A floor-length black gown or a fancy little black dress is an elegant, classy choice that is perfectly appropriate for this dress code. Jewel tones are also excellent options (especially for fall fêtes), and pastel hues are lovely for summer weddings.
The only real color that's off-limits as a wedding guest is white, but there are some color schemes that work best for black tie weddings. "Most guests will stick to darker hues like burgundy, black, navy and gray.
Choose a silk or linen pocket square in a colour that complements your tie but doesn't match it. Tie: Always wear a black bow tie for an event with a black tie dress code. The bow tie should be silk, hand tied, or pre-tied, but never a clip-on. Shoes: Patent shoes in black are the ideal pairing for a tuxedo suit.
Black tie for men typically means a dinner jacket (tuxedo) which traditionally comes in black (although other colours are now available and acceptable), so you do generally see a lot of black at black tie events. And, of course, a black dress is a simple, stress-free option, so it's usually on a woman's shortlist.
Black is a staple for gala attire, but don't be afraid to wear colours like white or red. Enhance your look with bold jewellery and accessories. No matter what your personal style is, you can find a black-tie dress that compliments your personality and appearance.
A cocktail dress – shorter, possibly ritzier – might cut it if your host is of a relaxed nature (or if the dress is, say, a dramatic Alexander McQueen style), but it's best to assume that a floor-sweeping number (or a tuxedo situation – yes women can wear a trousers suit to a black tie event) is expected.
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.
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.
A strict black tie event should be attended in all black - with a black tie. This is very rare - but if you're going to a black tie wedding and it specifies black tie only - then make sure you wear a black suit with a black tie, just wear all black basically.
Traditionally, darker colors are more formal. For suits and tuxes, black, gray, navy, and burgundy are classic choices, regardless of the season. For fall wedding dresses, jewel tones are a sophisticated choice. For summer wedding dresses, chiffon gowns in neutral tones are an elegant option.
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.
Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter cocktail dress, or dressy separates.
For women, our favorite pick is a black dress. If you are looking to wear color instead of black, go for solid neutral hues, classic patterns, and deep rich jewel tones. Opt for a floor-length dressed rather than shorter dresses. Choose opulent fabrics for your gowns such as silks, satin, velvet, chiffon, and lace.
All About Florals
Florals will always be in style and they make a great pattern for wedding black tie dresses.
Should there be a black tie event held during the day (this is rare, but it can still happen), black or navy suits are still appropriate given the formal nature of the event, but you could inject an element of lightness somewhere in the outfit, such as with a white bow tie in stead of black.
Down hairstyles for black tie events
If you'd rather keep your locks long and loose, there are still a few ways you can make the look a little more formal. A loose wave or a blowout is a classic choice, but if you're able, why not go and get it professionally styled?
Another important aspect of your appearance for a black-tie event is your hair and makeup. You will want to make sure that your hair is styled and that your makeup is applied flawlessly. Your hair and makeup should be elegant and sophisticated for a black-tie event. Think updo's, smoky eyes, and nude lips.
Given the fact that Black-Tie Optional events, as with standard Black Tie events, take place in the evening, a light-colored suit would look informal and inappropriate. You can get away with something like medium grey in a pinch, but it's best to stick to the dark colors we outlined previously.
"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."
If you're unsure about what jewelry to wear to a black tie event, the professionals at Roman Malakov are happy to help. You'll want to stick with traditional and elegant black tie jewelry. Gold, platinum, diamonds, and pearls are safe options, as they are both timeless and luxurious.
Black tie occasions call for men's formal shoes and that means patent leather shoes are the best option. When looking for tuxedo shoes, the simpler the better. Proper tuxedo shoes can be an oxford or slip on but true formal shoes should aim to have little to no brogueing.
There are a few things that you should avoid wearing to a black-tie event: If you are not wearing a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket, you should not attend a black-tie event. This means that you should avoid wearing a suit, even if it is black. Do not wear open-toed shoes or sneakers to a black-tie event.
Since cocktail wedding attire is slightly less formal than black-tie and black-tie optional, tuxes and floor-length gowns are not required. (However, you can always opt for longer skirts or formal jackets if you'd like, which are popular choices for winter wedding attire.)
Black tie is usually for weddings held later in the day, although take note: there should be no hats or headpieces worn after this time. Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.