What to wear to a black tie event | John Lewis (2024)

FAQs

What are you expected to wear at a black tie event? ›

Traditionally, a black-tie dress code denotes a formal evening occasion, where men are meant to wear tuxedos and women, floor-length gowns. "The atmosphere is a more formal vibe," says Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert.

That said, cream, white and ivory are best avoided if you're attending a black-tie wedding (for obvious reasons) and it's always a good idea to check what colour the bridesmaid dresses are ahead of time to avoid any potential embarrassment.

This includes a dinner jacket, matching trousers, pleated white shirt, bow tie and formal black shoes. A waistcoat is optional. If your invite says 'black tie preferred or requested' it is encouraged that you wear a black tie if you can, but if you don't wear one, you won't be turned away from the event.

In choosing the fitting coloured shirt, always wear a crisp, white shirt with no coloured patterns or details, as a black tie event is simple and elegant and contains an abundance of the classic simple colours of black, navy and white.

While “black” is in the name of black-tie, you don't always have to wear black at a black-tie event. Other options are available, although it's best to opt for colors like black or navy, and you won't want to wear white, except for your dress shirt.

Black Tie Optional:

A black-tie optional dress code gives guests a couple of formal options to choose from. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter co*cktail dress, or dressy separates.

The black tie dress code for women epitomises elegance and sophistication, calling for a formal and polished look. Black tie can best be translated to 'long' evening gowns. Floor length evening gowns have always encapsulated a formal look with modern finesse, radiating elegance and grace.

Considering black tie events are almost exclusively in the evening and demand a certain degree of ceremony, they render some fabrics inappropriate. For safety, stick to plush, rich fabrics - the most obvious being silks, satin, taffeta, tulle, lace and chiffon.

What length of dress is acceptable? Does it have to be floor-length? “Floor-length is preferred, but a mid-length also works. Anything shorter starts to feel more 'co*cktail' and too relaxed for a black-tie occasion.”

A dark and smart suit, white dress shirt with cufflinks, and a conservative tie with black leather formal shoes (you guessed it—Oxfords will always be appropriate) and dark socks are perfect. Rather than a black suit, which is a little funerary, we suggest a crisp navy or dark charcoal as classics that can't go wrong.

Can I wear a grey suit to a black-tie event? ›

The tuxedo or dinner jacket, along with the trousers, should ideally be black. Lighter shades such as grey, tan or light blue may be acceptable for summer events. The dress shirt is traditionally white, while the tie should be black or a dark, rich colour.

Tradition says that for a black tie event, you wear a black tuxedo – that means a black blazer with satin lapels and black trousers dress trousers – and a crisp white dress shirt.

Black tie events are formal affairs that require you to be suitably dressed. You should't wear casual clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, shorts, jumpers and trainers. It's also best to avoid suits that aren't black (or dark blue) and patterned ties or shirts.

For the modern man, the standard outfit for the black tie dress code consists of the following: a black/dark blue tuxedo, a white tuxedo shirt, a black silk bow tie, a cumme*rbund or waistcoat, patent shoes and a white pocket square.

Traditionally worn only for events after 6 p.m., black tie is less formal than white tie but more formal than informal or business dress.

The primary difference in formal vs. black-tie attire lies in the level of formality: formal attire is slightly more relaxed, with the option for a suit and tie for men and formal dress for women, whereas black-tie attire is the most elevated dress code and requires a tuxedo for men and floor length gown for women.

For the modern man, the standard outfit for the black tie dress code consists of the following: a black/dark blue tuxedo, a white tuxedo shirt, a black silk bow tie, a cumme*rbund or waistcoat, patent shoes and a white pocket square.

For Women. For women attending black tie events, full-length formal gowns are typical. This is the most formal dress code, so it's fitting to opt for a full length gown. Alternatively, you can also wear a formal jumpsuit or pantsuit, depending on your personal style.

The tuxedo or dinner jacket, along with the trousers, should ideally be black. Lighter shades such as grey, tan or light blue may be acceptable for summer events. The dress shirt is traditionally white, while the tie should be black or a dark, rich colour.