Very often, when the need arises to attend an event, an award, a wedding ceremony, a forum or a premiere, the question “what to wear” becomes very relevant.
We go online and try to figure out what to wear so as not to look out of place – and a list of names immediately appears: “white tie”, “black tie”, “cocktail attire”, etc.
How to figure all this out?
First of all, it is worth considering that this is an official evening dress code – and is not used in the morning and afternoon hours.
The Black tie dress code has several variations depending on the event:
- Black tie optional
- Black tie invited (traditional black tie)
- Black tie creative
Often this dress code is also called smoking – however, this is not entirely true, as confusion may arise. Smoking is called only in the USA; in Europe and Russia it is still better to call it Black tie. But the presence of a tuxedo is a prerequisite for this dress code.
Let’s take a closer look at what is included here.
Black tie dress code for men
The classic Black tie dress code for men looks like this:
- black or dark blue suit with satin or silk lapels and matching trouser stripes;
- white shirt (or chemise) with cuffs for cufflinks;
- butterfly;
- sash;
- patent oxford shoes (in some cases suede or matte);
- scarf.
An optional option is a vest. However, your look will look more impressive if you wear it, for example, to your wedding. In this case, you no longer need to wear a sash.
Some experts recommend using cufflinks made of gold or other precious metals.
As for the pocket square, there are no exceptions – it must be made of silk.
Black tie dress code for women
The situation with Black tie for ladies is much more interesting.
There are a huge number of options here – the usual dress code has moved away from the mandatory floor-length dress, now it includes wearing trouser suits – this is acceptable within the Black tie optional format.
This dress code is used more at formal evening events, such as receiving a delegation, opening an establishment or an evening gala dinner.
The traditional Black tie style for women looks like this:
- long dress to the floor;
- closed stiletto heels (boots or sandals are not acceptable);
- evening makeup (required option);
- hairstyle;
- diamonds or jewelry;
- clutch;
- gloves (optional);
This dress code is used at the following events:
- red carpets – Cannes Film Festival, Oscars, BAFTA
- theater premieres, opera
- dinner with dignitaries
- charity evening
- traditional wedding (not beach or country).
For each of these types of evenings (except weddings) it is not necessary to buy a new dress. It would be universal to buy stiletto heels, a floor-length black dress and gloves to go with it.
Unfortunately, personal interpretation of the dress code can lead you to many mistakes that will spoil the impression of you.
How can you break the dress code and not find out about it?
What to do to avoid this?
First of all, remember that this is an official event, and the dress code must be indicated in the invitation. If not, try to find out this information in advance.
In the Black tie dress code, makeup is a mandatory option.
If you are allergic to any products (mascara, eyeliner) and for this reason you cannot apply bright makeup to your eyes, you will have to refuse the invitation.
Unfortunately, eyelash extensions will not save the situation – the eyes must be brightly highlighted with cosmetics.
It often happens that the dress code involves wearing diamonds – this is not necessary if you do not have them.
Jewelry can also be used everywhere; this is not a violation of the dress code. In some cases, it is even desirable – if, for example, you decide to attend the opening of some fashionable establishment.
What about celebrities?
Often, in an attempt to “spy,” we pay attention to how Hollywood celebrities dress. However, not all of them accurately follow the recommendations of the Black tie dress code.
Because Hollywood often uses a slightly different style from the standard Black tie – Black tie creative. It allows for a freer interpretation of the dress code in order to add the zest inherent in each artist in accordance with his image.
The female version of the Black tie creative dress code can be seen on the red carpet of the Met Gala, an annual ceremony held in early May.
Each time the exhibition is dedicated to a specific topic – and guests must at the same time comply with the format and dress code of the ceremony, but also show their originality.
The best way to cope with this task is the famous Hollywood celebrity, ambassador of elegant style Blake Lively. In 2022, she put on a transformable dress; at a certain moment, assistants helped untie a huge bow – and the dress changed color from pink to turquoise.
So, in the case of the Costume Institute Ball, you can admire the ability of celebrities to impress us with their outfits, but imitating them in this case is unnecessary.
Also, celebrities at various ceremonies can wear sandals instead of closed shoes or come with massive jewelry – such photos should be treated rationally and not taken as precise instructions for action.
