Authorized for official formal evening functions and state occasions that would call for black-tie attire for civilians, wear of the U.S. Air Force’s Women’s Mess Dress Uniform is optional for Enlisted Air Force personnel, who are permitted to wear the Semi-Formal Uniform in its stead. (Possession of the Mess Dress Uniform is mandatory for Officers, who are the only Air Force personnel authorized to wear the Formal Dress Uniform that is largely based upon the Mess Dress Uniform.)
Mandatory components of the Women’s Enlisted Service Dress Uniform include:
♦ Women's Mess Dress Coat with chevrons
♦ Women's Mess Dress Blouse
♦ Mess Dress Skirt
♦ Sheer nylon hosiery (neutral, dark brown, black or off-black, or dark blue)
♦ Blue-satin tie tab (inverted-V style)
♦ Blue-satin cummerbund (pleats up; silver for Formal Uniform)
♦ Matching cuff links and studs (optional)
♦ Black pumps (low cut, max. 3” heel, high-gloss or patent finish)
♦ Chaplain, Aeronautical, Space, Cyberspace, and Missile Operation badges are mandatory
Unlike the Men’s version of the Mess Dress Uniform, the Women’s Mess Dress Coat does not come with chained buttons for front closure and is instead worn open.
Saluting is not required when wearing the Enlisted Mess Dress Uniform.