Formal wear, formal dress or evening dress is usually the traditional Western dress code classification applicable for most formal gatherings, including christenings, weddings, confirmations, funerols, Easter and Christmas celebrations, as well as certain civic events, parties, balls, and other venue-based events. Commonly, this type of apparel includes evening gowns, tuxedos, formal skirts and suits, and coats. However, it can also encompass any outfit that makes a woman more beautiful and more appropriate to be a member of the Western society.
In some regions in the West, for example, women are usually expected to wear a black or dark-colored evening gown or any other black-colored clothing depending on the cultural or social norms of the region. This is because black is considered a sign of evil and is strictly prohibited in most areas of the world. On the other hand, a white or yellow dress is considered appropriate for most formal events in most parts of the world, especially for weddings and other social gatherings. While most brides prefer to wear white or yellow formal wear for their weddings, most bridesmaids choose to wear variations of the color orange for their matching dresses.
The traditional meaning of the word formal wear is a particular type of attire designed to be worn to official functions or ceremonies. But today, it has developed into a more flexible term, which literally means any type of dress that makes an individual look presentable to guests. Although it originally designated only the clergy and elite groups of people in society, it has now become a general dress code for all types of social gatherings. This has led some companies to design and produce complete formal wear outfits, which they then distribute to their employees in different departments or locations within the company. Such outfits are used by employees to attend various company-related functions or events, such as conferences, meetings and seminars, among others.