Protocol - Dress Code

This coming Saturday night is the Air Force Ball at Malmstrom AFB. I am so excited! In honor of this event this post is about Air Force protocol. I will start with dress code. Check back later this week a list of helpful tips.

Dress Code

I have to say, one of the frustrating things to about being an Air Force spouse is that I never know what to wear to any given event. I know that throughout my DH career I will have many different ceremonies to go to, changes of command ( I have already been to at least 4 in our 4 short years), promotions, retirement functions and formal dinners to name a few. Here is some basic dress code protocol to turn to when in need.

If you are unsure what the dress code for an event is, it is always safest to call the host of the event and ask. If you have enough notice you can also ask your military member to find out if it seem appropriate. Another good indicator of dress code is by what uniform your military member is required to be in.

• Very Casual
• Usually jeans or shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Events such as sporting events, BBQ, after work trips to the Club
• The military member will probably also be in civilian clothing for this type of event. 

• Casual
• Corresponds to what would normally be worn day-to-day at work. Men - open collar shirt, khakis. Women - Slacks, simple dress, skirt and blouse.
• "duty uniform" is worn by the Air Force member. This my include ABU's, the light blue shirt with or without tie, or flight suit, depending on duty section.
• For civilian functions normally women will wear a casual dress, slacks and blouse, and long or short skit would also be appropriate. Men's dress includes short or long-sleeved open-neck shirt, no tie. A sweater or sports coat would be acceptable.

• Sport Coat and Tie
• The Air Force member would normally wear civilian clothing when the invitation specifies "sport coat and tie" as opposed to a uniform.
• This starts the more formal attire and would be appriate for events such as dinner at the Commander's  house.  Ladies - dressy clacks or church dress. Gentlemen - slacks, tie and sports jacket.

• Informal
• Very similar to the Sport Coat and Tie dress code. However the informal dress is most often worn to changes of command, parades, official visits of VIPs and promotion and retirement ceremonies. This category of dress may also be referred to as Business Suit.
• The military member's "business suit" is the Service Dress Blues. Ladies - dressy, street length or Sunday dress or business suit. Men - dark (subdued) suit and tie.

• Semi- Formal
• Men  - Dark business suit. Women - cocktail dress or dressy cocktail pants outfit. Semi - Formal is just a small step away from formal dress. The uniform for this type of event is Mess Dress.

• Formal
• Events may include military weddings (as participant), award dinners, some civilian affairs "black tie" such as holiday balls or charity galas.
• Mess Dress is worn by the Air Force member. Ladies should wear a long or short evening dress (different from a cocktail dress). Civilian men's attire would be a black tuxedo with black bow tie.

I hope this helps when you are wondering what or what not to wear.  Please note that these descriptions are based off the more traditional dress code. However, always better to be slightly over dressed than under dressed I think. :) This picture came to mind when I was thinking about dress code, military weddings and Sarturday nights ball. Hope it makes you smile today!