Black Tie means formal. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

White Tie means ultra-formal. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt and cummerbund. Women wear long gowns.

Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Ultra-formal means White Tie. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt and cummerbund. Women wear long gowns.

Black Tie Optional means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Black Tie Invited means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek cashmere sweater)

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.

Dressy Casual usually means no jeans or shorts. Similar to business casual, but a tad dressier.

Casual generally means anything goes.

Informal can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

Be sure and put special thought into the style of lingerie you buy for your lady, instead of being swayed by steamy lingerie ads. Ask yourself a few questions:

Is she stuck in conservative suits, pumps and proper pearls all week long? Then buy her something that appeals to her wilder side. Try an animal print, a feminine lace number or a hot color like red. The goal here is to appeal to the side of your woman that doesn't get to express itself on a day to day basis.

Does she love casual, comfy wear? Just because she thinks lace numbers are scratchy and would die if she was asked to wear a floral print, doesn't mean you can't find something sexy and wearable. Try updated styles like a short slip, tank top and bikini styles in comfy cotton. Many modern manufacturers like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan make contemporary, sexy cotton lingerie.

You should be sensitive to the fact that not every woman is going to feel comfortable in the skimpier styles. For example, if she's conscientious about the size of her rear, but is OK with her sexy décolleté, skip the thong and buy her a plunging top. Think about what she's going to feel sexiest in, not just what you like.

Once you've decided on a style, you need to consider the colors she'll like best, as well as texture and even choose from prints, which are especially popular among younger women. Black, red and white (or off-white) look good on almost everyone. Blondes look great in pastels, and brunettes can carry off stronger colors like purple and emerald green. Redheads do great with greens, blues and earthy tones.

The way lingerie feels is one most important aspects and contributes in a big way to the sensual nature of the style. Fabrics like velvets, satins, laces and chenille appeal to the tactile senses. Soft, buttery cotton can be just as appealing. Chances are if you like touching it, she'll like wearing it. If buying online, look for fabrics that you already know what they feel like.

Prints are personal is an old garment center saying, but it's true! Remember that a cherry (girly) or cloud (playful) print PJ sends a very different message than an animal (wild!) or paisley (conservative) print.

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