One thing that you have to learn in order to live happily and luckily in Australia is its dress codes. You may come from a culture that does not have such a thing or it has different dress codes. For example, last year I was invited to the company’s end of year ceremony. It was said that the dress code is “Dress To Impress”. As I did not have any ideas that what was “Dress To Impress”, I Googled this term and I ended up reading an article written by a famous east European fashion designer. He had mentioned that in order to dress to impress, a man must have a suit and a tie on. Well, as you can tell, I showed up in the party with a suit and a tie, and felt embarrassed because nobody else had a similar dress.

So what are all these strange codes and what are they for?

In western countries, including Australia, for every event type, there is a certain type of dress. For example, you will not show up in an important business meeting with a short and flip flops! Likewise, you must not go to a picnic with your business suit. It is inappropriate!

Here is the list of the most important and the most common dress codes that you will see in Australia:

• Street Wear:  It is a dress that is used for doing shopping or going to the beach! For men it is a short with a T-shirt or a singlet and flip flops. For women, depending on their age, it can be a short skirt, flip flops and a top. In winter a tight (long type of stockings) or a jean will replace the skirt and short.  Needless to say that you must not use this dress code in order to go to a pub, a concert, a formal event or to work.

• Casual: This dress code is a casual type of dress that you will have for bars and pubs. This includes a pant (e.g. a jean), a pair of shoes or  sneakers (no sandals) and a collarless T-shirt.

• Business Casual: You may use this dress code for work. This dress code includes a pair of casual shoes, a casual pant, and a polo shirt (with collar)

• Smart Casual: This is a casual kind of dress that you may use for work, for dating, for going to a bar or a pub, for converts and so on. For men it includes a  jean or any kinds of casual pants along with a T-short, a polo shirt or a casual shirt. A casual shirt is a kind of slim-fit shirt with that is comfortable and designed to be wore with a jean. You may have snickers or a pair of casual shoes on. For women it can include any presentable type of clothing such as a long-enough skirt, jeans and casual shoes.

• Dress To Impress: This dress code is for company parties, non-formal business meetings and similar events. For men it includes a jean, a pair of smart casual shoes (no snicker), long-sleeved casual shirt and optionally a casual coat. No TIE! For women it is, dress to impress! Women know what does it mean

• Business/Formal: If you work for a corporation or you are in a position that you have to deal with clients or attend inter-company meetings you must have a business or formal dress. If you are working in a corporate company and you are required to have a business dress, you must have a business shirt as well as a business pant and a pair of business shoes. Ties and coats are not necessary unless you have to meet with clients. For women it is usually high-heel shoes, skirt and a coat.

• Cocktail Suit/Black Tie: I really dislike this one as each time I have to show up in an event that requires a cocktail suite, I have to rent the suite! The reason is that I look retarded in a long black suit and a bow tie! So I don’t have any. If for any reason you have to use Cocktail Suit dress code, you must have a black suit (which is special to Cocktail Suit) with a white shirt and a bow tie. For women it includes a long black skirt, black coat and white shirt.

Companies, especially corporations, may announce their required dress code, usually for the week days and for Friday, upon employing you. You must pay enough attention to this item in your contract.