What is a black tie dress code?

Having a dress code listed on an invitation to a party, gathering or event can be a life-saver in terms of ensuring you arrive in an outfit suitable for the occasion, without looking over- or underdressed. However, it’s also true that the terminology for dress codes can be a bit vague or confusing, especially if you don’t often attend events that require them.

Black tie events are typically grandiose and important – think awards ceremonies, elegant weddings and formal dinner parties. Therefore, you can expect the dress code to involve dressing to the nines for men and women alike.

What is black tie dress code for ladies?

The term ‘black tie’ can be especially confusing when it comes to ladieswear, which tends to involve fewer ties than menswear, but there are a few simple guidelines to follow that can help you to dress to impress.

When it comes to ladieswear, black tie generally means you should choose a long dress – think a floor-sweeping maxi style rather than a midi or mini. If skirts are your preference, then it’s typically best to stick to a dress rather than a blouse and skirt combo, to better fit the formality of the occasion.

If trousers are more your style, on the other hand, don’t be afraid to don a tuxedo for the evening. A glamorous trouser suit can be the perfect way to show off your style without sacrificing formality or comfort. For a black-tie event, the safest option is to stick with a black tux, but depending on the event you might wear midnight blue or a rich, jewel tone instead.

In terms of fabric, it’s best to opt for an evening-appropriate material no matter what you’re wearing. Velvet, lace, silk and chiffon are all popular choices that can help you to look your best. As for colour, again, steer yourself towards something that works well in the evening, when many black-tie events are held. Black tie doesn’t mean you have to wear black, so feel free to pick a shade you love – but remember that if you don’t often go to black tie events, you probably want to buy something versatile that you can dress down for less formal occasions.

Chances are you already have a selection of gold or silver toned jewellery perfect for a black-tie event – and anything with diamonds or faux diamonds is sure to please. But when it comes to shoes, it’s a little harder to make do with what you wear every day. Style and elegance are the order of the occasion, so stiletto heels can be a tempting choice. However, don’t forget to think about the location of the event and how easily you’ll be able to get around. Often, even the most adept stiletto-wearers can be caught out by a gravel driveway.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a pair of shoes with a low, wide heel to make it easier to move around during the event and heading to and from it. If you’re buying new shoes for the occasion, remember to allow yourself time to break the shoes in before the big day to avoid being too uncomfortable when you’re trying to enjoy yourself.

What does black tie dress code mean for men?

People often assume that dressing formally is far easier for men since it’s simply a matter of choosing between suits. However, black tie isn’t always as simple as picking out your trusty old job interview suit from the back of the wardrobe. Style is just as important for men as it is for women, so you’ll want to opt for an elegant tuxedo to look the part.

Wondering whether you can get away with a non-black black-tie suit? It’s definitely possible but aim to choose something as close to black as possible in a rich fabric. Midnight blue is a great option that complements most people’s skin tones, and it makes for a versatile piece for other events, too. So long as your trousers match your jacket and don’t cling to your legs, they’ll look great as well. If you haven’t got a dinner jacket already, then consider a tailored jacket – these tend to fit better so you wear the jacket rather than the jacket wearing you.

In terms of shirts, a simple white dress shirt with holes for cufflinks will do just fine – and this is an item you can easily reuse for other, less formal occasions. Generally, you can stick to white buttons if you’re wearing it with a waistcoat, but if you prefer a cummerbund, black buttons help to break up excessive white space on your torso. Matching your cummerbund or waistcoat to your dinner jacket is a safe choice that makes the look more versatile for other events.

A black-tie dress code surely wouldn’t be complete without a black tie, right? Well, sort of. A bow tie is a requirement, and while it’s traditional to have it be one you tie yourself; a clip-on version is a lot easier to handle, particularly if you have trouble with fine motor skills. As with most other aspects of your outfit, black is a sensible choice, but you could also add interest with a burgundy, midnight blue or emerald green bow tie if you prefer.

Finally, it’s time to consider your footwear. You’ll want to opt for something a touch more formal than you’d wear to the office, so pick out your most elegant dress shoes in black. Fortunately, these should be easy enough to get about in, so you don’t have to worry too much about ground surfaces. As for socks, pick a simple black sock long enough to avoid flashing skin when you sit down, and your trousers ride up. Patterns and bright colours are best left at home on this occasion.

Once you’ve covered all the points above, you should be more than ready to impress at your next black-tie event. Just remember while guidelines are helpful, adding your own twist to a look can help you to stand out from the crowd and feel stylish no matter what the occasion.