Intent over rules, more visual examples in dress code communications.
With different business attire norms across generations and industries, planners are having to evolve or step up on dress code communications.
Intent over rules
“Instead of just saying ‘smart casual', we're adding context. 'Business attire suitable for a client dinner' or 'Comfortable attire for a full day of sessions followed by a reception’,” said Atika Rosli, managing director at Beyond Events.
“It's about setting expectations for the ‘activity’ rather than just the time of day.”
For some planners, while conventional dress code categories such as business casual, smart casual and black tie still exist, the interpretation has changed.
“You might see people wearing sneakers for business casual,” said Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events leader, Asia. “The meaning is no longer restrictive, and ‘smart casual’ could look different, especially at multicultural event."
“What’s important now is helping people understand the intent behind the dress code – professionalism, comfort, respect for the occasion, rather than dictating specific styles.”
Cultural expectations linger
Planners whom Meetings & Conventions Asia spoke to agree that more attendees are sporting comfortable, casual, or “athleisure” dress styles.
However, in particular industries or for government related events, formal dressing is still expected.
“There's still a higher baseline expectation for formality in Asia, especially in finance or government-related events,” Rosli stressed.
“While younger tech or creative crowds might lean towards casual for high-level regional meetings, people tend to err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than underdressed. It's a cultural nuance around showing respect for the host and the seniority of attendees,” Rosli continued.
Xinling Yap, regional account director, Asia Pacific at BCD Meetings & Events echoes this sentiment, saying that in Asian culture, dressing appropriately is still seen as a form of respect.
“Older and more senior-level attendees are still particular and usually appear in business casual with a coat on standby,” she shared. “Dress codes also vary by industry, with pharmaceutical and life sciences events still requiring a more formal approach, while tech events often have attendees in jeans with T-shirts or polo tops. “
As norms broaden, attendees now rely even more on dress codes, she stressed.
Maximum clarity
“Day-time event attire seems to be more casual now, and sometimes this carries into the evenings too,” says Yap. “We’re also seeing far fewer black-tie events than previously, so giving delegates clear guidance up front has become even more important.”
For FCM’s Bindra, it’s important to align with a company’s ethos and communicate what would be appropriate without limiting personal expression.
“Sharing visual cues in pre-event communication, including reference images to help attendees interpret the intended vibe, also helps convey the message.”
BCD M&E for example has introduced a feature in its event app with some global clients, which uses AI-generated videos to show examples of how dress codes can be interpreted, as different markets and regions may understand these terms differently.
The agency also says it indicates the dress code clearly in its invites and again in reminder emails.