How to dress for Tenue de Ville
Tenue de Ville is a dress code often worn at weddings, openings, outdoor parties or beach parties. It’s a stylish dress code, but not too chic.
Tenue de Ville literally means: clothes that you wear to the city. It’s sometimes equated with business casual. It’s a dress code that’s used mostly for daytime, and is characterised by a neat and conservative look.
The Tenue de Ville dress code originates from the days when people make a special effort to dress up when leaving the house. It was essential to be spotted in suitable fashion.
For women, Tenue de Ville is often associated with elegance, and is not flashy. Men can wear a blue or (dark) grey suit. Black is not forbidden but is less common.
The dress code calls for a subtle ‘touch’. An outfit should be neat, refined and appropriate. Tenue de Ville is as much defined by what it is, as what is not. It’s not casual, skin-revealing, statement clothing, attention-grabbing accessories or makeup.
Tenue de Ville for women
- Tenue de Ville is formal but not too chic
- Summery, pastel colours are suitable
- Cocktail dress or skirt length to the knee
- Heels or chic ballerinas
- Subtle details
- Understated accessories
The perfect Tenue de Ville outfit
It used to be customary to wear a suit or gown with Tenue de Ville, but nowadays it may be interpreted differently. An elegant dress or skirt with a blouse or top for example.
Strictly speaking, the hem length should be at least knee length. A-line skirts are a popular choice with Tenue de Ville.
If the occasion is less formal, then shorter lengths are acceptable. However, very short or tight skirts are not appropriate.
Tenue de Ville clothing for women
Tights or pantyhose should be worn under a skirt or dress. If it is warm, bare legs are allowed, provided the skirt or dress is long enough.
Tenue de Ville is most often translated into soft colours. Think of pastel tints like baby pink, light blue and mint green.
Not wearing a dress? Then always keep your blazer on. This also applies when wearing a pantsuit or suit. Also, you can bring a matching bag, keeping to an understated style.
Wear dressy shoes with a heel (preferably low to medium). Boots can also be worn with a dress or skirt, provided they are stylish and not too chunky.
Tenue de Ville for men
- Tenue de Ville is formal but not too chic
- Summery, pastel colours are suitable
- A (tailored) suit with light shirt
- Black is less common
- Tie for formal occasions
- Attention to details: cufflinks, pocket square, tie pin
The perfect Tenue de Ville outfit
Tenue de Ville is stylish clothing for daytime. Men typically wear tailored suits with this dress code. With a suit you always wear a dress shirt in a lighter color than the suit. A tie is essential.
You can combine and experiment with your clothing, but keep in mind that subtlety is key. Elegance speaks volumes.
Tenue de Ville clothing for men
Solid blue, gray or black is often chosen for the color of the suit. Although brown was considered “not done” for a while, these days it’s back in fashion. Especially in a vintage style: teamed with a plaid bow tie and suspenders, for example. Stripes? Yes, but as always, keep it subtle.
For men, Tenue de Ville requires a tie. The tie should complement the colours of the suit. A classic or subtle pattern is a perfect touch. But avoid designs that are attention-grabbing such as loud graphics or bright colours.
For appropriate footwear, brogues are a great option. The ideal combination is dark leather shoes with a matching belt.