code vestimentaire
masculine
The English phrase dress code is expressed in French as code vestimentaire. If unsure, use code vestimentaire. Wiktionary also lists dress code.
Meaning: formal specification of acceptable attire (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| code vestimentaire | masculine |
| dress code | masculine |
This phrase refers to a formal specification of acceptable attire.
Which one should you use?
code vestimentaire is the standard, formal French translation, whereas the English loanword dress code is often used in casual conversation and modern professional environments in France.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term code vestimentaire is commonly used to describe dress codes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a masculine noun phrase, so it uses the masculine articles un or le.
Did you know?
- While code vestimentaire is the official term, French speakers often use the phrase tenue correcte exigée on signs to signal a dress code, which literally means 'correct attire required'.
- If a French company describes its policy as décontracté, it may still require much more formal attire than an English speaker's definition of 'casual'.
- The word vestimentaire comes from the Latin 'vestimentum', which is a distant relative of the English word 'vestment', though it is used much more broadly in French for any kind of clothing.
Examples in context
- Y a-t-il un code vestimentaire ?Is there a dress code?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific dress code exists using code vestimentaire.Tatoeba #6380858 by Aiji, translation #319836 by CM
- Il n'y a pas de code vestimentaire.There is no dress code.This sentence is useful for stating the absence of a dress code using code vestimentaire.Tatoeba #3649041 by sacredceltic, translation #1474116 by CK
- La tenue adéquate est requise.Appropriate dress is required.
- Il y a un dress code à respecter lors de cet événement.There is a dress code to follow for this event.
- Quelle est la tenue recommandée pour cette occasion ?What is the recommended dress code for this occasion?
- Ne pas oublier d'adopter une tenue professionnelle pour l'entretien.Don't forget to wear professional attire for the interview.
- Il est préférable d'éviter les tenues trop décontractées.It is advisable to avoid overly casual attire.
- Un costume et une cravate sont exigés pour cet événement.A suit and tie are required for this event.
- Quel est le code vestimentaire pour le gala ?What is the dress code for the gala?
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing an invitation to a wedding.
- LéaEst-ce qu'il y a un code vestimentaire ?Is there a dress code?
- HugoOui, il faut porter une tenue formelle.Yes, you have to wear formal attire.
- LéaD'accord, je vais chercher une belle robe.Okay, I'm going to look for a nice dress.
- HugoEt moi, je porterai un costume.And I will wear a suit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dress code” translations and entries code vestimentaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
