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Dress codes are not only becoming more popular, but they are becoming more obscure. What does festive or creative black tie mean anyway? NY1 asked Hope Greenberg of Lucky Magazine to help decode the dress code.

“It used to be it was either no dress code at all or black tie. There was nothing in between, and now it seems like every invitation you get has some variation on a theme that is just incredibly confusing,” says Greenberg.

So black tie obviously means its time to bring out the big guns — a tux for the men and the fanciest of fancy for women/

Then there's black tie optional – possibly a suit for the men, but what about the ladies?

“Black tie optional doesn’t call for your fanciest ball gown,” says Greenberg. “You don't need something overly formal, but on the other hand, it should be something a little more special than what you would wear to a cocktail party.”

Confused yet? What constitutes cocktail then? She says it usually happens after work, so a dress that can go from day to evening with a change of shoes and some jewelry could be perfect.

The one I never understand is creative black tie.

“Creative black tie generally means you are asked to wear something that is a little more interesting and more unexpected than your typical black, long dress,” says Greenberg.

So that means something with color or pattern, something that shows originality.

Another one we see is casual chic, and this that means you want to look put together, for men and women, maybe a great jacket with jeans – nothing slouchy.

And finally, the one we see most this time of year, festive.

“Something with a little bit of pizzazz is usually what host or hostess is after when they call for festive,” says Greenberg. “Something a step up from what you would wear to a regular party on a regular weekend — so if it’s something with a little bit of beading, jewelry that is a little bit fancier, a bag or a shoe that is a little bit sparkly, generally that's festive.”

But when it doubt, call the host and ask, because the most important thing is that you are comfortable.

For great holiday fashion ideas check www.luckymag.com – so you know you won’t be a misfit in your outfit.