Different occasions call for different attire, but people sometimes find it difficult to establish what is appropriate for certain occasions. Here are some tips on how to decide what to wear to three common events, which sometimes make outfit decision-making more difficult than not.

Church

For women, church is not a place to show skin. In some European countries, it is customary to cover the shoulders when entering a church. While guidelines are not quite as strict in the United States, it is still important to dress modestly at church.

A basic rule to remember is if your grandmother would not approve, it is not appropriate for church. Skirts that hit at or below the knee, dress pants that are not too low cut or too tight and dresses that are not too clingy are all good options. A good rule of thumb for church attire is to keep outfits clean, simple and basic.

For men, dress pants and dress shirts are a combination that never fails. No flip-flops or clothes with holes or obvious stains, and ironing is a good idea.

Depending on the church, nice, dark-washed jeans can be appropriate along with polos and sweaters. For special occasions within the church, like major celebrations, consider wearing a tie or suit jacket. Another essential, but sometimes forgotten, element of church attire is personal grooming: Make sure hair is under contron, and facial hair should be neat and trimmed.

House Parties and Bars

For women, it is important to remember there is very little room to move at many house parties and bars on weekends. If you plan on standing for a long time and, if legal, consuming alcoholic beverages, do not wear heels. A safer option is to wear flat-soled shoes like boots, sandals, or tennis shoes. For the rest of your outfit, remember there is a fine line between being sexy and skanky. Choose clothing items that are body-hugging enough to show off your curves but not too revealing. Avoid anything daringly low-cut, sheer or tight.

For men, it can be an easy feat to look appropriate for weekend activities. A simple T-shirt and jeans will often suffice, and a dress shirt or polo with jeans will usually work. The choice is based on personal style and comfort level, but pay attention to the location of the party or bar when making decisions. Though T-shirts can be appropriate for bars and parties, make sure it is clean and not a work-out shirt, especially when going to a more upscale venue.

Weddings

For both men and women, appropriate wedding attire depends on what time of day the wedding is and what type of ceremony it will be. Evening weddings are generally more formal, while day weddings often call for more casual attire. When in doubt, check the invitation or ask a member of the bridal party what would be appropriate.

For women, the No. 1 rule of wedding attire is to never, ever wear white to a wedding. Another useful guideline is to dress more conservatively for the ceremony itself, especially if it will be held in a church. However, if there is a break between the ceremony and the reception, it is often appropriate to change clothes.

For men, a black tie wedding requires dress pants, a dress shirt, a suit jacket and a tie - no exceptions. For day weddings, khakis and dress pants are appropriate. A general rule for men and wedding attire is the later in the day the wedding takes place, the more formal you should be.

-Jessie Dowell is a sophomore in apparel and textiles. Please send comments to edge@spub.