Understanding the Meaning of Black Tie Optional | King & Bay Custom Clothing (2024)

FAQs

Understanding the Meaning of Black Tie Optional | King & Bay Custom Clothing? ›

Black tie optional refers to a dress code in which men are still required to dress formally. While a tuxedo is welcomed, it is not required.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Black tie optional doesn't mean anything goes. Try to avoid dresses that are too short, since they may not fit the formal vibes of the event. This doesn't mean your dress needs to always fall below the knees; this Showstopper Flare Dress is a great example of how above-the-knee can fit a black tie optional dress code.

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.

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.

Generally, there are three accepted shoe styles to wear to a black tie event: an Oxford, a Venetian loafer, and velvet slippers (sometimes called Prince Albert Slippers). Before we go into each one, remember that tuxedo shoes should be black 99% of the time.

What does a black tie symbolize? ›

What is 'Black Tie'? When you see the words 'Black Tie', it usually indicates that the event is going to be an important one. Whether that be an awards evening, a wedding or a work ball, it basically means you need to look your best. However, this doesn't mean throwing on a suit and a tie.

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.

Men don tuxedos or dinner jackets with traditional satin peaked lapels, and a bowtie. Women tend to wear long dresses, usually below the knee or floor length, in an evening-appropriate fabric: think velvet, silk, satin, and lace. Despite the name, a black-tie dress doesn't necessarily have to be 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.

Black Tie Optional:

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.

For men who wish to opt for an alternative, a dark coloured suit that is either black, dark grey, and navy blue is also acceptable. A perfectly fitted suit is encouraged. Shirt: A crisp white shirt is essential and plain shirts with French cuffs are preferred over patterned shirts with barrel cuffs.

Black-Tie Optional Attire

"Black-tie optional. We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie and women wear an evening gown or midi or knee-length co*cktail dress."

Since it is a black tie optional wedding, the dresses do not have to be too formal. Stripes and florals as patterns are allowed, as long as you do not over-accessorize them. Pleats are also great, as well as tulle and lace. The color choice for the dresses is open so you can choose anything from pink to black.

Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal

This indicates a step down in formality from Black tie and is suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding. The wedding party will be in formal wedding attire, and it's optional for all guests.

For Women. For women attending black tie events, full-length formal gowns are typical. This is the most formal dress code, so it's fitting to opt for a full length gown. Alternatively, you can also wear a formal jumpsuit or pantsuit, depending on your personal style.