Have you been invited to an event with a black tie dress code? If so, there are a few rules you should keep in mind when choosing your outfit. First things first: a black bow tie alone is not enough for a complete, stylish outfit. We'll show you what's essential for black tie and what pitfalls to watch out for.
What does black tie mean?
For men, black tie dress code simply means a black bow tie and refers to a typical item in a man's wardrobe that must be worn. However, there are also rules for women at events with a black tie dress code.
Alternative names for black tie are cravate noire and small formal suit. However, you will often find the classic English term black tie on invitations.
Since the dress code for women and men is quite formal, it applies almost exclusively to evening events. Frequent events that require a strict black tie dress code are:
- Wedding celebrations or wedding dinners
- Classical music events such as operas, operettas, classical concerts
- Balls such as the Vienna Opera Ball
- Award ceremonies, galas, red carpet events such as the Academy Awards
This fits the black tie dress code.
For men, black tie means a tuxedo with a black bow tie is a must. How the bow is tied is a matter of personal taste, but it must be plain black. This is traditionally combined with a white shirt and elegant men's shoes, such as Oxfords or patent leather shoes. A stylish tuxedo includes a cummerbund, vest, and suspenders. Many men also like to wear a pocket square and cufflinks.
The jacket
Tuxedo jackets are available in both single-breasted and double-breasted styles. The lapels feature a so-called mirror finish, meaning that they are not made from the same fabric as the rest of the suit, but rather from shiny satin. This gives the tuxedo a particularly elegant look. The collar edge of a tuxedo is either a soft shawl collar or rises outward. This distinguishes it from a conventional suit. Satin or velvet is often used for the buttons, giving them a particularly soft feel.
The shirt
A real tuxedo requires a white shirt; experimenting with colors is not desirable here. The button placket is usually concealed. The collar is starched to create a stand-up collar, also known as a wing collar or father-killer collar. Double cuffs with elegant cufflinks are a particularly eye-catching feature of a tuxedo. Traditionally, these are silver-colored, but nowadays there is more room for variation.
The pants
It should be made of the same material as the tuxedo jacket and usually has only a single braid, a decorative strip of silk. Since the waistband is covered by a vest or cummerbund, it sits at the level of the navel. Tuxedo pants do not have belt loops and are held up exclusively by black silk suspenders.
The cummerbund & the vest
Both are essential components of a tuxedo, but it is acceptable to omit one of them. The cummerbund is usually made of black silk. A tuxedo vest can be single-breasted or double-breasted and made of black silk or wool. Ideally, it should be made of the same material as the tuxedo itself.
The shoes
A tuxedo requires formal shoes, especially those with a shiny surface. Oxfords, also known as opera pumps, are the most popular formal shoes for men, but any black leather lace-up shoes are acceptable. It is also important to choose the right socks: they must be black and long, and no skin should be visible between the shoe and the trousers. Black knee-high socks are traditionally worn with a tuxedo.
The stylingIn addition to the actual clothing, general styling is also important. Regardless of your everyday hairstyle, your hair should look tamed for black tie events, i.e., combed back, neatly styled, or, in the case of long hair, tied back at the nape of the neck. Beards should also be neatly trimmed or shaved off. Flashy jewelry is frowned upon, and you should also refrain from wearing a watch.
Black tie – what you should avoid
Despite all of the above points, there are still some faux pas you should avoid in order to comply with the black tie dress code.
- Tattoos and piercings should not be visible if possible, or should be removed for the evening.
- A dark suit is not sufficient as a substitute for a tuxedo. You should also avoid wearing a shirt that is too plain.
- A tie and a non-black bow tie are taboo.
- You must wear a vest or cummerbund, or both if you wish.
- Shoes that are not black must stay at home.
- You should remove any conspicuous jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets. A wedding ring and a classic pocket watch are permitted. A wristwatch is not, as it suggests that you would be watching the time during your performance.
- Bright or patterned socks that peek out from under your trousers are not desirable for black tie events.
Black tie for couples
Couples attending a black-tie event should coordinate their outfits. Men can add a touch of color with a pocket square that matches their partner's dress, for example. Even if both are wearing tuxedos, the color of their pocket squares or cummerbunds can be coordinated.
As a general rule, the black tie dress code applies to women as well. A tuxedo must meet the same requirements as one for men. However, if you are wearing a dress, it should be dark in color, below the knee, and paired with pumps. Women who want to comply with the black tie dress code should cover their shoulders; if you are wearing an off-the-shoulder dress, you can wear a bolero or stole. Your black tie hairstyle should be elegant, preferably an updo, and your jewelry should be subtle and understated.
Black Tie Optional
If your invitation says "blacktie optional" or "alternativeblack tie," that doesn't mean you can leave your tuxedo in the closet. It means that the dress code isn't as strict and you have more leeway in choosing your black tie outfit. For example, you can add accents with colored socks or wear a tie instead of a bow tie. A subtle pattern on your jacket is also permitted, as is a belt instead of suspenders. However, you should still adhere to the classic black tie dress code to do justice to the event.
Do you need help choosing the perfect tuxedo? We would be happy to advise you and tailor your wardrobe exactly to your wishes. Make an appointment now—we look forward to seeing you!