A dress code in an invitation isn't about controlling guests — it's for a cohesive event atmosphere and beautiful photos. Write it gently, specifically, and with examples.

The main rule#

Don't write "dress nicely" — it explains nothing. Better: "We'd be glad if you'd support the palette: champagne, gold, warm beige."

Ready-made wording for a wedding#

We'd be glad if you'd support our day's color palette: [colors].
Dress code: evening, but comfortable. We kindly ask you not to choose white or ivory.
For a cohesive celebration atmosphere, we'd be grateful for outfits in shades of [colors].
If in doubt, choose calm light shades without bold prints.
The celebration's palette is listed in the invitation — take your cue from it.

For a jubilee#

Dress code: dressy casual. The main thing is comfort and a festive mood.
We'd love outfits in black & gold shades.
The evening is a restaurant format, so choose an elegant look.

For a party#

Party theme: [theme]. Support it with a color, an accessory, or a look.
Dress code: [color/style]. No strict rules, but with a mood.
Come in what you want to dance and take photos in.

Mistakes#

Too harsh a tone: "required," "strictly," "not allowed."
No visual example: guests don't understand the shades.
Contradictory instructions: "casual" and "floor-length evening gowns" at the same time.
The dress code hidden at the end of a long text.

On an invitation website, it's best to give the dress code its own block with a palette. That way guests won't miss important information.