Cocktail Dinner

• For a cocktail dinner, women should typically rely on the classic little black dress, although other colors are acceptable for earlier dinners. Cocktail length is considered just above the knees to just below the knees. The dress can be a simple, form-fitting piece, or have a bit of sheen and flare. Dress it up with pantyhose or stockings, black pumps or dressy sandals, and a black evening bag. Embellish your look with a nice fur wrap (faux fur is more than acceptable), diamond jewelry (rhinestones work just as well) and an elegant updo. A nice dinner suit is acceptable, particularly if it features flashy buttons and details.
  
  Men should wear a dark suit with a formal tie and dinner jacket. Navy or black are the best colors for formal dinners. Your dress shirt should be white and crisp, cuff links should be worn, and your dress shoes should be shined.
  
  

Black Tie

• Black tie formal dinners require you to pull out all the stops. Women should wear formal ball gowns. These include floor-length strapless, thin strapped or halter style gowns. Your dress can be shorter, although a nice side slit would be more proper. Stockings or pantyhose should be worn. High heels or pumps should be matched to the dress, along with an evening bag. Add a nice necklace, bracelet and wrap. Your hair and makeup should be slightly dramatic, but not over-done.
  
  A man should wear a tuxedo. This will include a dress shirt, cummerbund or vest, cuff links, tuxedo pants and jacket. Dress shoes must be worn, along with a nice pair of dark dress socks. Avoid sports socks. You can dress it up with fancy cuff links or a jacket featuring tails.
  
  

White Tie

• White tie dinners are as formal as it gets. Women should wear extremely formal ball gowns and consider white gloves. During dinner, at the table, remove your gloves and place them on your lap. Your gown should be long and very formal, particularly if you are accompanied by a man wearing a white tie. Your best shoes and evening bag, provided they match the gown, should be worn. Wear elegant jewelry to complete your outfit. If you don't have proper clothing, check into specialty stores that rent formal attire.
  
  The man should wear a formal tuxedo, including all of the fancy features. Don tuxedo pants, a dress shirt with cuff links, cummerbund, vest, white tie and jacket. Have fun and go over-the-top with a top hat and cane, if you wish. Your shoes should be shined to perfection, and your socks should be dark, knit dress socks.