Tenue

Tenue is a French noun that denotes clothing or an outfit. In fashion and style discourse, the term emphasizes the ensemble someone wears and the act or state of being dressed, rather than the individual garments alone. The word derives from the French verb tenir, reflecting the idea of how one is held together or presented by clothing.

Usage and scope of the term are broad. Tenue can refer to everyday attire as well as formal or ceremonial clothing, and it is commonly used in phrases such as tenue vestimentaire (dress code or clothing), tenue de ville (smart urban wear), tenue de soirée (formal evening wear), tenue professionnelle (workwear), tenue de sport (sportswear), and tenue de cérémonie (ceremonial attire). In official or public contexts, signs or notices may specify required attire with phrases like Tenue correcte exigée, indicating a minimum standard for clothing.

Cultural and social aspects accompany the concept of tenue. Dress codes conveyed through the notion of tenue communicate expectations about occasion, setting, and respect for others, and they can reflect historical norms, regional practices, and evolving ideas about formality, practicality, and gender presentation. In fashion history, changes in tenue often parallel shifts in societal norms and aesthetics, from formal courtly ensembles to contemporary, diverse expressions of style.

See also: Dress code, clothing, fashion. Tenue translates to outfit or attire in English and is widely used in French-language fashion discussions. In English-language journalism and retail, the term is sometimes employed to refer to a complete ensemble rather than to individual garments.