Military Event Dress Codes

This page is designed to give a few pointers on military event dress codes.  Please take a look at some of the acceptable and unacceptable choices in the images below.  This guide is only meant to illustrate the cut or style of the clothing, not the color or materials (unless it is transparent or sheer, in which case neither is acceptable at any event).

This diagram illustrates the various event types and their prescribed dress code

Acceptable Semiformal Attire for men and women.

Events that are considered Semi Formal should have the soldier wearing their dress uniform, and the guest wearing the appropriate civilian (if not military) clothing.  Women should wear a full length or Knee length (knees or below) formal evening dress. Dresses with or without sleeves are appropriate for wear. Men should be wearing a Tux (preferred) or a dark colored business suit. 

Women should be cautious when selecting a dress and avoid picking something that will show excessive cleavage (or side profile of bare breast), bare thighs, or bare areas below the waistline in the back of the dress (super deep cowl cut dresses are not a good idea).  The images below will show some good and bad choices for attire. This is meant to help guide you in making a better selection and is not intended as a directive.  If you would not wear it to church it might not be a good choice for a military event.

The next three photos are acceptable dresses for most occasions listed as Semiformal within the TXSG.

The following seven pictures are all UN-Acceptable Semiformal Attire for men and women.

This may seem a little silly to look at. However, over the years it would surprise you at some of the attire we've seen at military balls, gala's, and other formal events.  My husband has seen Marines get into a fight because one Marine thought another Marine's wife was a stripper or escort. The wife's dress was extremely inappropriate (super deep cowl cut front and back, and the length didn't reach her fingertips). Needless to say, both Marines were standing in the commander's office the next day.

Informal Attire for men and women.

Informal Attire for military events should be something you would wear to work if you worked in a bank or professional office setting.  If you work as a trades-person you might wear jeans or shorts and a t-shirt to work, but that would not be the proper attire.  For the most part Informal attire would be slacks, and a button down shirt for men, and a pant suit or knee length dress for women. This would not include what you might wear on Casual Friday's at work, or Pajama day!

Casual Attire for men and women.

 For Casual Attire, think about what you would wear to work on a Casual Friday if you worked in a Professional Office setting.  Slacks (un-ripped/unstained jeans), Polo shirt (collared shirt) for men or women. Blouse and simple skirts or slacks for women are also acceptable.

Very Casual Attire for men and women.

Very Casual would be what you might wear if you were going to be out of the house on the weekend, no not your Yoga pants or pajamas.  This is clothing that is made for regular activities such as going out to dinner with the family, or to play a round of golf.  Also, this is not a bikini or speedo.

The main point of this page is to give a few pointers on how something as simple as the way you dress can impact the career of your soldier in the TXSG.  Special events can be costly, however it is vital that you don't overspend for an event.  IF you are not sure about the event, reach out to the FRG team and we can help point you in the right direction.  It is very likely you will never need a $500 dress or suit.  Tux rentals are okay if you don't have a dress uniform.