Yes, there are occasions to get dressed up, either for a formal event, or in costume for a dance competition or exhibition. Most of the time, though, you'll see fellow dancers wearing ordinary khakis and a button down shirt. At weekly or monthly dances, you'll see more of the same, with more ladies choosing skirts or dresses.
This video by "Dancin' David" Levesque and his partner, Marcie Frasier, demonstrates what social dancing really looks like. They have each practiced the steps, and as David leads Marcie around the floor, he's choosing which step to do next. Marcie has learned what to look for, and recognizes the signals for each step. There's no preset routine here, and no fancy costumes. Just sharing a good time on the dance floor with a good partner and good music. That's what it's all about.
