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31 May 2022

WHEN IS A BLACK TIE DRESS CODE USED?

 

A black tie dress code is commonly seen at weddings or other special events, such as anniversary dinners, premieres at opera houses or theatres, or a glamorous New Year’s bash. Simply put, when there’s something really special to celebrate! The most common dinner jacket for men hasn’t changed much in several generations, making it a worthwhile investment. Take the opportunity to invest in a classic look and supplement with your personal style with accessories. Worried that your black tie suit will be left gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe after the event? Pair the jacket with jeans for a regular party, or use the trousers with a denim or leather jacket at the office. The same goes for dresses and skirts bought for black tie events – dress them down by pairing with garments in more casual materials, such as a knitted jumper or a pair of jeans. The perfect way to get more use out of your formal wear!

WHAT DOES A BLACK TIE DRESS CODE MEAN?

 

Even though there aren’t many variations on the traditional dinner suit, its colour can vary between black and midnight blue. In the summertime, even off-white can work well. The jacket is either single- or double-breasted and usually has a shawl collar or silk peaked lapels, which some people think lends a more formal look. A classic dinner suit has silk detailing and matching stripes on the trousers. The suit is worn with a white dress shirt, bow tie and a cummerbund or waistcoat. If colour is your thing, then try an alternative dinner suit in luxurious colours such as burgundy and bottle green, and in fabrics such as velvet.


For women, black tie dress code means a dress or skirt with matching top, trousers or jumpsuit. When it comes to black tie, women have far more options than men, and the codes are not as clearly defined. Decide for yourself whether you want to wear a full length or knee-length skirt, a low or high neckline, or long or short sleeves. The main thing is that what you wear is fun, and that the garment is made from a high-quality fabric. Unlike white tie, the most formal dress code where dresses must be full length, black tie is a bit less formal. Therefore the dress length usually worn for black tie is ankle length and can be short, but traditionally not above the knee. Opt for a classic cocktail dress with flared skirt that evokes the 50s, or a pair of palazzo trousers with a matching blazer or top. Take the opportunity to wear that sparkly trouser suit, vintage dress or last summer’s long and floaty floral dress. When you’re invited to a black tie event, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off the finest pieces in your wardrobe.

WHAT TYPE OF SHIRT SUITS A BLACK TIE DRESS CODE?

 

The classic dinner jacket shirt is white and has a starched or pleated chest that gives the outfit that typical timeless dinner jacket feel. A dress shirt has double cuffs and a regular collar, the fabric is usually crisp and comfortable cotton that breathes, so you don’t have to worry about being too warm under the jacket. When it comes to dinner jackets, a common rule is that the shirt sleeve should protrude about 1.5 cm outside the jacket arm, so the jacket doesn’t look too big. A dinner jacket shirt has a special look and gives a dressy style right away, but if you want to use it for other occasions, you can pair it with a jumper or a blazer, or a pair of chinos and trainers for a more casual everyday look!

 

FUN ACCESSORIES

 

With dinner jackets, the most common accessory is a silk bow tie. In fact, it’s more of a rule than an exception, and is always used instead of a tie. Along with the bow tie, a white handkerchief is also the most common accessory here. Match your cuffs with the colour of your watch or other details to make your outfit look coherent. Traditionally, a belt is not worn with a dinner suit, as most dinner suit trousers have no belt loops. But, if you need something to hold your trousers up, then braces fastened inside the waistband the thing to use. Both stylish and practical!

 

For women, a customary black tie accessory is a handbag, which of course is both a practical and stylish detail. The handbag should preferably be small in size and made of a more exclusive material, such as silk, patent leather or leather. If you’re searching for a trendy bag, then a mini bag is a wise investment that not only works well on special occasions but is also suitable for everyday wear. If you’re invited to an event with a black tie dress code, such as a wedding or a New Year’s Eve party, you’ll also find that luxurious hair accessories fit these occasions perfectly. Match your jewellery pieces with each other, or go bold and wear a single, large statement piece.

PATENT LEATHER SHOES ARE THE MOST COMMON SHOES FOR BLACK TIE

 

When it comes to men’s shoes, safe choices that always go with a dinner jacket are black leather or patent leather shoes. If you want a more traditional feel, then a pair of men’s pumps, also known as opera pumps, will fit the bill nicely. These are classic patent leather dress shoes, with a slim and narrow look. If you have no use for a pair of opera shoes at other events, then a pair of classic dress shoes can also look nice. For more informal events, you can be stylish and go with a look that’s more relaxed by wearing a pair of trainers with your dinner suit, as long as they are clean, don’t have any holes and are preferably made from leather or suede.

 

When it comes to women’s shoes, heels in the height of your choice fit the black tie dress code. Just as with handbags, for shoes, a common choice is a more exclusive material such as silk, patent leather or leather. Here you’re also free to wear whatever kind of shoes you like, as long as they have an elegant feel and a more formal style. In winter, a pair of classic pumps looks perfect, or a pair of open-toed sandals in the summer. If you’re looking for a pair of flat shoes, then a pair of ballet flats works equally well.

 

Going to a wedding and need to buy a gift? Check out our wedding gift tips.

 

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