What To Wear For A Black Tie Event
Attending a black tie event is an opportunity to dress to the nines. Whether it’s a formal wedding, gala, or award ceremony, a black tie dress code demands a high level of sophistication. For men, black tie means one thing, the tuxedo. It’s not just about wearing formal clothing, it’s about adhering to a tradition of classic, polished style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every detail of what to wear to a black tie event, from the basics of a tuxedo to the essential accessories that will help you stand out while respecting the dress code.
The Foundation of Black Tie Attire - The Tuxedo
The tuxedo, or dinner jacket, is the cornerstone of any black tie outfit. It’s an iconic piece of menswear that has remained largely unchanged since its inception in the late 19th century, offering men a chance to indulge in elegance without being overly flamboyant. Here’s what you need to know:
The Jacket
The jacket should be black or midnight blue - two colors traditionally associated with black tie attire. Midnight blue has gained popularity as it looks even darker than black under artificial lighting, providing a rich and stylish alternative. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Single-Breasted or Double Breasted?: A single-breasted tuxedo jacket is the most common and versatile option. It suits most body types and offers a streamlined look. A double-breasted jacket can be a bolder choice, lending a more structured silhouette, but it’s less common and might feel too formal for some settings.
Lapels: The lapel choice significantly affects the formality and style of your tuxedo. Peak lapels are the most traditional and are considered the most formal. They offer sharp, angular lines and are ideal for creating a distinguished appearance. Shawl lapels, which are rounded, offer a slightly more relaxed yet still elegant vibe. Both options are appropriate, but avoid notch lapels, these are more suitable for standard business suits.
Fabric: Wool is the traditional material for a tuxedo, but modern variations may incorporate velvet, particularly for dinner jackets. Satin or grosgrain silk is typically used on the lapels, buttons, and pocket trims to provide contrast and sheen.
The Trousers
Tuxedo trousers are designed to complement the jacket perfectly. Typically, they are made from the same fabric as the jacket and feature a satin or grosgrain stripe down the side of each leg. This subtle detail adds to the polished and cohesive look that defines black-tie.
No Belt Loops: Tuxedo trousers don’t have belt loops. Instead, they are meant to be worn with suspenders (braces), which help maintain the clean, uninterrupted lines of the outfit.
Tailored Fit: The trousers should have a tailored fit, neither too tight nor too loose. The hem should break just slightly above the shoe to give a sharp, modern silhouette.
The Shirt: A Clean, Crisp Essential
A tuxedo shirt is different from your everyday dress shirt. The formality of black tie events requires a shirt that complements the jacket and stands out for its own elegance.
The Collar
Wing Collar: A wing-collar shirt is the most traditional option for black-tie events. The small, stiff collar points stand up and are meant to be paired with a bow tie.
Turndown Collar: A turndown collar is a slightly more contemporary option. It resembles a standard dress shirt collar but is more formal due to the high-quality fabric and design.
Shirt Front
Pleated Front: A pleated-front shirt adds a touch of texture and formality. The vertical pleats on the chest give a subtle nod to traditional menswear and add dimension to your outfit.
Bib Front: A bib-front shirt is another option. It has a stiff, textured panel down the front, which provides a smooth, structured appearance.
Cuffs
Your shirt should have French cuffs, designed to be fastened with cufflinks. These cuffs add a layer of refinement to your overall look and give you an opportunity to personalize your attire with your choice of cufflinks.
The Bow Tie: A Must Have Accessory
One of the defining characteristics of black tie attire is the bow tie. Unlike a traditional necktie, a bow tie is the standard choice for a tuxedo and adds a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.
Black Silk or Satin: For most events, a classic black silk bow tie, or satin is the way to go. This keeps the outfit understated yet formal. A black bow tie made from velvet can also be an interesting choice for a winter black-tie event, adding richness and texture to your outfit.
Self-Tied vs. Pre-Tied: While pre-tied bow ties are widely available and convenient, a hand-tied bow tie adds an authentic, personal touch to your look. The slight imperfections of a hand-tied bow give it character and charm, reflecting a higher level of sophistication.
Cummerbund or Waistcoat: The Finishing Touch
To complete your black tie outfit, you’ll need either a cummerbund or a waistcoat. These accessories are essential for covering the waistband of your trousers and maintaining the sleek, formal lines of your ensemble.
Cummerbund
A cummerbund is a wide, pleated sash worn around the waist. The pleats should always face upward, historically, they were used to catch ticket stubs at the opera. Cummerbunds come in different materials, but black silk or satin is the classic option.
Waistcoat (Vest)
A waistcoat, or vest, is an alternative to the cummerbund. It provides a more structured, layered look. If you choose a waistcoat, ensure it matches the fabric of your tuxedo and maintains a low, deep V-cut to allow your shirt and bow tie to remain the focal points.
Footwear: Polished and Elegant
When it comes to footwear, black-tie means you should wear only the most formal, polished shoes. The wrong footwear can undermine an otherwise perfect look, so choose wisely.
Patent Leather Shoes
Patent leather shoes are the most traditional choice for black tie events. These high-shine shoes exude elegance and are an essential part of formal evening wear.
Oxfords or Loafers
Oxfords: A pair of black patent leather Oxfords is the go-to shoe for black-tie events. Their sleek and polished appearance complements the formality of the tuxedo.
Loafers: If you prefer a slightly more modern look, patent leather loafers (often called opera pumps) are also appropriate. These shoes typically feature a grosgrain bow or ribbon across the front and are a stylish, albeit less common, option.
Socks
Your socks should be black and made from a fine material like silk or a silk blend. Ensure that your socks are long enough to cover your calves so no skin shows when you sit down.
Accessories: The Subtle Details
Accessorising for a black tie event is all about subtle elegance. Overdoing it can take away from the formality of the look, so stick to a few key pieces that enhance the ensemble without overshadowing it.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a must for your French cuffs. Choose a simple, elegant pair—silver, gold, or black onyx are all classic options. Keep them understated and refined to avoid drawing too much attention away from the overall look.
Pocket Square
A white pocket square made from silk or linen is the classic choice for a black-tie event. Fold it neatly and tuck it into your jacket’s breast pocket. A clean, sharp fold adds a touch of class without overwhelming the outfit.
Studs and Buttons
If your tuxedo shirt has stud holes, opt for black or onyx studs to replace the buttons. This adds a layer of sophistication and ties the look together. Similarly, ensure that your shirt’s buttons are either covered with fabric or replaced with decorative studs for a more formal appearance.
Watch
If you choose to wear a watch, keep it simple and dressy. A slim, minimalist dress watch with a black leather strap or a metallic bracelet is appropriate for a black-tie event. Avoid large, flashy watches or anything too sporty.
What Not to Wear to a Black Tie Event
To ensure you don’t break the black tie dress code, it’s important to know what to avoid:
No Suits: A regular suit, no matter how formal, is not the same as a tuxedo. Black tie requires the latter.
No Neckties: A black bow tie is the standard; leave the neckties for less formal occasions.
No Casual Shoes: Skip the loafers, sneakers, or any non-patent leather shoes.
Avoid Loud Colors: Stick to classic black, white, and midnight blue. Flashy colors and patterns can detract from the event’s formality.
A black tie event is all about respecting tradition while embracing timeless style. With a well tailored tuxedo, a crisp shirt, and carefully chosen accessories, you’ll not only meet the dress code but also look and feel confident. Remember, black tie is about refinement and sophistication so keep things classic, elegant, and polished for a winning look every time.
