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This stunning red dress from selfridges is the perfect example. Traditionally, the only neckwear appropriate is the black bow tie that is a self-tie and always matches the lapel facing of the dinner jacket and braiding of the trouser seams. The bow tie is tied using a common shoelace knot, which is also called the bow knot for that reason.
In the United Kingdom, the 20th-century etiquette was that white dinner jackets are never worn, even on the hottest day of summer, but are reserved for wear abroad. In tropical climates, such as in Imperial Burma, the desert fawn was historically used as the less formal colour. At one time, the civilian mess jacket was also an option in warmer climates. Its usually reserved for celebratory events most often held in the evening, including galas, charity events, cocktail hours, and, of course, weddings. The dinner jacket was also increasingly accepted at less formal evening occasions such as warm-weather gatherings or intimate dinners with friends. The typical go-to for black tie events is the ‘dinner suit’ – or ‘tuxedo’, if you’re from the US – which consists of a formal jacket and matching trousers.
Tuxedo Trousers
The brides dress will usually have a train for which the long skirt of a tailcoat is the perfect complement. Needless to say, these types of weddings are extremely rare today. If you loved the blue one shoulder dress Carrie wore in the latest series of Sex And The City this is Carries exact dress and it also comes in lots of other colors.
Also, playoff the location of the event with soft tones, florals, and lace. If you really want to inject a country touch into your look, consider adding boots and a hat. A black-tie wedding calls for gowns in rich textured fabrics with a hint of sparkle. At once elegant and sexy, this Rebecca Vallance is sure to secure your spot as the best-dressed guest. If you're headed to a summer or destination wedding, this Reformation dress is a no-brainer.
Dressy Casual
As is rule of thumb, if it looks better without the tie then go for it – but if the overall look is too messy, then it’s probably best to stick to tradition. As is expected for this kind of event, a dress is the big go-to for those that want to don a skirt on the big night. Most dress guidelines are aimed at women, but identifying as such is not a requirement for getting your gown on. For your first pair, a silver or gold pair of cufflinks is a good choice. The rule in wearing them is simple – they must match the color of your belt buckle, as well as your wristwatch. The trick here is to blend personal expression with a healthy dose of caution.
Black-tie optional is pretty much equivalent to formal and just means slightly less formal than black-tie. The biggest difference for women’s attire is that a full-length gown isn’t required, but something of the same dressiness “vibe” is still recommended. Basically, if you want to get wild and show your ankles then you have permission to do so but I’d avoid going above the knee for your hemline.
What Is Black Tie Attire?
You can combine the two-piece with a waistcoat, but this is optional (unless it’s at the request of the event organisers). Most dinner suits will also feature satin in some way, combined with a different base material. If you want to keep things traditional, you can go for the classic black suit, but you can also jazz it up with a splash of colour if that takes your fancy. Bonus points if it matches your partner’s outfit for the night. I have been wearing this long blue lace gown to all formal events.
For details of how they are to be worn, see the Black Tie Decorationspage. Today we offer a wide range of books, online resources, training programs for all ages and topics, a weekly podcast and a selection of greeting cards and paper products. Emily Post training and consultation services are available for groups, businesses and individuals.
Black Tie FAQ
Remember that you can always see your tailor to adjust a gown where there is a slight mismatch. The fit dictates everything, so focus on it from the get go and you’ll find that the rest of your styling process is far, far simpler. Consequently, these hesitant hosts deprive men of the reassurance and clarity they seek from a precise dress code, forcing them instead to partake in a no-win guessing game. If the large majority of men decide to wear dinner jackets then the minority who dress in suits may appear inconsiderate and classless.
Black tie is a semi-formal Western dress code for evening events, originating in British and American conventions for attire in the 19th century. In British English, the dress code is often referred to synecdochically by its principal element for men, the dinner suit or dinner jacket. The dinner suit is a black, midnight blue or white two- or three-piece suit, distinguished by satin or grosgrain jacket lapels and similar stripes along the outseam of the trousers. Accessories may include a semi-formal homburg, bowler, or boater hat. For women, an evening gown or other fashionable evening attire may be worn.
