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. Let's just say this: 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 other than a black bow tie and refers to a typical element in a man's wardrobe that must be worn. But there are also rules that apply to 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.
Since the wardrobe for men and women is quite formal, it almost exclusively applies to evening events. Common 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 fits the black tie dress code
For men, a black tie requires a tuxedo with a black bow tie. How the bow tie is tied is a matter of personal taste, but it must be plain black. It 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, a waistcoat and suspenders. Many men also like to wear a pocket square and cufflinks .
The jacket
Both single-breasted and double-breasted tuxedo jackets are possible. The lapels are made with a so-called mirror, which means that they are not made of the same material as the rest of the suit, but are made of shiny satin. This makes the tuxedo look particularly elegant. The collar edge of the tuxedo is either made as a soft shawl collar or rises towards the outside. This distinguishes it from a conventional suit. Satin or velvet can also often be found on the buttons, which therefore have a particularly soft feel.
The shirt
A real tuxedo includes a white shirt , and experimenting with colors is not welcome here. The button panel is usually covered. The collar is starched to create a stand-up collar, also known as a wing collar or patricide collar. Double cuffs with elegant cufflinks are particularly eye-catching on tuxedos. These are traditionally silver-colored, but variations are now allowed.
The pants
It should be made of the same material as the tuxedo jacket and usually has just a single piping, a decorative stripe made of silk. Since the waistband is covered by a vest or cummerbund, it is at the level of the belly button. The tuxedo trousers have no belt loops and are held up exclusively by black silk suspenders .
The Cummerbund & the Vest
Both are essential to a tuxedo, but one of them can be left out. 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 is made of the same material as the actual tuxedo.
The shoes
Formal shoes are a must for 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 allowed. Choosing the right socks is also important: they must be black and long, and no skin should be visible between the shoe and the trousers. Black knee socks are traditionally worn with a tuxedo.
The stylingIn addition to the actual clothing, general styling is also important. Regardless of what your everyday hairstyle is, your hair should look tamed for a black tie, that is, 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 the points mentioned, there are still pitfalls that 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 enough as a replacement 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 a cummerbund, or both together.
- 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 acceptable. A wristwatch is not acceptable, as it suggests that you are paying attention to the time during your appearance.
- Light-colored or patterned socks that peek out from under your pants are undesirable at Black Tie.
Black Tie for Couples
If you're 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. Even if you're wearing two tuxedos, the color of the pocket squares or cummerbund can be matched.
The basic rule for the black tie dress code is that women must follow the same basic rules. A tuxedo must meet the same requirements as the one for men. However, if you wear a dress, it should be dark in color, go above the knee and be combined with pumps. Women who want to comply with the black tie dress code should cover their shoulders; if you are wearing a strapless dress, you can wear a bolero or shawl. Your black tie hairstyle should be elegant, preferably an updo, and your jewelry should be subtle and unobtrusive.
Black Tie Optional
If your invitation says " Black Tie Optional" or " Alternative Black Tie," it doesn't mean you can leave your tuxedo in the closet. It means that the guidelines aren't as strict and you have more leeway in designing 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 the jacket is also allowed, as is a belt instead of suspenders. However, you should still follow the classic black tie dress code to do justice to the event.
Do you need help choosing a perfectly fitting tuxedo? We are happy to advise you and create your wardrobe exactly according to your wishes. Make an appointment now - we look forward to seeing you!