Oger helps you select clothing when you receive an invitation with a dress code. The first one 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' has a different meaning today than it used to. In the good old days, Tenue de Ville came from France and was a chic dress code. Translated very flatly into Dutch, it means 'city clothing'. In the past, people would wear different clothes on the street and Tenue de Ville was more common in everyday life. Nowadays, it is a dress code for special occasions. A good rule of thumb is: the more formal the event, the darker the outfit. But, keep in mind that the attention should be on the host/hostess. So keep it subtle. An outfit should be neat, 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 is used at a wedding, opening or reception. It is sometimes interpreted more strictly than at other times. If you are planning to visit a party where etiquette is a top priority, you will of course choose a strict form of etiquette. This way you are guaranteed to have a good outfit that fits the dress code.

The history of Tenue de Ville

The dress code Tenue-de-Ville is essentially chic. Nowadays, Tenue de Ville can have variations that are modern-chic. For example, a shade other than dark blue, black or grey is now more often the norm than the exception. The shade can also be a lighter blue or a lighter grey. A suit can even have 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 be coordinated with each other and with the suit.

Tenue de Ville tips for men

1. - Preferably wear a suit.
2. - Dark, solid colors are considered traditional. Lighter shades 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 like 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 make your Tenue de Ville outfit complete.
6. - Keep it subtle and calm. Dress a little too basic rather than going wild with creative outbursts.

Men's Ville Jersey

Tenue de Ville is formal daytime clothing. Gentlemen wear a tailored suit during this dress code. Of course, it is allowed to mix and match and experiment with clothing, but make sure you don't stray too far from the Tenue de Ville dress code. The more subtle the man dresses, the better the outfit fits.

Dark, solid-colored suits are considered traditional. You will always look good in this dress code. Lighter variants such as blue & gray are considered more modern-chic, so keep this in mind when choosing your outfit. In the past, the color brown was frowned upon during this dress code, but nowadays it 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 suit may be two- or three-piece. A waistcoat is optional in this case.

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

Tenue de Ville men's shoes

Brogue shoes are best suited to 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 colour that dominates, such as blue in this case. The deep blue colour is enhanced by the fresh white shirt and matching pocket square. Always ensure a smoothly ironed shirt and a tightly knotted tie. Essential for a stylish look. Also do not forget to have the suit altered where necessary.

Daring in a design

As we said before, you can deviate from the standard these days. A pinstripe is a perfect choice thanks to its traditional character. Of course, this does not exclude the possibility of choosing a subtle check, for example. Are you opting for a pattern? Then make sure that the outfit forms a whole. A warm, soft shade adds colour to your outfit without being too 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 over the knee. In terms of colors, white or pastel shades are a safe choice.
2. - A combination of neat trousers  and a blazer is allowed. A skirt and a blazer  is also possible. It is appreciated if the skirt falls over 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. Should you take a bag that breaks the outfit: elegance is paramount and that is why 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 Ville Jersey

It is one of the oldest dress codes that exists. A Tenue de Ville dress code is often used at weddings, receptions and openings. The name sounds very exciting, so let alone a Tenue de Ville outfit for women . It is actually very basic and simple. With this dress code there are endless possibilities. The most important thing is that the outfit is subtle, neat and appropriate. Striking clothing, accessories or make-up do not belong to 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 supposed to fall on or over the knee. An A-line skirt is also often worn with this dress code. Pantyhose, tights or stockings are always worn under a skirt or dress. If it is a warm day, the dress or skirt can be worn with bare legs, provided that it falls on or over the knees. If you still decide to wear pantyhose, pay attention to the color of the pantyhose in combination with the rest of the outfit. Pantyhose that are too dark are undesirable. In this case, it is best to wear a matte, thin skin-colored pantyhose that gives your legs an even, subtly tanned tone. Of course, your Tenue de Ville outfit should also be comfortable.

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

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

Tenue de Ville accessories

Here you can be very creative, but with the Tenue de Ville dress code it is precisely the case to not stand out. Modesty adorns with this dress code, so think of simple pumps, a small (envelope) bag and not too many colors in the clothing. Do not wear too exuberant earrings, but keep it classy and simple. All accessories should be subtle and match your outfit.

A hat is allowed in a Tenue de Ville dress code for women, but not required. Generally, this will be stated on the invitation if it is desired. If a hat is not your thing, choose a beautiful hair accessory in the form of a vane and 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 on or over the knees, but that does not mean that you have to wear a dress to your ankles or calves. This dress code is a bit more formal, but is ideal for a wedding or reception, but also when there is a strict etiquette. Many women find a dress that falls on the calves a bit too modest, so that is why a dress that falls on or just above the knee is often chosen. Shorter is an absolute no-go, both in the traditional and in the modern view!