Brands Summary
| Brand | Description |
|---|
| Kiton | Specializes in suits, sneakers, jeans, and shoes |
| Cesare Attolini | Known for suits, sports coats, and other classic menswear |
| Barba Napoli | Offers shirts and jeans |
| KNT | Best for coats, shirts, and sneakers |
| Marco Pescarolo | Provides jeans, pants, and slacks |
| Timberland | Famous for boots |
| Premiata | Known for sneakers |
| Santoni | Specializes in sneakers |
| Isaia | Offers jeans, coats, and sweaters |
The Basics
Black tie optional means that the dress code for the wedding is formal, but not as formal as a traditional black tie event. This means that men can choose to wear a tuxedo, but they can also opt for a dark suit and tie if they prefer.
So, what's the difference between a tuxedo and a suit? A tuxedo is a formal suit that's usually made of black or midnight blue fabric, and it's paired with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie or cumme*rbund, and black dress shoes. A suit, on the other hand, can be made of any dark color, and it's paired with a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes that match the color of the suit.
Dos and Don'ts
Do:
- Wear a crisp, white dress shirt that fits well and is pressed to perfection.
- Choose a tie or bow tie that complements the color of your suit or tuxedo.
- Wear black dress shoes that are polished and in good condition.
- Consider wearing a pocket square to add a touch of personality to your outfit.
- Wear a suit or tuxedo that fits well and is tailored to your body.
Don't:
- Wear a suit or tuxedo that's too loose or too tight. Make sure it fits well and is tailored to your body.
- Wear a tie that's too flashy or attention-seeking. A simple, classic design is always best.
- Wear dress shoes that are scuffed or dirty. Make sure they're clean and polished.
- Forget to wear a belt. A leather belt can help to add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
- Wear a tuxedo or suit that's too casual or too formal. A black tie optional wedding is a formal event, but it's not a black tie event, so you don't need to wear a full tuxedo or a super formal suit.
Option 1: The Classic Tuxedo
Kiton Semi Formal Wedding Attire For Men
A tuxedo is a timeless choice for any formal event, and it's especially well-suited for a black tie optional wedding. Look for a tux that fits well, and consider getting it tailored to ensure a perfect fit. Pair it with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie or cumme*rbund, and black dress shoes.
Option 2: The Modern Suit
Cesare Attolini Semi Formal Wedding Attire For Men
If you don't want to go the traditional tuxedo route, a dark suit is a great alternative. Look for a suit that's made of high-quality fabric, and consider getting it tailored to ensure a perfect fit. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes that match the color of the suit.
Option 3: The Accessorized Outfit
If you want to add a touch of personality to your outfit, consider accessorizing with a pocket square, a watch, or a pair of cufflinks. A pocket square can add a pop of color to your outfit, while a watch and cufflinks can add a touch of sophistication.
Option 4: The Patterned Suit
If you want to add some visual interest to your outfit, consider wearing a patterned suit. A subtle pattern like a windowpane or herringbone can add some depth and texture to your outfit without overwhelming the senses. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes that match the color of the suit.
Option 5: The Navy Suit
A navy suit is a versatile and stylish choice for a black tie optional wedding. It's a bit less formal than a black tuxedo but still looks sharp and sophisticated. Pair it with a crisp white dress shirt, a navy tie or bow tie, and black dress shoes.
Option 6: The Charcoal Suit
A charcoal suit is a great alternative to a black suit and can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. It's also a good choice for a winter wedding, as it can add a bit of warmth to your look. Pair it with a white dress shirt, a charcoal tie or bow tie, and black dress shoes.
Option 7: The Patterned Tuxedo
If you want to add some visual interest to your outfit, consider wearing a patterned tuxedo. A subtle pattern like a Glen plaid or a herringbone can add some depth and texture to your outfit without overwhelming the senses. Pair it with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie or cumme*rbund, and black dress shoes.
Option 8: The Accessorized Tuxedo
If you want to add some personality to your outfit, consider accessorizing with a pocket square, a watch, or a pair of cufflinks. A pocket square can add a pop of color to your outfit, while a watch and cufflinks can add a touch of sophistication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, black tie optional wedding attire for men doesn't have to be boring or uninspired. With these options, you can add a touch of personality and style to your outfit without overwhelming the senses. Just remember to keep it simple, classic, and well-fitted, and you'll be sure to make a stylish impression.
FAQs
At a black-tie optional event, men can wear a dark suit instead of a tuxedo and a conservative tie instead of a bow tie, while "a chic co*cktail dress" or dressy separates are appropriate for women, says Corry.
What does a man wear to a black tie optional wedding? ›
Black tie optional wedding men's attire actually leaves room for you to draw from the full formal dress code. A dark and smart suit, white dress shirt with cufflinks, and a conservative tie with black leather formal shoes (you guessed it—Oxfords will always be appropriate) and dark socks are perfect.
What not to wear to black tie optional? ›
Make sure your dress, jumpsuit, or set comes in a formal fabric: “Cotton or linen sun dresses will look out of place and I would opt for silks, chiffons, or taffeta,” says Choi. In addition, stay away from casual footwear. “Just avoid day sandals, raffia wedges, and so on,” Choi says.
Is it OK to wear a blue suit to a black tie optional wedding? ›
A navy suit is a versatile and stylish choice for a black tie optional wedding. It's a bit less formal than a black tuxedo but still looks sharp and sophisticated. Pair it with a crisp white dress shirt, a navy tie or bow tie, and black dress shoes.
How do you explain black tie optional on a wedding website? ›
Black tie optional. A black tie optional dress code still encourages formal attire, but gives guests a bit more wiggle room. It's more acceptable for guests to choose a suit and tie over a tuxedo, or a floor length dress that isn't a full evening gown.
Can I wear a normal suit to a black tie event? ›
Wearing a dark suit is the best option if you don't own a tux. If you don't own a tux, the chances are that you probably already own a navy or blue suit. To ensure that you are somewhat following the dress code, try and make sure that the hue of your suit is a very dark blue or navy.
What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional? ›
FORMAL/ BLACK TIE OPTIONAL: The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black-tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn't required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. The choices are the same as with black-tie: a floor-length gown, a fancy co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
Can I wear a grey suit to a black tie optional wedding? ›
You'll need a dark suit in navy or charcoal grey. Go lighter in color, and you'll break the dress code (officially). In addition to your dark suit, you'll want to keep the rest of your outfit elevated and conservative. Try a white dress shirt, a black necktie with a white pocket square, and black dress shoes.
Can you wear a knee-length dress to black tie optional? ›
Full-length and mid-length dresses are usually the way to go. But, this doesn't mean that you can't wear a shorter length dress. If you're looking for something shorter, make sure it's at least hitting the knee to keep it black tie approved! Consider the fabric, color and dress design as well.
What is the black tie dress code for men? ›
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.
Should there be a black tie event held during the day (this is rare, but it can still happen), black or navy suits are still appropriate given the formal nature of the event, but you could inject an element of lightness somewhere in the outfit, such as with a white bow tie in stead of black.
What colors are allowed for black tie optional? ›
Tips for styling yourself for a black-tie optional wedding:
Short dresses won't match the formal vibes. Wear dark or rich hues like black, gray, navy, or jewel tones. When in doubt, stick to solid colors, since patterns can sometimes feel too casual.
Can you wear a brown suit to a black tie optional wedding? ›
Because of its historical associations with country wear, brown suits should typically be avoided, but if you do happen to have a suit that's a very dark brown, you could probably get away with it for a Black-Tie Optional event.
What is black tie optional attire for a man? ›
The “optional” in Black Tie Optional means you'll still be dressed in formal menswear – just not necessarily a traditional tuxedo. You can branch out into dark colored suits as well, preferably in shades of black, navy or charcoal. Dark suits with a subtle pattern can be a smart way to play with the dress code.
What should you not wear to a black tie optional event? ›
What should you not wear to a black-tie optional wedding? As with any dress code, guests should avoid wearing white or any lighter-hued ensemble. Additionally, anything casual, like summery sundresses, polos, t-shirts, pastel colors, flats, or sneakers should be avoided.
Can I wear pink to a black tie optional wedding? ›
Unlike a traditional black tie dress code, no colors are off limits (except white, of course), so choose something that reflects the wedding and makes you feel your best! For black tie optional weddings in colder months or the evening, darker colors are typically the way to go.
Do men have to wear black to a black tie wedding? ›
You don't have to worry about being over- or underdressed, because you know exactly what to wear: a black tuxedo, a black bow tie, white shirt (wing tip or fold-down collar—more on that later), and black shoes—usually patent leather. The whole ensemble should be black and white, more or less.
Is it OK to wear a black dress to a black tie optional wedding? ›
Tips for styling yourself for a black-tie optional wedding:
Wear a full-length or mid-length dress. Short dresses won't match the formal vibes. Wear dark or rich hues like black, gray, navy, or jewel tones. When in doubt, stick to solid colors, since patterns can sometimes feel too casual.
Can you wear a short dress to a black tie? ›
What length of dress is acceptable? Does it have to be floor-length? “Floor-length is preferred, but a mid-length also works. Anything shorter starts to feel more 'co*cktail' and too relaxed for a black-tie occasion.”
