The right clothing is more than a question of taste - it is a form of communication. If you are accompanying an experienced partner to a business dinner in Frankfurt, an opera premiere in Vienna or a weekend at Lake Constance, you need to know the unwritten rules of the dress code. This has nothing to do with superficiality - it's about appearing confident in every situation and doing justice to the occasion. Clothing is a business card that is read before the first word is spoken. At sugardaddyDeutschlands, we know that it is precisely this expertise that makes the difference: between a companion who stands out from others, and one that looks insecure. This guide explains the most important dress codes - from casual to black tie - and shows you how to implement them confidently as part of an arrangement.
Casual & Smart Casual
For coffee meetings, walks and relaxed afternoons - smart, but without overdressing.
Business & Business Formal
For business lunches, receptions and events in your partner's professional environment.
Black Tie & Gala
For opera premieres, charity balls and formal evening events - the supreme discipline.
Casual and smart casual
Casual is everyday wear - but in the context of an arrangement, „everyday“ does not mean careless. If a sugar daddy invites you for a coffee in the English Garden, a stroll through Hamburg's warehouse district or a brunch on Lake Starnberg, a smart casual look is the right choice. Well-fitting jeans, an elegant blouse, a light blazer in summer or a nice cashmere jumper in winter - the aim is to look effortlessly elegant without appearing overdressed. Comfortable shoes are allowed: white trainers, ballerinas or flat boots in winter. Avoid worn clothing, too much make-up and flashy jewellery - the casual look thrives on its naturalness. A common mistake for newcomers: They try to dress like they're going to a gala at their first coffee date. This doesn't look confident, but insecure. If you dress casually but still smartly, you signalise self-confidence - and that is more attractive than any designer outfit.
Smart casual is one step above and is also the most frequently misunderstood dress code. It is used when your partner invites you to a relaxed dinner during the week, to a wine bar in Schwabing or a restaurant in Cologne's Südstadt district. The idea: more formal than a coffee date, but more informal than a business dinner. Dark jeans with a silky blouse and blazer work just as well as an elegant wrap dress with flat shoes. The most common mistake is to confuse smart casual with casual - jeans and a T-shirt won't cut it here. Invest in one or two high-quality blazers in neutral colours: they instantly transform any outfit into smart casual. This style level is also ideal for profile photos, because it shows personality without appearing artificial.
Business Casual and Business Formal
Wear business casual when your partner includes you in his professional environment - a lunch near his office in Frankfurt, a meeting with business partners or a reception after a conference. Suit trousers or a knee-length skirt with a blouse and blazer is the safest choice. Subtle jewellery, smart shoes with a low heel and understated make-up round off the look. The key to business casual is professionalism with a touch of personality - you don't want to look like a colleague, but like an elegant companion who moves confidently in the business world. When a sugar daddy into his business world, This is a sign of confidence - and your clothing should show that you deserve this confidence.
Business Formal is the next level: the classic suit for him, the business suit or an elegant sheath dress for her. This dress code is used for diplomatic receptions, company anniversaries and official events where many people are present and a certain standard is expected. The colours should be muted - navy blue, dark grey, black or bordeaux. Patterns are possible, but should remain subtle: a fine pinstripe pattern, a discreet houndstooth. Avoid bright colours, plunging necklines and eye-catching accessories - business formal is all about seriousness and competence. If, as a young companion, you do not yet have a wardrobe in this style, it is perfectly appropriate to address the subject openly. An experienced partner will understand that investing in suitable clothing benefits both sides - and the Qualities that characterise a good partner, The requirements include the willingness to support your companion.
Semi-formal and the little black dress
Semi-formal clothing lies between business formal and the grand evening dress. They are worn to theatre premieres, vernissages, opera visits or elegant dinner parties. For women, this is the perfect occasion for the famous „little black dress“ - a knee-length or slightly longer cocktail dress in black that has been a universal style weapon since Coco Chanel. It works in almost any situation: elegant enough for an opera interval, understated enough for a gallery dinner. A sugar baby from Stuttgart that the lessons of experienced guides knows that a well-fitting black dress with discreet accessories is almost always the right choice if you are unsure. Avoid skirts that are too short - the rule of thumb is knee-length or a maximum of a hand's breadth above.
For men, semi-formal means a dark suit with a long tie. The more formal the occasion, the less leeway there is when it comes to choosing clothes - this is especially true for men. A Frankfurt businessman who invites his companion to an opera gala will wear a dark three-piece suit with a discreet tie. The important thing for you as a companion is to co-ordinate your look with that of your partner. If he is dressed dark and conservatively, you should complement this - not counteract it. A harmonious appearance as a couple is just as important in sugar dating as the individual outfit. Ideally, you should discuss the look in advance: „What are you wearing?“ is a completely normal question that shows attention and prevents embarrassing mistakes. Some couples even coordinate the colour palette - his tie in the same shade as your dress or accessories. Details like this stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Black Tie and Gala
Black tie is the supreme discipline of the dress code and is used at galas, charity balls, weddings and state receptions. For men, this means a dinner jacket with all accessories - waistcoat or cummerbund, bow tie, cufflinks and pocket handkerchief. Alternatively, the „Black Tie Optional“ variant allows a black suit with a white shirt and plain tie. For women, black tie usually means a floor-length evening dress. A very elegant knee-length dress can also be suitable, as long as it is high-quality and stylish. This is the time for statement jewellery, an elegant updo and impeccable shoes. Pay attention to the details: well-groomed nails, a discreet but high-quality perfume and a small evening bag that holds your most important things without looking bulky.
When a sugar daddy invites you to an event like this, it's more than just a date - it's an invitation into his world. You will be seen by his acquaintances, possibly introduced, and your appearance will reflect on him. This may sound like pressure, but it's actually a compliment: he trusts that you can perform at this level. Invest in a quality evening dress - it doesn't have to be the most expensive, but it should fit perfectly. Have it adjusted if necessary. When it comes to colour, black, dark blue or deep bordeaux are always the right choice; bold colours such as emerald green or royal blue can also work wonderfully if they suit your type. And one last tip: wear your shoes in beforehand. Nothing ruins an elegant appearance quicker than an unsteady gait because the shoes pinch. There are many Ways to deepen a connection - and a confident appearance at formal events is definitely part of it. One last thought about evening wear: if you are expecting several formal invitations, it is worth investing in two to three versatile dresses that you can vary with different accessories. A black evening dress looks completely different with a gold clutch and earrings than with pearls and a silver stole. This way, you can create many looks with just a few pieces - and show that you understand style at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Smart casual is intended for relaxed dinners or wine bars and allows dark jeans with an elegant blouse. Business casual is more formal and is suitable for meetings in a professional environment - suit trousers with a blazer are more appropriate here.
The Little Black Dress is a knee-length cocktail dress in black - ideal for semi-formal occasions such as theatre visits, private viewings or elegant dinner parties. If you're unsure of yourself, it's almost always the right choice.
A floor-length evening dress or a very elegant knee-length dress, combined with statement jewellery and an elegant hairstyle. Invest in a high-quality dress that fits perfectly and wear the shoes beforehand.
Ask your partner directly - this shows interest and attention, not uncertainty. Alternatively, research the venue online. If in doubt, it's better to be one step more elegant than too casual.