A black tie event is a formal or semi-formal event such as an evening wedding, award ceremony, gala, charity ball, etc. It is important to know how to dress for such an event since your clothes and appearances can reflect your personality.
This article will explain,
1. How to Dress for a Black Tie Event?
– How Should Men Dress for a Black Tie Event?
– How Should Women Dress for a Black Tie Event?
How to Dress for a Black Tie Event
While a black tie event is not as formal as a white tie event, it is more formal than other dress codes. This means that you can’t wear casual or smart casual clothes to a black tie event. However, if the invitation states black tie optional, creative black tie or black tie preferred, you can be more flexible in your attire.
How Should Men Dress for a Black Tie Event
Men should wear tuxedos for black tie events. A tuxedo is a man’s dinner jacket, which is worn for formal or semi-formal events. It should be made of black or midnight blue wool and includes a jacket and matching trousers. Let’s look at these clothes separately to get a clear idea.
Jacket: Single-breasted or double-breasted jacket in black or midnight blue, having a peak lapel or shawl collar with satin or grosgrain facings and pockets with no flaps.
Shirt: White shirt with a turndown collar, pleated or piqué fronts, and French cuffs
Waist Covering: A black silk cummerbund or a low-cut waistcoat (with single breasted coats only)
Neckwear: Black silk bow tie or long tie
Trousers: Trousers should be from the same material as the jacket and have a single braid along outside seams. It should be cut for suspenders and have no cuffs.
Footwear: Black patent leather oxford shoes or leather pumps with black dress socks
Accessories: Matching cufflinks and studs, black or white suspenders
How Should Women Dress for a Black Tie Event
Women’s wear for black tie events is less rigid than men’s wear. The most common and traditional option for black tie events is a floor-length evening dress. These gowns look very formal and elegant. The neckline must be tasteful but the sleeve length of the dress can be varied. Most evening gowns do not have sleeves. Many women choose dark colors such as black, navy blue, maroon, rich purple, etc. since they look more appropriate for evening functions. Mid-length cocktail dresses can also be worn for black tie events, especially if they are in deep dark colors. But cocktail dresses are more appropriate for younger women. Older women often tend to wear floor-length ball gowns.
Accessories such as real (real pearl, gold, etc.) or real-looking earrings, bracelets, understated necklace, purse or clutch and gloves can also make women look more elegant. The shoes worn with black tie dresses should be dainty and strappy, but should not have extremely high heels.
The easiest way to remember what to wear to a black tie event is to keep in mind that black tie events are formal events and that men wear tuxedos and women wear long evening gowns for them.
Image Courtesy:
“Charming Beautiful Sequins Party Dresses For Women” by Mathilda Samuelsson (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
“New Years Eve” by Kent Wang (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
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