About Black-Tie Events

Though once the norm for any evening outing, black-tie events have become a rarity in today's society. Black tie is mainly used only for the most formal of modern events, including formal weddings, galas and charity fundraisers. What makes an event black tie is the suggested dress code on the invitation, though black-tie dress has often been misinterpreted.

History

Before black tie became a defined dress code, the only acceptable formalwear was traditional tailcoat jacket with matching trousers. Etiquette also dictated that the trousers had to have a stripe down the side.

Black tie is said to have originated in mid-19th century England, where Prince Edward had an informal dinner jacket made for him by a Savile Row tailor. He wore this new jacket while hosting a guest from the United States, who consequently also had a similar jacket made for himself. Upon the guest's (James Potter's) return to the U.S., men in New York copied his look, making it a popular fashion at the Tuxedo Park Club.

Features

Traditional black-tie dress features a matching black tuxedo jacket and pants with a formal white shirt underneath. A formal shirt is classified as having either a bib on the front with pique or pleated texture. The collar can either lie flat (a straight collar) or can be a wing collar.

The other elements of men's black tie include a silk or satin bow tie, black shoes and black dress socks. A cummerbund or pants with a built-in cummerbund are necessary, and formal suspenders are optional.

For a black-tie event, women should wear either long formal gowns or very dressy cocktail dresses.

Types

There are a number of kinds of black-tie events. In today's society, charity functions, gals and weddings are the most common black-tie events. However, regardless of the event, the invitation should specify whether it is a black-tie function. Besides the traditional black-tie event, there are two other common options: creative black tie, and black tie-optional.

Creative black tie involves the standard black-tie clothing, but with a festive twist that relates to the event. The twist can simply be a more trendy take on the traditional tuxedo (a formal black tie with a pattern), or it can be a themed item (for example, a Christmas- or Hanukkah-themed bow tie).

Black-tie optional events are less formal than black tie, but still require formal attire. For men, dark suits with formal ties and dark shoes are appropriate, and formal cocktail dresses are a good choice for women.

Misconceptions

Black-tie events used to be much more commonplace than they are today. Black-tie attire was de rigueur for fancy dinners out, holiday parties and dances, but dress codes have relaxed heavily in the past few decades.

Confusion about the definition of dress codes and what attire a "black tie event" entails stemmed from the changing customs in workplace attire. Due to the advent of "business casual," "casual Fridays" and offices without dress codes, traditional dress code definitions have become muddled in American society, and a general dressing down trend has taken place.

Considerations

For daytime black-tie events, men are allowed to wear formal dark suits in lieu of a tuxedo. Also, women are allowed to wear more casual cocktail dresses for a black-tie daytime event.

Traditional black tie should only be worn for events that are after 6 p.m.

Since 2004, a formal black tie has been considered an acceptable replacement for a black bow tie.