If you’ve received an invite to a fabulous event, and you see black tie on the dress code, this post is for you. It can be intimidating to be invited to a black tie event if you’ve never been to one. When the host of an event puts black tie dress code on their invite, they are truly setting the tone for their gathering. It’s formal, it’s fancy, it requires a very specific outfit. Black tie attire is required. And it is so easy to mess this up, so here is what not to wear to a black tie event so you don’t feel out of place when you arrive.
What Not To Wear To A Black Tie Event
We’re going to chat all about black tie events. What they are, what to expect, and what the dress code really means. This way you can fully understand what the expectation is for your look. This dress code is much more strict than say cocktail dress code, or even black tie optional. So here’s what to wear to a black tie event, and what not to wear.
What Is A Black Tie Event
Black tie events are formal social gatherings that require your guests to adhere to a strict and elevated dress code. These events are typically upscale and prestigious in nature. A few examples include:
- Galas and charity events
- Award ceremonies
- Formal weddings
- Debutante balls
- Formal corporate events
- State dinners or diplomatic receptions.
Black tie is an important notation as it signals to guests that the event is a step above semi-formal. This is to be taken seriously when choosing your outfit for this type of event.
What Is The Dress Code For A Black Tie Event
If you see black tie on your invitation for the dress code, it is a formal clothing standard that guests are expected to adhere to. It sits just below white tie, which is the most formal dress code of all. For women, specifically, the black tie dress code means:
- Gowns – Floor length, maybe midi length, formal dresses are the standard.
- Luxurious fabrics – while a floor length dress can be in many fabrics, it’s really about which fabric that can make a dress be casual or black tie. Thnk silk, satin, chiffon, lace or velvet. And bonus points for more structure in your dress.
- Formal separates – If you’re not a dress person, you can wear tailored pants and a dressy top with a jacket. These are to still follow the black tie dress code of luxurious fabrics and more drama than just a suit. You can even do a formal skirt and dressy top.
- Polished accessories – Heels or dressy strappy sandals in the appropriate fabrics like satin, suede, patent or embellishments always works. Choose an elegant clutch and elevated jewelry.
- Groomed, put together, appearance – Hair, makeup and overall presentation should reflect the formality of the event.
For men attending black tie events, it’s best to stick to a single or double-breasted tuxedo jacket and matching tuxedo pants. Black is always the safe color, but midnight blue actually does work. Shirts should be a crisp white dress shirt, ideally with a pleated or bib front. Black bow ties are the standard for a black tie event, no ties. And as for shoes and accessories, black patent leather Oxford shoes or formal dress shoes are key. Don’t forget cufflinks and a pocket square to polish off the look. Men should avoid brown shoes, novelty or colored bow ties, and regular suits.
What Not To Wear To Black Tie Event
When coming up with what to wear to your black-tie event, there are very specific items that you must not wear. Period. There’s no wiggle room on this at all. Here’s a general list of some things you’ll definitely want to avoid.
Sundresses
Just because it’s a dress doesn’t mean it’s right for any sort of event. Sundresses are a casual piece designed for casual events. No amount of accessorizing will allow this to be black tie appropriate.
Jeans
While I think Jenna Lyons may argue me on this one, but jeans of any kind are not appropriate for a black tie event. I do believe the right denim could be dressed up for a nice event like a cocktail event (and not for weddings), black tie is a totally different ballgame. Leave the denim at home.
Sneakers, Flip-Flops or Boots
There is a very specific type of shoe you should be wearing for a black tie event, and it’s usually something in suede, satin, maybe leather, definitely patent leather and anything sparkly. There are to be no sneakers, flip flops or even boots at a black tie event.
Super Short Hemlines
Black tie events call for gowns, long dresses, and even trains. Skip all the short hemlines from mini to even right above the knee. We want long, full-length gowns. Typically anything below the knee is ideal, but full length is truly best for black tie.
Apple Watch
Formal events, mean formal jewelry. I don’t care how beautiful your Apple watch chain link may be, these do not belong at black tie events. Take off the digital watch, and put on a beautiful timepiece, or just stick to fabulous jewelry.
Work Tote Or Large Handbags
Don’t you dare bring that work tote or big ol handbag to your black tie event. This is the time for event clutches and tiny bags. It’s nice to have a few of these in your closet to reach for when there’s a special occasion to attend.
What if you’re attending a formal or semi-formal event?
One dress code below black tie, is formal. This is very common for weddings, so if you’re looking for formal wedding guest attire for an upcoming event, this guide will help you find the right pieces from formal church weddings, to formal evening ones. If you have really nice dresses from your formal wedding guest events, you can sometimes get away with them for black tie. It’s also all in the styling. Maybe add an updo to your look to really pull it together.
I hope this black tie event dressing guide helps you confidently find a great look for your event and also give you the information you need to choose the right pieces. It’s such a fun excuse to find a beautiful gown, and you don’t have to invest a ton in it either. There are plenty of great dresses under $300 and you can wear them to formal and semi-formal events in the future. Or utilize a rental service like Rent The Runway to find something for your special event.
