With the rise of more relaxed weddings and events, dress codes are something you should brush up on. How do you differentiate the semi formal from the black tie, the dressy casual from the casual? Below we have a handy guide for your next occasion! Suit up!

CASUAL
This is the most basic dress code. With very little or no rules, you can whip out your sundresses, shorts, and denim pieces.

Plains and Prints Dress, P1,998; Renegade Folk Sandals, P1,780; Cole Vintage Tote Bag, P599

Plains and Prints is available at SM Megamall, Rockwell, and Shangri-La Plaza; Renegade Folk is available through renegadefolk.com; Cole Vintage is available at colevintage.com.

DRESSY CASUALUpdate your favorite casual outfit with polished pieces. If you love the combination of a mini skirt and a tank top, try matching a midi skirt with a camisole for a more sophisticated spin.

H&M Top, P1,190; Zara Floral Printed Skirt, P2,995; Stradivarius Heels, P1,990; Tomato Clutch, P850

H&M is available at SM Megamall, Robinson’s Magnolia, and SM Makati; Zara is available at Shangri-La Plaza, Rockwell, and SM Megamall; Stradivarius is available at Shangri-La Plaza and SM Aura; Tomato is available at Glorietta 5.

BUSINESS ATTIRE
Think corporate! Blazers, pencil skirts, collared shirts, and trousers all fall under this category.

Zara Structured Blazer, P4,995; Stradivarius Dress Trousers, P1,990; Bayo Long Sleeved Top, P1,395; Charles & Keith Pumps, P2,399; Alberto Satchel, P3,350

Zara is available at Shangri-La Plaza, Rockwell, and SM Megamall; Stradivarius is available at Shangri-La Plaza and SM Aura; Bayo is available at SM Megamall, SM Aura, and Eastwood Mall; Charles & Keith is available at SM Megamall, SM Aura and Rockwell; Alberto is available in Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Galleria, and Trinoma.

SEMI-FORMAL
Now’s your LBD’s time to shine, or pick out a colorful cocktail dress or dressy separates for this dress code.

H&M Strapless Dress, P2,290; Aldo High Heeled Sandals, P3,199; River Island Purse, P1,549

H&M is available at SM Megamall, Robinson’s Magnolia, and SM Makati; Aldo is available at Glorietta 3; Eastwood Mall; and Rockwell. River Island is available at SM Aura and SM Megamall.

BLACK TIE
A floor-length gown is a must. Now’s the time to pull out all stops so go for it with your hair and makeup, too!

Mango Gown, P12,950; Bellabianca Clutch, P1,499; CLN Sandals, P1,299

Mango is available at SM Megamall, Rockwell, and Shangri-La Plaza. Bellabianca is available at Zalora.com.ph. CLN is available at SM North, Trinoma, and Mall of Asia.

SCREENCAP: Gossip Girl/CW (2008); Images edited by Rae Nopuente