What Is “Black Tie Optional”? The Most Confusing Wedding Dress Code, Explained (2024)

FAQs

What Is “Black Tie Optional”? The Most Confusing Wedding Dress Code, Explained? ›

“Black tie optional to me means the couple does want black tie but doesn't want to pressure their guests to wear tuxedos and evening gowns since those tend to be more of an investment. So when the dress code calls for black tie optional, feel free to go all out,” bridal stylist Anny Choi tells Vogue.

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.

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.

Black Tie Optional or Formal

One step down from black tie, this dress code indicates men should opt for a tuxedo or dark suit, preferably with a white button-down shirt underneath. Nicer dress shoes are appropriate.

Think of black-tie preferred as the dress code for which you should wear a tux or an evening dress and black-tie optional as the one for which you can wear a tux or an evening dress.

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.”

Unlike a wedding that's strictly black tie, full-length evening gowns are preferred but not a must. A midi-length dress is also acceptable—just avoid anything above the knee as it will be too casual. Finally, wedding guest jumpsuits are another gray area for guests seeking out black-tie optional wedding dress attire.

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.

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.

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.

What is a Texas black tie? ›

In the “Texas Black Tie” the tuxedo is worn with boots. Attire co*cktail. The co*cktail dress in high society is considered an informal dress code. It simply provides, in its general lines, the dark suit. Formal Attire and Semi / Formal Attire.

Heels or a dressier sandal would work for a daytime event. Black tie: Gentlemen should wear tuxedos, and ladies should wear a long gown or co*cktail dress. Black tie optional: Wear a tuxedo or dark suit for the gents and a long or co*cktail dress for the women.

Formal wedding attire (synonymous with black-tie optional attire) offers more flexibility than black tie, so dressy separates and dresses that hit above the ankle are acceptable, as well as fitted, darker-hued suits paired with a crisp white button-down and tie, adds Rivera.

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.

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!

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.

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

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.

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.

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.