Informal attire is a mode of dress that is meant to be less formal than a tuxedo, while still providing more formal clothing than casual dress. For men, this type of clothing usually consists of a two piece suit. For women, it often consists of a similar outfit, with a woman’s suit jacket matched with a skirt and blouse, or a dress. Since the name for this style can be misconstrued and confused with casual wear, it is often called business attire or western business.
The most common way in which a man can dress in informal attire is by wearing a two-piece suit. This suit consists of a jacket and pants that are made to match, typically in a dark color such as black, dark gray, or navy blue. A vest can be worn with this as part of a three-piece suit, though it is not required; the belt should match the pants and dark socks and shoes are usually worn with such clothing. This type of attire is usually finished with a long-sleeve shirt, usually a contrasting color such as a white shirt with a dark suit, and a tie that complements the complete outfit.
Informal attire for a woman can provide a wider range of options, though women can wear similar garments. A woman’s suit is often worn in settings in which men are expected to wear a suit, which typically consists of a jacket and a matching skirt or slacks. Women often have more choices for the style of blouse they wear, though it should complement the suit in much the same way as a man’s shirt and tie. A woman can also wear a dress as part of informal attire, though it should be fashionable and stylish in a way that is professional in appearance.
The name “informal attire” can be misleading for some people, though it is meant to indicate less formality than other styles. Very formal clothing usually refers to “white tie” outfits that include a white bow tie over a white shirt, with a jacket that includes long tails. Formal wear often consists of “black tie” attire that is similar but has a black bow tie and a dinner jacket without tails; women often wear evening gowns for both levels of formality. Casual clothing is “below” informal attire in this type of categorization, and often consists of jeans, shorts, and t-shirts.