Dress uniforms (sometimes called "mess dress" from naval tradition) are reserved for special occasions, such as diplomatic functions, political dinners, weddings, funerals and other important social events.

Dress uniforms are only worn when occasion demands it. This might be a shipboard wedding, meeting with an alien ambassador, or attending the Academy graduation ceremony.

While officers attending a ceremony as a guest will be in their dress uniforms, if there are stewards or guards serving at the event, they will be wearing something more practical.