Black Tie Dress Code (2024)

FAQs

What is the black tie dress code? ›

Traditionally, a black-tie dress code denotes a formal evening occasion, where men are meant to wear tuxedos and women, floor-length gowns. "The atmosphere is a more formal vibe," says Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests. Midi-to-full hemlines are your safest (and chicest) bet.

Does black-tie mean tuxedo? For the suit-wearing type, yes, a black-tie dress code necessitates a tuxedo. There's wiggle room if the dress code is black-tie preferred or optional but if it's a black-tie wedding, you're expected to wear a tuxedo.

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's definitely easy to underestimate the event or be unfamiliar with the code of dressing immaculately for an event of this nature. When going to a black tie event, always choose a black or dark navy suit.

Simply, black tie is a dress code and tuxedo is a type suit. The reason the two terms often get confused is because a tuxedo must be worn if the dress code specifies black tie attire. This has also lead to tuxedos being labelled as black tie suits.

Does black tie mean men have to wear black? ›

Black Tie Event Dress Code

As the name suggests, you should wear a black suit, with a black tie, and a white shirt. The most basic definition of a Black Tie Event Dress Code is a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, however more recently people have been experimenting with Burgundy and other colors.

WHAT TO WEAR TO A BLACK-TIE EVENT. When determining what you should wear to a black-tie event, opt for classic options such as a tuxedo or dinner jacket. Black-tie does not mean you have to wear black.

Remember that black tie does not necessarily mean you have to wear a black dress. You can opt for colour, however consider the formality of the event and what other guests may be wearing.

Black tie is slightly less formal, typically allowing men to wear tuxedos or dinner jackets and women to wear co*cktail dresses and long dresses. White tie is the most formal of all dress codes, requiring men to wear white bow ties and black tailcoats and women to wear evening or ball gowns.