Dress Codes

These are used frequently within faction locations to allow vampires to blend in more easily, by adhering to dress codes they are adhering to the masquerade and not drawing attention to themselves or those around them. Remember that you are never required to post an outfit photo, you can describe it briefly or not and work with the assumption they are wearing the required clothing. For events that ask for more expensive or harder-to-get outfits, the server handwaves acquiring those things.

Casual

Casual dress code means style that is informal and comfortable, laidback. If additionally specified as Clean Casual, make sure the clothing is clean and not sloppy or ripped — this wouldn’t include oversized sweats or wearing PJs in public, nor anything you’d normally wear to do housework or yard work, for instance. Fit the style to the location; khakis and a turtleneck in a dive bar will still get you looks. Jeans, khakis, shorts, sundresses, skirts of any length except micro-mini (this is not club wear), tee shirts, polo shirts, turtlenecks, basic button-down shirts or blouses, basic sweaters, sneakers (no stains or holes), flats, loafers, low heeled shoes or wedges, most boots. 

Business Casual

One step up from Casual, this is a professional look which would not be out of place in a corporate networking event, for instance: the balance point between casual and formal. Jeans are not included, nor leggings, tee shirts, skirts shorter than the knee, showing too much skin, etc. Khakis, chinos, nice slacks, blazers, polo shirts, turtlenecks, dressy blouses and skirts, dresses fancier than sundresses but without much elaborate decoration. Flats, loafers, higher heeled pumps (not stilettos or ‘sexy’ heels), nice boots (no work boots, combat boots, etc.)

Semi-Formal

Dressier than what you would wear to work in an office, without approaching prom/gala/opera attire. Dresses should be short but not mini, with fancy details (lace, sequins, ruffles etc); dressy skirts and blouses paired can work as well. Cocktail dresses, little black dresses. A bit more skin can be shown depending on the setting and tone of the event. Suit and tie, dress shirts. Leather dress shoes, heels, fancy flats.

Formal

Fancy attire one step below anything calling for a tuxedo. This and Black Tie can sometimes overlap slightly, especially when dresses are involved; long evening gowns are appropriate here, as are shorter dresses as long as they are fancy. (No miniskirt length, though!) Matching full suits, ties are not optional here. Waistcoats/vests can be added for a three piece suit look, but a cummerbund is too far. Leather dress shoes, pumps/high heels. Culturally-specific formal wear is acceptable.

Black/White Tie

Black and white tie are among the highest level of formality, with White Tie higher than Black. If in clothing traditionally coded as masc, tuxedos are required, not just suits, with a black or white tie depending on the level of formality. Evening gowns (full length, no cocktail dresses or shorter skirts) with elaborate details like beading, lace, ruffles, chiffon, etc. Culturally-specific formal wear is acceptable.

Met Gala

Think black/white tie plus a hefty dose of “look at me.” This is where people can shine creatively, as long as their garments are both of the highest formality and done in bright colors or interesting/unique patterns and designs. Showy, show-stopping, almost anything goes as long as it’s too much. Too much is never enough when the dress code is Met Gala.