dress code

American  

noun

1. a set of rules specifying the garb or type of clothing to be worn by a group or by people under specific circumstances.

   a military dress code; The restaurant's dress code requires men to wear jackets and ties at dinner.

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dress code British  

noun

1. a set of rules or guidelines regarding the manner of dress acceptable in an office, restaurant, etc

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Example Sentences

There’s also the much more fiercely debated trend of cataloging micro-aesthetics—sorting every conceivable vibe into named categories like “dark academia” or “coastal grandmother,” each with its own dress code and playlist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

In 2005, an NBA dress code asked players to dress "business casual" while representing the sport - an attempt to banish streetwear from the league.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

It might also help to ask your colleagues if there is an unwritten dress code.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

The dress code was “Complete Fantasy Conglomerata Divina Magnificata,” and the crowd did their part wearing feathered hats, leopard-print tops, golden sequinned dresses and polka-dotted face paint.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

It was a copy of the school’s dress code.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead