The Only Women's Lounge Suit Dress Code Guide You'll Need

So, you've received an event invitation with a note that reads: lounge suit dress code. You're scratching your head, wondering what lounge suits are for women. You fervently google terms like 'lounge suits for women' or 'lounge suit attire' to help you find the perfect outfit to match the event. If you're feeling stuck and don't know how to proceed, you can set your worries aside. We've decoded and simplified the women's lounge suit dress code and the different apparel options to wear to these events. As a bonus, we've also provided a few nifty tips about men's clothing at lounge suit events. This will help you find everything you need in one place. Make a statement with our tips and advice in this detailed guide. Let's dive in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lounge suit dress code?

This is usually a broader term to suggest a two or three-piece men's suit. Lounge suits are known to have originated in the 1850-1860s in Scotland. Developed as a flexible apparel option for casual outdoor wear in the English countryside, suits were mainly made from a heavier fabric. The dress code then emerged as workwear in the 20th century for both men and women. And, in the last couple of decades, it's gotten a lot more casual, with one also coming across lounge suit wedding dress codes. Offering a combination of formality and comfort - the lounge dress code provides you with the best of both worlds.

What is the female equivalent of the lounge suit dress code?

While cocktail and black tie are self-explanatory, the lounge suit code feels elusive. In essence, a lounge suit event requires formal dressing. However, it tends to be less formal than a black tie but more than a cocktail event. Lounge suits for women include dressy skirts with event-appropriate tops, pantsuits, sophisticated floral pattern dresses and jumpsuits. Women may even consider throwing on a fascinator or hat, depending on the weather and time of day. Men can wear a suit and tie - typically a dark or light suit. For autumn/winter, black, navy, or charcoal colours are ideal. For the warmer months - light grey and neutral tones work best.

Can you wear a short dress for a lounge suit?

The lounge suit dress code for women stipulates a midi-length dress. A dress at or above the knee is usually too short and considered inappropriate.

The lounge suit dress code for women

This is a popular code that works for several events with varying levels of formality. Lounge suits are particularly popular with wedding dress codes, especially beachside weddings or wedding lunches. But that's not all. Many business dinners, christenings, or funerals also stipulate a lounge suit dress code for women and men. So, what does a lounge suit attire for women look like? Yes, you can steer clear of fancy ball gowns and the like, and there's freedom and flexibility to play with floral prints. Moreover, you don't necessarily have to wear a dress. Jumpsuits and playsuits also work.

Lounge suit women dress code - Do's

Always pick outfits that fall below the knee - midi length is a good point of reference. You can opt to wear something longer, especially for a daytime event. Since these occasions are usually more formal than cocktail parties - high heels are highly encouraged. Take the lounge dress code up a notch, complementing your long dress with a smart jacket. Alternatively, opt for a neat set of trousers and jacket.

As stated above, jumpsuits and pantsuits are also acceptable for day events. You could play with shorter heels, although higher heels are always fabulous. For an evening or night event, wear dress lengths ranging from midi-to-maxi.

• Opt for solid-coloured dresses
• Sophisticated floral patterns work well for day events
• Wear high heels
• Make fits a priority

Style tip

Can't decide what to wear? If you're out of ideas and can't find something occasion-appropriate for a lounge dress code, you can always fall back on a long black dress with high heels. If you think this is too formal a look, you can tone it down with a blazer.

Pro Tip

Look fun and fashionable - but steer clear of looking too casual. Moreover, lounge suits for women aren't particularly revealing or super glitzy. Choose sophisticated patterns and colours that don't feel too loud.

Lounge suit women dress code - Don'ts

• A dress at or above the knee does not work well for a lounge dress code.
• Avoid wearing prints for night events.
• For a day event, prints or patterns should be simple and not overstated.
• Flats are improper footwear for a lounge suit women's dress code.
• Avoid too many embellishments like sequins.
• Very low necklines are also a strict no-no.

Men's lounge suit dress code

These are standard business suits, only more relaxed - typically in options like a two-piece, three-piece, double-breasted, single-breasted, tweed, wool, black, grey, navy, or pinstriped. Two-piece suits feel relaxed - with a suit jacket and pants to complete the ensemble.

Do's

• You don't have to stick to traditional fabrics - you could pick more lightweight options like linen or cotton.
• For a relaxed style, opt for fabrics like high-quality cotton in plain colours. You'll never go wrong with a white shirt.
• Wear a tie if you're attending a formal business event or funeral.
• You can pick both printed or coloured ties.
• Wear dark leather shoes, always.

Don't

• Avoid floral prints and polka dots

Lounge suit dress code: Popular events

Some of the most popular events that tend to stipulate this dress code include:

• Business breakfasts
• Wedding lunches
• Engagement parties,
• Afternoon tea
• Engagements
• Funerals

Pro tip

Avoid mixing jackets and slacks - instead, choose from different colours and fabrics to express yourself in lounge attire.

Choosing lounge suits for women

Getting ready for a big event that says 'lounge suit' in its dress code doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple and strategic apparel choices, it's easy to find and wear something that makes a statement and helps you shine. Make the right fashion choices by picking and choosing from a wide range of our women's clothing options. Additionally, refer to the Fashion Hub, an excellent repository for some of the best advice on fashion styling and inspiration.

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