Although these guidelines are rather well defined and precisely laid across for men as compared to women, it still offers huge potential for experimentation and improvisation.
The biggest challenge for most men is to make out the difference between business casuals and smart casuals. Then there are men who are confused about formal and semiformal attire. It’s not much of a difficult task to understand dress codes if you are aware of a few fundamental guidelines.

There are primarily 6 dress codes that every man should be able to master. Each look has its own sets of rules, which needs to be decoded. These tips should help in assessing your wardrobe and creating the correct look with your existing clothes 

1) Formal Dress code

White tie reigns at the top of the hierarchy and is the most formal style of dress. It is usually reserved for high society events such as state dinners, formal balls and evening weddings.

Jacket- Black tail coat
Trousers- Matching black
Shirt- Plain white cotton shirt
Bow tie- White bow tie
Waist coat- White low-cut waistcoat matching the bow tie and shirt
Socks- Black silk socks 
Shoes- Black court shoes
Optional accessories- Boutonniere, White Pocket square, Cufflink

2)  Semi-Formal

It is referred to as the Black Tie dress code and is reserved for social functions and evening events. It’s a clean and classic look with a tuxedo or a well fitted black suit. The most traditional and conservative ensemble in any man’s wardrobe.

Jacket- Tuxedo jacket with silk lapel
Suit- Black sleek suit with satin or silk lapel
Shirt-White shirt with french cuffs
Bow- Black double knotted bow tie
Shoes- Patent leather Oxford shoes
Socks- Black socks
Optional accessories- Cummerbund, Cufflinks can lend a look for a creative black tie code

3)  Business Dress Code

When we say “Business” we mean it and hence the attire needs to be strictly professional. Although it is a notch below the tuxedo in terms of formality but doesn’t provide too many options for variations. A tux would be regarded quite awkward at a business meeting unless you are arriving in your private jet but would be perfect at a fund raising dinner.

Suit- It definitely needs to be a matched .Black, Grey, Navy are considered to be the eternal power colours. Your suits could be either solid or pin striped. 
Shirt- Crisp white 
Tie- Conservative/Sombre 
Pocket Square- Square clean folded pocket square, preferable white but you could get away with solid colours depending on the environment 
Shoes- Black or Brown leather oxfords which without any compromise should match your belt.
Socks- A pair which matches to your trousers
Optional accessories- Make it classier with a pair of Cufflinks

4) Smart Casuals

As the name in itself suggests it’s a mix of Business dress code, Business casual and Casual, combining them into a smart and comfortable ensemble. The key is to pick a business outfit and then replace few items with more casual alternatives. This dressing style doesn’t require a matching suit and the use of necktie is totally optional. Smart casuals is the dress code that men usually adhere to for the regular office routine.

Jacket- Blazers or Sports jacket 
Trousers- Pair of Khakis or Slacks
Shirt- Bright coloured/pattered buttoned down shirt
Tie- Thin Tie or Skinny Tie
Shoes- Oxford leather or Monk strapped shoes
Pocket Square- Bright colours in various designs
Optional accessories -Lapel pin adds an extra punch if you want to skip the tie

5) Business Casuals

The key to this dress code is to manage a casual outfit by adding few elements of dressier items. A jacket is usually (depending on the weather) but can be thrown in to dress up a bit. Necktie is definitely a NO NO. This dress code is considered the most relaxed yet lend a corporate look. The term Friday dressing was coined to describe this look

Shirt- Collared Shirt or a Polo shirt
Trousers- Khakis or crisp blue Denims 
Shoes- Loafers or Boat shoes
Socks- No show socks
Optional accessories- Spice up with coloured pattered pocket squares

6) Casual

This dress code is meant for every occasion other than business. It’s an open ended dress code where you can wear chinos or denims, but restrict to comfort fit jeans and not the torn/distressed ones. The style mantra is to be comfortable, fun, and flexible.

Casual Shirt- Solid or patterned T-shirt
Shirt- Polo shirt
Trousers- Khakis, Denims or Chino/Jeans shorts
Shoes- Converses, Boots or Sneakers, but not your gym shoes
Optional accessories- Dress up with blazers depending on the occasion

So next time you are called to an event that demands a dress code or join a new office or need to attend a function, you exactly know how to pair your smart, formal and casual pieces. Keep things simple and you can never go wrong. Once you are sure of a look, then start experimenting with them. 
Always dress to your body type and ensure you don’t look a pantaloon.
And to nail it, carry yourself with a resolute and confident gait but one that resounds a charming and friendly attitude. 

Remember, Confidence is the best outfit. Wear it and rock it! The world is yours to conquer!