White tie. Black tie. Cocktail. Casual. Many wedding dress codes should guide guests on what to wear for the big day. If you’ve been invited to a celebration with a black-tie dress code, you might be wondering how much effort to put into your look.
Black tie is one of the most formal dress codes, and showing up underdressed is a quick way to stand out for all the wrong reasons. So how do you get it right? The short answer is simple. When the dress code calls for black-tie attire, men’s tuxedo suits and elegant evening gowns are the expected choice.
For Men
The unwritten rule for men in black-tie attire is to wear a tuxedo. While a black suit may have some vague similarities with a tux, it’s not the same thing. The most notable difference between these two elegant men’s fashion staples is the use of satin or lack thereof.
A stylish tuxedo for men with satin detailing on the lapels, buttons, pocket trim, and usually a strip down the pants. This subtle detail elevates the stylish tuxedo suits to formalwear status. Suits, on the other hand, don’t have material detailing, and their buttons are either plastic or the same material as the coat.
How to Choose and Style a Tuxedo
It’s safe to say that for a black-tie event, the only correct tuxedo colour is classic black or midnight blue. Black is a classic, timeless colour that looks sharp in all lighting, but midnight blue can look richer under indoor lights.
Material-wise, classic men’s tuxedo suits are often made from refined materials, such as wool blends, velvet, or lightweight suiting fabrics that drape well and hold structure. Of all these, merino wool has to be one of the most premium choices thanks to its naturally soft fibres, elegant drape, and refined finish.
Once you’ve chosen a tuxedo, be sure to hit all of the necessary and appropriate accompaniments. First, choose a bowtie that matches the lapels of your jacket (the folded fabric running along the edges of a tuxedo jacket’s front opening). This means satin if you have satin lapels, and grosgrain if you’re rocking grosgrain silk lapels.
In terms of colour, the bowtie should be either black or another dark yet not flashy hue. Next, to complete the look, choose a white French-cuff shirt. You might be tempted to reach for a white shirt with a wing collar, but that style should actually be reserved for white-tie occasions. For black tie, you want to stick with a spread or point collar. When it comes to men’s shoes, go for black Oxfords, opera pumps, Venetian loafers, or velvet slippers.
For Women
For an elegant event such as a black-tie wedding, women should wear an evening, floor-length formal gown. In some cases, elegant midi dresses and formal, refined jumpsuits may also be accepted as long as the overall look is sophisticated.
Anything that hits above the knee would be a cocktail dress. Although cocktail dresses can be considered formal to a certain degree, they’re not quite formal enough to fall into the category of black-tie attire for women. Therefore, try to avoid a cocktail dress, as you may appear out of place when among other female guests all in their finest long gowns.
Colour-wise, again, darker hues are the safest and smartest choices for a black-tie wedding. And when it comes to materials, it’s best to lean towards fabrics like silk, organza, and lace to match the formality of the occasion. Winter formal weddings can accommodate gowns in velvets with accessories like fur stoles, while summer celebrations may encourage gowns in lighter colours and fabrics.
When accessorising with jewellery for formal weddings, less is more. Opt for pieces that are simple yet elegant, as they will enhance your glamorous attire without overwhelming it. Avoid excessive layering and accessorise with just one standout necklace for a refined look. Classic studs or drop earrings of modest length are also a safe and elegant choice.
When it comes to footwear, you can have some fun, but you should keep it classy and chic. Crazy platform pumps or lace-up-to-the-knee sandals should be left at home. A pair of elegant heels is usually the safest choice, with classic stilettos or block heels in refined finishes such as satin, leather, or patent, working beautifully.
Neutral tones such as black, nude, or metallic shades tend to pair effortlessly with elegant gowns. If you prefer something more comfortable, sleek heeled sandals with minimal straps can also be a great option, as long as they remain delicate and understated.
Closed-toe pumps are another timeless choice, offering a sophisticated silhouette that never feels out of place. The key is to avoid anything overly bold or distracting and instead focus on clean lines, quality materials, and a well-balanced heel height that allows you to move confidently throughout the event.
