Have you ever had one of those moments?
You get an invitation to an event that says “Dress Code: Black Tie” and you frown:
“Black Tie”, you frown and think: ‘Black Tie?’ ”Is it a suit? “Do I have to wear a suit? Or a tuxedo?” “Do girls have to wear ties too?”
Don’t worry, we’re going to get to the bottom of the whole “What is Black Tie Dress” thing today. After reading this, you will not be nervous before the party crazy search “black tie dress code wear guide”.
What is Black Tie?
“Black Tie” literally means ‘black tie’, but don’t let it fool you.
But what it really means is far more formal than you might think.
It is one of the most common dress codes for evening gowns in Western formal occasions, and is usually seen at..:
Dinner parties
Weddings
Award ceremonies
High class receptions
Red carpet events
Can be understood as “Semi-formal in the highest level”, more advanced than business attire, but not as rigid as “White Tie”.
For male: Black Tie? It’s actually a black bow tie.
For men, the correct way to open the Black Tie Dress is:
A black or navy blue tuxedo.
Not just any suit! The lapels of a tuxedo are usually satin and smoother.
A white formal shirt
No pattern, buttons can be wrap or mother of pearl.
A black bow tie, not a tie, but a bow tie. This is the essence of the “Black Tie”.
Black leather shoes, patent leather shoes are perfect, clean, shiny and instantly expensive.
Other accessories: cufflinks, pocket towels, small brooches – it’s up to you, but remember, don’t get too fancy.
Wrong demonstration:
Wearing black tie to a Black Tie event.
Wearing a business suit
Sneakers
For female: Black Tie doesn’t mean all black!
Don’t mistake “Black Tie” for “all-black dress”.
Women’s Black Tie Dress outfits are much more diverse than men’s, but there are a few keywords:
Long dresses: the safest choice. Ankle-length or longer, elegant, not wrong.
The color is casual, but the focus is on the “sense of formality”. It can be black, dark blue, burgundy, light gold, jewel green, or even a print. The key is to look good.
Moderate skin exposure can add points
Backless, strapless, small V-neck are OK, but avoid too short, too tight, too “nightclub style”.
Shoes and bags: high-heeled shoes are the safest (fine heel / thick heel can be, do not be too casual)
A small handbag is much more advanced than a large tote bag.
Metal texture jewelry is a plus point
Different occasions, Black Tie small difference
Black Tie for Weddings:
Brides and grooms want their guests to dress formally, but don’t want to be too formal? Usually it’s something as vague as “Black Tie Optional”. You can wear something a little more formal, but it’s not mandatory. Tuxedo is recommended for guys and long dresses for girls.
Red Carpet/Awards Ceremony Black Tie
This is the “all dressed up” model.
The standard for men remains the same, but girls can be more daring, for example:
Long tails
Sequins and glitter
High cutouts
As long as it’s not too revealing, it’s acceptable.
Black Tie New Changes: More Flexible But Not Too Casual
More and more modern parties will make some adjustments to the Black Tie. For example:
Men can not wear vests
Girls can wear pants dress (Jumpsuit)
Shoes are allowed to be personalized (but still have to be formal)
The point is: you want to dress more formally than usual without overdoing it.
Q&A
Q: Can a girl wear a short black dress to a Black Tie event?
A: No. Unless it’s a “high fashion” short dress with a great sense of design. Otherwise, it will look casual.
Q: Would it be too rude for a guy not to wear a bow tie?
A: In Black Tie, no bow tie = wrong dress.
Q: Can I wear open-toe sandals?
A: Yes, but it is recommended to choose “designer” high heeled sandals rather than everyday beach style.
Q: Do I have to wear new clothes?
A: Not necessarily, but the clothes should be clean, well-fitting, neatly ironed and look well-prepared.
Lastly: Wearing the right clothes is a sign of respect for your hosts!
We often say, “People rely on their clothes”. In fact, wearing the right outfit is also a sign of respect to the event organizer.
Black Tie Dress doesn’t want to make things difficult for you, but rather provides a dress code where “everyone can look good”. The next time you receive a Black Tie invitation, don’t fumble.