What does Black Tie Event Mean?
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WHAT TO WEAR |
WHAT NOT TO WEAR |
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WHITE SHIRT |
PATTERNED COLOURFUL SHIRTS |
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STANDARD BLACK BOWTIE |
OVERLY COLOURFUL TIES |
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MATCHING ACCESSORIES |
OVERLY COLOURFUL ACCESSORIES |
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DARK TUXEDO/SUIT - BLACK IS BEST* |
LIGHT TUXEDO/SUIT |
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BLACK/DARK DRESS SHOES |
COLOURFUL DRESS SHOES |
*You should always try to wear a Tuxedo, but in a pinch, a normal suit will do as long as you follow the other rules
Before continuing, we will assume that you've been invited to a Black Tie event. The first thing you have to do is read the invitation again and check the wording. If it simply states "Black Tie Event" then the dress code is very simple, and you absolutely cannot do anything differently. However, if it says "Black Tie Preferred" this is normally an attempt by the host to have people wearing formal clothing, and you can break the Black Tie Dress Code.
In it's most simple form, a Black Tie Event is something that requires a man to wear a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, a black bowtie, black trousers, and some black dress shoes. In more recent years, more and more liberties are being taken by people attending these events, and people are starting to wear other things, but in some cases the dress code is strict, and therefore it's always best to simply follow the dress code laid out above.
A common question is what else can you wear to a black tie event, but we prefer to ask ourselves the question "what are you NOT allowed to wear to a black tie event" - as it's easier to answer.
While you can get away with wearing a lot of different things, there are some things which are simply unacceptable.
If in doubt, and if you have time, always get a proper Black Tie outfit which follows the dress code.
Black Tie Event Dress Code
A black tie event dress code for men is usually a dark suit with a white shirt. It is a formal event - which means that you have to adhere to certain rules. As the name suggests, you should wear a black suit, with a black tie, and a white shirt. The most basic definition of a Black Tie Event Dress Code is a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, however more recently people have been experimenting with Burgundy and other colors.
A strict black tie event should be attended in all black - with a black tie. This is very rare - but if you’re going to a black tie wedding and it specifies black tie only - then make sure you wear a black suit with a black tie, just wear all black basically.
The types of events that are “black tie” are:
- Weddings when requested by the hosts
- Galas - for example, the Oscars/Met Gala
- Charity balls
- Award ceremonies
These are often strict Black Tie Events, and therefore you should follow the dress code laid out above.
It’s very easy to make a mistake with this kind of event, so before we get into talking about potential outfits, etc. let’s talk about the absolutely basic essentials of a black tie event, here is a great example of a Kired Suit
Which Italian brands make the best Black Tie Wedding/Event Suits?
In this article you will see a few suits, tuxedos/smoking jackets, which should match perfectly for whichever black tie event you have been invited to.
The brands in this article are:
How to look modern at a Black Tie Event, what NOT to wear
Men's formal wear can also include a suit, tie, tuxedo jacket, bowtie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. It's really your choice - but the important thing is that you do not commit any faux pas.
The common mistakes people make when attending a black tie event are:
- Wearing a white tie or normal black tie (instead of a bowtie) (black ties are only really for funerals and the opera)
- Wearing incredibly contrasting colours, like a neon pink tie, yellow shoes etc
- Wearing all black to a day wedding
- Wearing a tie with a tuxedo
- Wearing a lounge suit with a light shade
- Wearing the wrong - or not matching - accessories improperly
- Wearing the wrong color shirt
- Wearing jeans
For a black-tie event, avoid wearing:
- Suits even black – black-tie dress code means a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket outfit.
- Opened toed shoes
- Shorts
- Polos
- Opened collar dress shirts without a bowtie or formal necktie
- Sport coats
- Blazers
- Tennis shoes
- No socks
If a wedding has a black tie tag attached to it - any of the above mistakes are considered fashion faux pas. Avoid them at all costs.
Where can I buy black tie essentials?
If you've just been invited to a black tie event - you may be asking yourself where you can get all of the essentials to make sure you can make an impression - without committing fashion sins along the way.
IsuiT - Italian Sartorial Luxury - We sell all of the necessary accessories and suits/tuxedos that you will ever need to look your best at a formal event.
Here's a handy list of links to important pages on our website to get your essentials today:
For those who want to avoid the hassle of renting clothes for an evening out on the town, there are plenty of options available online. Shop with a trusted store today - and choose IsuiT.
One popular choice is the modern day tuxedo - this outfit includes pants and a matching jacket that can be worn over any color shirt you choose. It is definitely recommended you wear a white tuxedo shirt - or a light blue dress shirt. Cesare Attolini has a fantastic range of dress shirts, as well as Kiton.
What does black tie optional mean?
Another option is what some refer to as "black tie optional" or "Black Tie Preferred" - this means it doesn't matter what you're wearing as long as it fits within certain guidelines
This type of event typically has less strict rules about attire than other types of events such as galas where everything from your belt to your cufflinks has to be coordinated.
It is more or less the same as black tie events nowadays - as traditional all-black dinner jacket/tuxedo events have slowly changed to allow more customization for each person. Here you could probably get away with slacks - what are slacks? Slacks are a less formal version of dress pants.
What to wear to a black tie wedding as a man - Black Tie Wedding Attire
Again, it's always best to follow the rules - however, as a lot of men might not own a tuxedo, we accept that sometimes you have to branch out. If you're caught in a pinch and don't have time to rent a tuxedo, then we definitely recommend wearing something like a navy suit. Although this is risky, and you should check the event (if it says strict black tie event then you're out of luck, and should find a Black Tuxedo) - However if the invite is less specific, and if you've checked with the person whose wedding it is, you can wear a different color.
Generally speaking, if you're invited to a Black Tie wedding, you should wear the following:
- A black tuxedo or smoking jacket
- A pressed, white dress shirt
- A black bowtie
- A pair of black dress shoes
Can you wear a Navy Suit to a Black Tie Wedding?
Absolutely! In fact, navy is one of the recommended colors - as it fits the theme. The theme is dark - not black. If you don’t own your own black suit, or simply don’t want to wear one, you absolutely can wear any of the following colours to a black tie event:
- Black
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Dark Brown
- Charcoal
Any other colors should be questioned, and you may make a mistake if you wear something from a different color.
Here’s a great example of a 3-piece suit from Kiton (which comes with a matching waistcoat). Something like this (from Kiton) is a PERFECT purchase for someone who attends a fair amount of black tie events. It’s stylish, modern, and of incredible quality.
As you can see from the picture, a red tie, or a similar tie, will go perfectly with this suit.
Can you wear a tuxedo to a wedding?
A tuxedo - or a dinner jacket - is normally considered to be for evenings. If the wedding you’re attending is marked as a black tie event, then you can only wear a tuxedo if it’s a nighttime wedding (or for the afterparty/dinner).
During the day - you would want to wear a suit. Follow the tips we’ve already talked about in this article, and find your perfect black tie affair clothes today!
Can you wear a normal suit to a black tie event?
As mentioned previously in this article, as long as you follow certain rules, you can wear a normal black suit. Generally it's not recommended, but if you're desperate and can't get a tuxedo in time, then make sure you follow the rest of the important rules.
Also, please be aware, that some Black Tie Events may have a very strict Tuxedo dress code, so if you want to wear a normal suit, or if you only have a normal suit, then you can wear a nice white shirt and a black bowtie, and you'll be fine but don't:
- It’s important that you don’t wear a suit that doesn’t fit the occasion, so steer clear of any overly bright suits or blazers, yellow, orange etc. It’s not the time to experiment.
- Go without asking, make sure if you're not wearing the exact definition of "black tie" that it's acceptable to wear something different.
A perfect example of a suit that would be perfect for a black tie event, and fits the attire style perfectly, is a Kired x IsuiT suit. Read more about these suits here:
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Posted: June 21, 2022Read more »IsuiT and Kired - A Neapolitan
These suits are made for modern men, and include elasticated trousers. Make sure you follow the black tie dress code that we laid out in this article.
Do you have to wear black to a black tie event
Unfortunately, the answer here is "it depends" - In some cases you have to 100% wear the formal strict Black Tie dress code - other times an invitation will state "Black Tie Formal". It's always best to check with the person who invited you before you do anything, because you don't want to be the only person who's not wearing a black tuxedo.
Generally speaking, however, you don't have to wear 100% black. For example, some people prefer burgundy and a burgundy tuxedo can often blow people away, and look far superior to a black tuxedo. Not only that, but burgundy and black is a classic combination, meaning you can still wear the required "black tie" even though you're wearing burgundy.
We wouldn't recommend breaking out of the mould too much, and if the invitation says strict black tie, then make sure you're wearing a tuxedo and a bowtie, but the colors don't matter too much as long as they're not too bright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a black tie event?
A: A black tie event is a formal event where men are expected to wear a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, a black bowtie, black trousers, and black dress shoes. Women are expected to wear formal evening gowns.
Q: Can I wear a suit to a black tie event?
A: While a tuxedo is the traditional attire for a black tie event, you can wear a dark suit in a pinch. However, it's always best to adhere to the dress code specified in the invitation.
Q: What does "black tie optional" mean?
A: "Black tie optional" means that while tuxedos and formal attire are preferred, they are not required. Guests can choose to wear a dark suit instead.
Q: Can I wear colors other than black to a black tie event?
A: While black is the traditional color for a black tie event, other dark colors like navy or burgundy can be acceptable. However, it's always best to check with the event host if you're unsure.
Q: What should I wear to a black tie wedding?
A: For a black tie wedding, men should wear a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, a black bowtie, black trousers, and black dress shoes. Women should wear formal evening gowns.
