Have you been invited to an event where the dress code is "black tie"? Then there are a few rules you should follow when choosing your wardrobe. This much can be said in advance: 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 you should watch out for.
What does Black Tie mean?
For men, the black tie dress code means nothing more than a black bow tie and refers to a typical element in the men's wardrobe that must be worn. But there are also rules for women at an event 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.
As the dress code for men and women is quite formal, it almost exclusively applies to evening events. Frequent events where a strict black tie dress code is required are:
- Wedding celebrations or wedding dinners
- Classical music events such as operas, operettas, classical concerts
- Balls like the Vienna Opera Ball
- Award ceremonies, galas, red carpet events such as the Academy Awards
This goes with the black tie dress code
For men, a black tie tuxedo with a black bow tie is a must. How the bow tie is tied is a matter of personal taste, but it must be plain black. The classic combination is 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 handkerchief and cufflinks.
The jacket
Tuxedo jackets can be single-breasted or double-breasted. The lapel is made with a so-called mirror, which means that it is not made from the same fabric as the rest of the suit, but from shiny satin. This makes the tuxedo look particularly elegant. The edge of the tuxedo collar is either a soft shawl collar or rises towards the outside. This distinguishes it from a conventional suit. Satin or velvet is also often used on the buttons, giving them a particularly soft feel.
The shirt
A real tuxedo requires a white shirt, experiments with colors are not welcome here. The button placket is usually concealed. The collar is reinforced to create a stand-up collar, also known as a flap collar or father's collar. Double cuffs with elegant cufflinks are a particular eye-catcher on a tux. Traditionally, these are silver-colored, but nowadays they can be varied.
The pants
It should be made of the same material as the tuxedo jacket and usually only has a simple galon, a decorative strip of silk. As the waistband is covered by a vest or cummerbund, it is at the level of the navel. Tuxedo trousers have no belt loops and are held in place exclusively by suspenders made of black silk.
The cummerbund & the vest
Both are an essential part of a tuxedo, but you can do without either. 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 actual tuxedo.
The shoes
Formal shoes go with a tuxedo, especially those with a shiny surface. Oxfords, the so-called opera pumps, are the most popular formal shoes for men, but all black leather lace-up shoes are permitted. The choice of matching socks is also important: they must be black and long, with no skin showing between the shoe and trousers. Traditionally, black knee-high socks are worn with a tuxedo.
The stylingIn addition to the actual clothing, the general styling is also important. Regardless of what your everyday hairstyle is, your hair should look tamed for a black tie, i.e. combed back, neatly styled or, in the case of long hair, tied back at the nape of the neck. A beard should also be neatly trimmed or shaved off. Flashy jewelry is frowned upon, and you should also avoid wearing a watch.
Black tie - what you should avoid
Despite all these points, there are still pitfalls that you should avoid in order to comply with the black tie dress code.
- If possible, tattoos and piercings should not be visible or should be removed for the evening.
- A dark suit is not enough to replace a tuxedo. You should also avoid an overly plain shirt.
- A tie and a non-black bow tie are taboo.
- You must wear a vest or a cummerbund, or both together.
- Shoes that are not black must stay at home.
- You should remove conspicuous jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets. A wedding ring and a classic pocket watch are acceptable. A wristwatch is not, as it suggests that you are paying attention to the time during your appearance.
- Bright or patterned socks that peek out from under the trousers are undesirable for a black tie.
Black tie for couples
If you are going to a black-tie event as a couple, you should coordinate your outfits. For example, men can set accents with a pocket square in a color that matches their partner's dress. The color of pocket squares or cummerbunds can also be matched to two tuxedos.
The basic rule for the Black Tie dress code is: Ladies must adhere to the same basic rules. A tuxedo must meet the same requirements as for men. However, if you wear a dress, it should be a dark color, fall above the knee and be combined with pumps. Ladies 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 opt for a bolero or stole. Your black tie hairstyle should be elegant, preferably an updo, and jewelry should be discreet and unobtrusive.
Black Tie Optional
If you find the words "Black Tie Optional" or "Alternative Black Tie" in your invitation, this does not mean that you can leave your tuxedo in the wardrobe. It means that the requirements are not so strict and you have more freedom in designing your black tie outfit. For example, you can set accents with colored stockings or use a tie instead of a bow tie. A subtle pattern in the jacket is also permitted, as is a belt instead of suspenders. However, you should still stick to the classic black-tie dress code to do justice to the event.
Do you need help choosing the right tuxedo for you? We will be happy to advise you and tailor your wardrobe exactly to your wishes. Make an appointment now - we look forward to seeing you!