What’s the first thought that pops into your noggin’ when you receive a wedding or event invite in the mail? For many of us, I think it’s safe to assume some immediate joy and excitement for the happy couple or event – followed by hastily searching the invitation for the dress code.

Luckily we make our own rules here in Texas. Dress codes can vary from casual, formal, black tie to even white tie but in Texas we offer something different, Texas Casual & Texas Formal. Let’s be honest, Texas is HOT. Especially during those peak and popular summer months like July and August. It’s scorching, so guests should feel comfortable in what they wear. That’s why dress codes like Texas Casual or Formal are a popular selection for events – especially here in the Texas Hill Country.

What is Texas Casual?

Texas Casual is western wear that is simple yet elegant attire that quickly goes from farm fresh to venue ready. It usually consists of your casual trends fashioned with boots and a cowboy hat.

For the Gentlemen: Ironed jeans, slacks, belt with a Hyo Silver Buckle, pearl snap, collared shirt and sport coat with a cowboy hat and shined boots are all suitable attire for a Texas Casual event.

For the Ladies: Flowing dress, your widest flared denim, crisp blouse, cowgirl boots with or without a heel, your favorite Hyo Silver jewelry, cowgirl hat or sun hat are simple selections to make a Texas Casual get up.

Texas Casual is perfect for any casual event like an intimate wedding, date night to a nice restaurant, retirement party, charity event or gala. With cowboy culture and western attire becoming more popular, this trend will have you ready to saddle up and head into style in no time.

What is Texas Formal?

Texas Formal is your refined best dress western wear. Think formal but with a kiss of southern charm consisting of cowboy boots and cowboy hat.

For the Gentlemen: Stiffest starchiest denim ironed with a crease so deep you’ll think you’ve struck oil fashioned with a small yet elegant Belt Buckle, dress shirt, suit jacket, your best boots & cowboy hat. You can also cowboy up any suit by switching out your tie with a bolo tie, add western cufflinks along with your best dress cowboy boots & cowboy hat.

For the Ladies: A mid to long flowing dress adorned with heeled boots or strappy heels, shawl or sweater, flat brim or standard cowgirl hat. Break out your best dress jewelry to adorn your Western elegance. Feature pieces like bold turquoise, glamorous jeweled cocktail rings and pendants, and of course layer up some Navajo Pearls. You don’t want to out-dress anyone, especially a bride, but being second is definitely acceptable!

According to the well-known Southern Living, Texas Formal is:
“For men, that means you can feel free to wear cowboy boots or bolo ties with suits. For women, you can even pull off heeled cowboy boots with a mid- or full-length dress when paired correctly.”

When someone says Texas Formal, your mind may go to some of the great kings and queens of Country music, past and present. From the late Kris Kristofferson’s elegant black getup to Miranda Lambert’s blinged glamor to new age meets vintage inspired Braxton Keith, each style is their own, yet rings true to the trends loved in Texas. Perfect for all formal gatherings, Texas Formal fashion allows for your guests to be themselves whilst looking their best.

So which Texas fashion dress code will you choose for your next event? Depending on the head count, location, weather and theme of your event, selecting Texas Casual or Texas Formal is an easy check off your list of to-dos.

Looking to host an event in the Texas Hill Country? Here are some of our favorite venues perfect for wedding, corporate, quinceañera, sweet 16, retirement, charity galas and much more.

Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, TX
Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX
Willow Sky Ranch in Willow Sky, TX
Signor Vineyards in Fredericksburg, TX
HIX Ranch in Bandera, TX
The Milestone in Boerne, TX
Ma Maison in Dripping Springs, TX
Cypress Falls Event Center in Wimberly, TX
Tuscan Hall & Veranda Room in Austin, TX
Camp Hideaway in Fredericksburg, TX
Hoffman Haus in Fredericksburg, TX
Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne, TX
Sovereignty Ranch in Bandera, TX