Oger helps you select clothing when you receive an invitation with a dress code or dress code. The first to be covered is Tenue de Ville. One of the most common dress codes we see today.

What is Tenue de Ville?

The dress code 'Tenue de Ville' now has a different meaning than before. In the good old days, Tenue de Ville came from France and it was a chic dress code. Translated very bluntly into Dutch, it means 'city clothing'. In the past, people walked the streets in different clothes and Tenue de Ville was more common in daily life. Nowadays it is a dress code for special occasions. A good guideline is: the more formal the event, the darker the outfit. But, keep in mind that the attention should be on the hostess. So keep it subtle. An outfit should be neatly refined and appropriate. Striking outfits, accessories and make-up are not part of the Tenue de Ville dress code!

The dress code Tenue de Ville occurs, among other things, at a wedding, opening or reception. Sometimes it is interpreted more strictly than other times. If you plan to visit a party where etiquette is of paramount importance, you will of course choose a strict form of etiquette. This way you are guaranteed to have a good outfit that matches the dress code.

The history of Tenue de Ville

The Tenue-de-Ville dress code is chic in essence. Nowadays, Tenue de Ville can create variants that are modern-chic. An example: a shade other than dark blue, black or gray is now more often the norm than the exception. The shade can also be a lighter blue or a lighter gray. A suit can even contain a subtle pattern.

Besides the differences in shades and possibly a pattern, some rules remain essential. The most important rule: the outfit must form a whole. This means that a lighter shirt is worn on a dark suit. The belt and shoes must also match each other and the suit.

Tenue de Ville tips for men

1. - Preferably wear a (tailor-made) suit.
2. - Dark, solid colors are considered traditional. Lighter variants of blue or gray will be seen as modern-chic.
3. - It is customary to wear a shirt that is lighter in color than the suit.
4. - Wear a dress shoe. In this case a low lace-up or buckle shoe made of leather, preferably with a leather sole.
5. - Think about the details: a tie is important and accessories such as a watch are part of it. Don't forget to add a pocket square : match it with your tie and/or shirt. All these things complete your Tenue de Ville outfit.
6. - Keep it subtle and calm. Rather dress a little too basic than go wild with creative excesses.

Tenue de Ville for men

Tenue de Ville is neat clothing for the day. Men wear a tailor-made suit during this dress code. It is of course allowed to combine and experiment with clothing, but make sure you don't stray too much from the Tenue de Ville dress code. The more subtly the man dresses, the better the outfit fits.

The dark, solid color suits are considered traditional. This means you will always look good during this dress code. Lighter variants such as blue & gray are seen more as modern-chic, so take this into account when choosing your outfit. In the past, the color brown was frowned upon during this dress code, but nowadays this is allowed. Stripes on a suit are allowed, but keep it subtle! Dots, patterns or figures are an absolute no-go. A Tenue de Ville dress code should not stand out! Finally, such a tailor-made suit may be two or three-piece. A waistcoat is therefore optional.

With a tailor-made suit, a shirt is always worn in a lighter color than the suit. In addition, a bow or tie is mandatory with this dress code. A tie is definitely an eye-catcher and the way to accentuate your personal taste. It is important that the tie matches the colors of your (made-to-measure) suit. A small motif on the tie is allowed. Coarse accents such as stripes, figures or dots are frowned upon on a Tenue de Ville outfit for men.

Tenue de Ville men's shoes

Brogue shoes go best with a Tenue de Ville outfit. Ideally, choose dark leather shoes with a matching (leather) belt. You could think of a nice lace-up or buckle shoe. The shoes under your suit will stand out, so choose them carefully.

Tone-on-tone

A safe, but certainly not boring choice. Choose one color that predominates, such as blue in this case. The deep blue color is enhanced by the crisp white shirt and matching pocket square. Always have a smoothed shirt and a tightly knotted tie. Essential for a stylish look. Don't forget to have the suit repaired where necessary.

Bold in a design

As we said before, nowadays it is okay to deviate from the standard. A pinstripe is a perfect choice thanks to its traditional character. This of course does not rule out that you can also opt for a subtle check, for example. Do you choose a design? Make sure that the outfit forms a whole. A warm, soft shade adds color to your outfit without being flashy.

Tenue de Ville tips for women

Of course there are also tips for the elegant lady who needs to arrive in Tenue de Ville style:

1. - A neat dress that falls above the knee. In terms of colors, white or pastel shades are a safe choice.
2. - A combination of neat trousers  and blower is allowed. A skirt and a blazer  is also possible. It is appreciated if the skirt falls below the knee.
3. - Heels or a subtle boot are good combination options with the tips mentioned above.
4. - Of course there are details that complete the outfit: a bag that matches the outfit or breaks the outfit. If you choose a bag that breaks the outfit: elegance is paramount and therefore the bag should be subtle.
5. - Accessories  such as a watch, a ring or bracelets are of course possible. In this case, make sure it is a nice addition to your entire outfit.

Women's Tenue de Ville

It is one of the oldest dress codes in existence. A Tenue de Ville dress code is common at weddings, receptions and openings. The name sounds very exciting, let alone a Tenue de Ville outfit for women . Actually it is very basic and simple. There are endless possibilities with this dress code. The most important thing is that the outfit is subtle, neat and appropriate. Striking clothing, accessories or make-up are not part of a Tenue de Ville dress code for women.

If you are going to a party where the dress code is not strict, you can probably just wear a short skirt or dress. If the dress code is strict, short skirts and dresses are absolutely not allowed! Officially, the skirt or dress is meant to fall on or over the knee. An A-line skirt is also often worn with this dress code. Tights, tights or stockings are always worn under a skirt or dress. If it is a warm day, the dress or skirt may be worn with bare legs, provided it falls on or over the knees. If you still decide to wear tights, pay attention to the color of the tights in combination with the rest of the outfit. Tights that are too dark are undesirable. It is best to wear matte, thin skin-colored tights that give your legs an even, subtly tanned shade. Your Tenue de Ville outfit should of course also fit comfortably.

With Tenue de Ville for women it is customary to wear soft colors, such as light pink, light blue or mint green.

The most suitable shoes for a Tenue de Ville outfit for women are pumps. These shoes are simple, but that is what makes it chic with this dress code. Make sure the pumps match your dress and possibly your bag.

Tenue de Ville accessories

This makes people very creative, but with the Tenue de Ville dress code it is precisely the case not to stand out. Modesty is key in this dress code, so consider simple pumps, a small (envelope) bag and not too many colors in the clothing. Don't wear earrings that are too exuberant, but keep it classy and simple. All accessories should be subtle and match your outfit.

A hat is allowed with a Tenue de Ville dress code for women, but not mandatory. In general, this will be stated on the invitation if it is desired. If a hat is not your thing, opt for a beautiful hair accessory in the shape of a flower or corsage.

Tenue de Ville dresses

Have you decided to wear a dress in Tenue de Ville style? Good choice! The length of the dress is essential. Officially, the Tenue de Ville dress should fall at or above the knees, but that does not mean that you have to wear a dress that reaches your ankles or calves. This dress code is a bit more formal, but is ideal for a wedding or reception, but also where there is strict etiquette. Many women find a dress that falls on the calves a bit too modest, so they often opt for a dress that falls on or just above the knee. Shorter is an absolute no-go, both in the traditional and modern view!