ESL Podcast 693 - Following a Dress Code

to pack - to put things into a bag or suitcase, usually so that one can take them with one while traveling

Don't forget to pack your toothbrush and deodorant for the camping trip!

luxury cruise - a vacation where one is on a very large ship, eating nice food, wearing nice clothes, enjoying entertainment, and relaxing

This luxury cruise features performances by some very famous singers.

to dress to impress - to choose what one will wear based on how one will be perceived by other people; to try to make sure other people have a good opinion of oneself by wearing clothing that they will admire

When you have your first interview, it's important to dress to impress.

dress code - rules about what one can and cannot wear or what one is expected to wear or not wear

The elementary school has a dress code that doesn't allow students to wear t- shirts with rude words printed on them.

formal wear - clothing used for very special occasions

If this is an event with formal wear, the women will probably be wearing long dresses, not short ones.

suit and tie - the clothing worn by most businessmen, consisting of pants with a matching suit jacket, a shirt with buttons on the front, and a long piece of fabric tied around one's neck so that it hangs down in the front

I could never work in a bank because I would hate having to wear a suit and tie every day.

black tie - an event where people are supposed to wear very nice, fancy, formal clothing, including tuxedos for men

She wants to have a black tie wedding at a luxury hotel, but he wants to have an informal, outdoor wedding on the beach.

tuxedo - a special type of suit that men wear for formal occasions, with black pants and a matching black suit jacket, a white shirt with buttons on the front, and a small bow tied around the neck

Mike decided to rent a tuxedo for the awards ceremony instead of buying one, since he's probably never need to wear one again.

cocktail dress - a short or long dress worn by a woman for a special occasion, often made with special, fine fabrics

Dasha bought a beautiful red cocktail dress with lace and beading.

semi-formal - somewhat formal; between formal and casual

Is it okay for women to wear pants to a semi-formal event?

ridiculous - very silly and not logical; something that other people will laugh at and think is very strange or inappropriate

He looks ridiculous in his clown costume, with curly orange hair, a red nose, and huge shoes.

business attire - clothing worn in a professional work environment

Shorts and sandals definitely are not appropriate business attire in this company.

to dress up - to wear clothes that are nicer than what one normally wears

Her husband asked her to dress up for their date next Friday, but he still hasn't told her where they're going to go.

California casual - the type of informal clothing often worn by people in California, nicer than jeans but not as nice as business casual

Yes, you can wear a button-down shirt and slacks to a California casual event, but don't wear a tie.

presentable - looking nice, clean, and pretty enough to be seen by other people

Sure, you can come over for breakfast anytime, but please give me enough time to brush my hair and make myself presentable.

catch - trick; something that is hidden or obscured and makes an offer less attractive

Are you really offering to sell your brand-new pickup truck for just $5,000? What's the catch?