Getting ready for an awards ceremony is exciting, but deciding what to wear can sometimes be a challenge! Whether you’re attending as a finalist, winner, colleague or guest, you’ll want to look and feel your best for the big occasion.

From black tie and formal dress codes to cocktail attire and business wear, knowing what’s appropriate can help you enjoy the celebrations with confidence.

So, if you’re wondering what to wear to an awards ceremony, we’ve put together some helpful tips to make choosing your outfit that little bit easier, whatever the event.

What to wear to an awards ceremony depends on the event

The type of event tells you most of what you need to know. The dress code and timings are usually on the invitation or the organiser’s website.

• An evening awards dinner usually means a three-course meal, a host or keynote speaker, the awards themselves and entertainment afterwards. This is where black tie and formal dress codes turn up.
• A lunchtime ceremony is a daytime event and usually less formal than an evening one. Business dress is the norm.
• Awards held as part of a conference follow the conference by day. If the awards are in the evening, there may be time to change, so check the schedule.

Check the Invitation First

Before you start planning your outfit, check the dress code on your invitation.

Is it a daytime awards lunch, an evening gala dinner or an awards ceremony that’s part of a conference?

The occasion makes a big difference!

If you’re unsure, take a look at photographs from previous events or ask the organisers. There’s no harm in checking.

Let Your Personality Shine!

Just because there’s a dress code doesn’t mean you have to hide your personality.

Love bright colours? Wear them!

Prefer a classic suit? Go for it!

Feel fabulous in a statement jumpsuit? Perfect!

Imagine hearing your name announced as the winner and walking onto that stage to collect your award.

You’ll want to look back at those photographs and see the real you, feeling happy, proud and confident.

The best outfit is always one that makes you feel fantastic.

Awards dinner dress codes explained

These are the dress codes you’re most likely to see on an awards invitation. That said, I’m pleased to see far more freedom, creativity and self-expression at even the most formal ceremonies. An awards night is also a wonderful time to wear traditional or cultural dress, so don’t let a dress code put you off wearing the outfit that’s special to you.

• Business Dress: Think smart and professional. What would you wear to an important client meeting? A suit, smart dress or tailored separates are all great choices.
• Cocktail Dress: Time to have a little more fun! Think colourful dresses, stylish jumpsuits, smart suits and beautiful fabrics.
• Formal: Take things up a notch with elegant evening wear, sophisticated tailoring and a touch of glamour.
• Black Tie: Now we’re talking! Tuxedos, evening gowns, velvet, sequins, satin and fabulous formal jumpsuits. It’s your chance to dress up and celebrate in style!

What to wear if you’re a finalist

If you’re shortlisted, dress for the moment your name is read out. Winners are usually called up, handed a trophy and photographed in front of the sponsor’s backdrop, all within a minute or two. Those photos end up in press releases, on the organiser’s website and across social media, so a few practical choices pay off.

• Choose shoes you can walk up steps in. Stages are often reached by a few narrow steps, in low light.
• Solid colours photograph better than busy patterns or fine stripes, which can shimmer on camera.
• Keep phones and keys out of your pockets, or they’ll show in every photo.
• Wear something you can sit in for three hours and still look smart when you stand up.

Accessories and what to bring

Most awards nights carry on long after the last trophy is handed out, so don’t be afraid to bring a pair of comfy shoes to dance the night away.

A lot of networking and business happens at awards nights, too. A digital business card with a QR code lets you connect quickly and keep in touch without hunting for a pen.

And charge your phone. Event selfies and team pictures are worth having, both to share your success on social media and to celebrate with the colleagues who couldn’t be there.

Dress for your industry, and for you

Dress codes also vary with the industry the awards are for. At media and creative awards, such as design awards, there’s often a more relaxed or alternative take on evening wear. It can even be a night to show off your flair and newest designs.

Awards for corporate sectors such as finance, law or professional services tend to be more traditional, and so is what people wear.

Entrepreneur awards give you a great chance to show your personal brand through your style if that’s your thing, or to stay traditional. Whatever feels best for you.

Taking to the stage

If you get the chance to present or collect an award, this is your moment. Enjoy every second of it, and bring your personality with you.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you can be you and celebrate with your colleagues on your big night out. For the rest of the evening, from the drinks reception to the after-party, see what to expect at an awards night.

Dress up, have fun, take lots of photographs and make the most of every moment.

And if you do get called onto that stage, walk up there with your head held high. You’ve earned it!

See the link to our pinterest board here for more inspiration!

Awards ceremony dress code FAQ’s

Need some ideas to help get you started? Check out our Pinterest board, or follow us on our socials to get some inspiration on what to wear at your next Award Ceremony.

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