or midi dresses, elevated fabrics (silk, satin, sequins), heels. Think polished glamour — never full gown, never casual.
Festive formal
The desi sweet spot: embellished kurtas, shararas, lehengas or silk sarees. Jewellery can go bold — this is the dress code that welcomes sparkle.
Smart casual
The trickiest one. Dark jeans or tailored trousers, a blouse or knit, loafers or block heels, one polished accessory. Better slightly overdressed than under.
Black tie
Floor-length gowns or formal lehengas, fine jewellery, clutch, heels. When the invitation says black tie, commit fully.
Stylist tip: when the dress code is unclear, ask the host — one quick message saves an evening of feeling out of place.