When the Dress Code Calls For: Black Tie Optional

This is easily one of the more confusing dress codes out there. Does ‘black tie optional’ allow you the total freedom of interpreting your own level of comfort? Well, yes and no. Berry puts it frankly: “I don’t like this. It’s weird and confusing. It’s formal enough to go all out, but giving you an out if you don’t want to wear a gown.” And Naylor suggests that to avoid being that person who “wrecks the group pictures with her ‘dress you wear to lunch,’” it’s best to lean towards the dressier side–but avoid going overboard with embellishments, or “you’ll look like the mother of the bride… from ten years ago.” She recommends accessorizing with a chic chignon and metallic bangles.

We recommend: Dress, RED Valentino; Sandals, Calvin Klein; Clutch, Big Buddha; Cuff, J.Crew.