Black tie is the most formal of the wedding dress codes (other than white tie, which is rare)—and it often gets an undeserved groan when guests spot it on a wedding invite. Although the phrase "black-tie wedding" generally refers to the expected attire, that's not all it indicates about the big day.
Some will argue that a black necktie should only be worn during formal events, special occasions and funerals. That's just not true. A black tie is a safe bet for any occasion. It's conservative and professional and leaves little room for fashion errors.
For a black-tie event, avoid wearing: Suits even black – black-tie dress code means a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket outfit.
Black tie dress code
Also referred to as Evening Dress, Black Tie is the most popular formal event dress code and calls for a dinner suit or tuxedo (in single or double breasted) with contrast silk lapels and a bow tie. You cannot simply wear a black business suit.
This dress code is popular for weddings thanks to its glamorous and sophisticated style. Floor-length gowns and tuxedos are the norm at these types of weddings. Black tie attire often comes in neutral hues, but that doesn't mean you have to shy away from color and pizzazz. However, there are some rules to follow.
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.
Let's point out the obvious first: black tie event calls for formal attire. This means that casual or semi-formal clothing is strictly inappropriate. For gentlemen, leave your casual business suit at home, and definitely don't wear slacks paired with a blazer.
Black tie requires a dress or suit for women, or a coordinated two piece. It should ideally be floor length but it doesn't need to be—dresses shorter than the ankle can be appropriate if they're of an appropriately formal cut and fabrication. Embellishments, trains and a figure-hugging fits are all encouraged.
A timeless black tie dress code has historically been a solid black or white single-button tuxedo jacket with satin grosgrain accents on the lapels, buttons, and down the pinstripe on the pants.
Top style tips for Australia
It really is casual all the way in Australia. Outside of the main cities, our advice would be to not bother with dressy clothes. However if you plan to visit city restaurants then you may feel more comfortable in smart casual wear.
"Formal wedding attire sits between cocktail and black tie on the wedding dress code scale. It's slightly more elevated than cocktail attire and a touch less dressy than a black-tie nuptial," says Alex Rivera, a stylist at Stitch Fix, a personal styling service.
"While black tie doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear a full-length gown, if you've been waiting for the right opportunity, now is your chance. If you choose to wear something that doesn't go all the way to the floor, an appropriate length is something a little below the knee."
To many the term Black Tie simply means tuxedo required. Any tuxedo with any kind of tie so long as it's black will do. And maybe you already have a tuxedo that isn't strictly a Black Tie tuxedo that you want to wear. Whenever in doubt, you can always ask the host what will be appropriate.
That said, suits aren't completely out of the question. "Men can wear a tux, but are also fine to wear a nice black, gray or navy suit," says Mayer. If you're wearing a suit, you should plan to keep it minimal; choose a dark color and wear a bow tie.
While cocktail dresses can be appropriate, black tie dress code typically calls for floor-length dresses or gowns. Black tie for women generally translates to “long.” Long dresses are more of an elevated choice than a cocktail dress.
A wedding with a black tie dress code is as formal as it gets. The gents in the wedding party will be dressed to the nines, wearing black tuxedos and white dress shirts, likely accessorised with bow ties and cummerbunds.
Men should stick to a classic tuxedo, complete with a black bow tie and black dress shoes. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or trendy, such as brightly colored jackets or sneakers. Remember, the goal is to look sophisticated and timeless.
A black tie dress code denotes an official evening occasion where men are supposed to wear tuxedos while the ladies put on floor-length gowns. The rules have been relaxed over the years, and people are not as strict with the dress codes as they used to be in earlier years.
If you've received a wedding invitation that denotes a black-tie dress code. While you will be required to get dressed up for this formal occasion, there's no need to appear red-carpet ready. Instead of wearing a full ball gown, just choose a full-length dress or a formal cocktail frock.
"Jewel tones and sparkly fabrics are absolutely acceptable for black-tie weddings." To ensure your colorful outfit fits the bill, choose longer hemlines, fancier fabrics, and more formal-looking attire overall.
What is the formal dress code for men? The formal dress code for men is the most traditional option and generally consists of a full suit or tuxedo. Accessories, such as neckties and pocket squares, are not typically allowed. The modern formal dress for men stipulates tuxedos, bowties and tailored fits.
Black Tie Optional Guidelines
Suit: Even though it's optional, a black tuxedo is acceptable. 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.
Black Tie Optional
Less strict than the 'Black Tie' dress code, for this event put on a suit in a dark color (navy, charcoal or black) and pair it with a necktie or a bow tie.
Creative Black Tie
You should wear a jacket, shirt, and pants. But if you want to wear red instead of black, you can. You can try out textures like velvet, and you can wear a vest. You can wear white or light blue socks, or you can put a bright pocket square in your pocket.
Forgoing the traditional bow tie can feel a little unnatural, but Ganz reassures that it's a personal preference that still adheres to the black-tie dress code. "There are no formal 'rules' for when it is appropriate to wear a necktie with a tuxedo.