Black Tie Dress Code (2024)

FAQs

What is black tie only dress code? ›

What Is a Black Tie Event? Black tie is a formal dress code for evening occasions such as a dinner party, awards ceremony, milestone birthday, or wedding. Less formal than white tie but more formal than business dress, it is traditionally worn for events after 6pm.

Emily Post Institute offers a similar definition: “A black-tie optional dress code gives guests a couple of formal options to choose from. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter co*cktail dress, or dressy separates.”

There are a set of rules to follow that will ensure you nail the black tie look and it is easy to turn up to your event looking like a prince. A Black Tie outfit is made up of a dinner jacket, a dress shirt, trousers, a bow tie and accessories of course. Your regular 9-5 office suit just won't cut it!

Shorter dresses in formal fabrics or with elevated details (and paired with ultra-glam accessories) are typically acceptable at a black-tie wedding. "A dressy co*cktail dress is appropriate—when you see sparkly or brocade fabric, that's still considered black tie," says Swann.

What's a Classic Black Tie Outfit for Men? For the modern man, the standard outfit for the black tie dress code consists of the following: a black/dark blue tuxedo, a white tuxedo shirt, a black silk bow tie, a cumme*rbund or waistcoat, patent shoes and a white pocket square.

Can I wear black? Absolutely! There's a reason everyone else is wearing it. Just make sure your accessories are elevated—your host will appreciate the effort you've made, and you'll stand out from the sea of guests in black.

A day event with black tie optional will leave a tiny bit more room for colors, but nothing bright or flashy at all. And no pastels, pale linens, and so on, for example, as you'd find at less formal summer weddings. Use white with caution - It's ok for shirts and pocket squares, but not much more.

Not quite. Both refer to formal, fancy attire, but the term “formal” is more general, giving guests a wider range of options to choose from. “Black tie” is more specific and generally the second most formal dress code (after white tie), and men must always wear tuxedos and bow ties to black tie events.

When going to a black tie event, always choose a black or dark navy suit. It is classic, versatile and the best colour to wear for these events. Moreover, this suit can be used all year round and combined with almost anything, with the exception of perhaps wearing a matching navy blue tie with a navy blue suit.

“While traditional black tie usually means you'll seek out a tuxedo, the rules aren't as rigid in 2024 as they would have been a few decades ago,” the company's founder explains. “As long as you stick to formal attire rules – such as appropriate colors – you can pull off a suit at a black-tie event.”

Can I wear a grey suit to a black tie event? ›

The tuxedo or dinner jacket, along with the trousers, should ideally be black. Lighter shades such as grey, tan or light blue may be acceptable for summer events. The dress shirt is traditionally white, while the tie should be black or a dark, rich colour.

It turns out “modern” black tie is intended to denote a certain relaxation of traditional standards: it's your permission to wear the black suit in your wardrobe rather than having to worry about a trip to the tailor. Still, a tuxedo is not without its appeal — and some of us like to dress up.

Men are required to wear a tuxedo, crisp dress shirt and black bow tie, and extras such as cufflinks or waistcoats are also encouraged. Women are required to dress in a floor length gown or a gown with a full skirt, elegant jewellery and accessories and have their hair in an updo or soft waves.

What Does Black-Tie Optional Mean? Black-tie optional means that guests have the option of wearing their most formal attire (think: an evening gown or tuxedo) but can also choose to wear a formal suit or co*cktail dress instead. Basically, you have some flexibility to play with your fit.

The black tie dress code for women epitomises elegance and sophistication, calling for a formal and polished look. Black tie can best be translated to 'long' evening gowns. Floor length evening gowns have always encapsulated a formal look with modern finesse, radiating elegance and grace.

When it comes to black tie, a simple button down just won't do; it's time to wear a dress shirt. A formal version of the white suit shirt, it's an essential part of the black-tie dress code and has a range of features that differentiates it from other regular shirts.