dress code

noun

: formally or socially imposed standards of dress

Examples of dress code in a Sentence

The school imposed a new dress code that forbids students from wearing jeans.

Recent Examples on the Web

The dress code called for tiaras, and the royal women did not disappoint. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026

If the invitation doesn’t specify a dress code, take a quick look at the restaurant or venue’s Instagram to get a feel for the vibe. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026

The black-tie-optional event brought together more than 400 leaders and changemakers to raise funds for early childhood programs, including Fox, who naturally put her own spin on the dress code. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dress code

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad