How to Dress for "Black Tie"

It is best to stick to the dress code at formal events.

Black-tie events are formal and a chance for people to dress their best. With many variations of dress codes at events, it is sometimes hard to know what you should wear to black-tie events. Some people try to vary the code to fit their personal preferences and style. While you can show a little personalization, it is always best to stick to the dress code so you do not look obtrusive. Not following dress code can be perceived as rude by the hosts.

Things You'll Need

• White cotton undershirt
• Formal (pique or pleated front) white shirt
• Black-colored studs and cuff links
• Black dress socks
• Black tuxedo pants
• Black cummerbund to match tie or a vest
• Black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
• Black tuxedo jacket
• Black patent shoes
• Floor-length evening gown, dressy cocktail dress or formal black dress

Instructions

Black Tie for Men

1. Put on the white cotton undershirt. Always wear an undershirt when wearing a light or white shirt.

2. Slip on the formal white shirt. The shirt should have a turndown collar instead of a wing collar. The sleeves should have French cuffs to accommodate the cuff links.

3. Insert the studs into the holes on the placket of the shirts. Formal shirts use the studs, often made of onyx, to close the shirt instead of buttons.

4. Place the cuff links into the cuffs of the shirt. The cuff links should coordinate with the shirt studs.

5. Put on the black socks. Tall socks are recommended so your leg does not show when you sit down.

6. Slip on the pants. Tuxedo pants must be the same material as your tuxedo jacket. Tuxedo pants have a panel of material up the outer seam of the legs that matches the lapel on the jackets. Tuxedo pants are never cuffed.

7. Tuck the shirt into the pants. Tucking the shirt well into the pants will prevent it from bunching or blousing out.

8. Put on the waist covering. This can be a cummerbund or a coordinating vest that matches your tie.

9. Tie your tie. The tie should be black, silk and self-tying. A modern alternative is a long, black, silk four-in-hand tie.

10. Put on your tuxedo jacket. Tuxedo jackets can be single or double breasted. The lapel can be peaked, shawl or notched and made of satin or grosgrain. The pockets in a tuxedo jacket do not have flaps.

11. Slip on the shoes. The shoes should be patent leather oxfords or pumps. An alternative to patent leather is highly shined standard leather.

Black Tie for Women

1. Select a dress made from a formal fabric such as silk or satin or a beaded/sequined material. The dress can be long or short.

2. Wear shoes that coordinate with your dress in color and formality. Most often women wear hosiery, even if the dress is floor length.

3. Choose complementary accessories. Select jewelry and an evening purse that coordinate with your dress.

4. Style your hair in an elegant updo such as a French twist or chignon. If you prefer to leave it down, arrange it in a smooth style with lots of body.

References

• Emily Post: Attire Guide: Dress Codes from Casual to White Tie
• The Black Tie Guide: Black Tie Dress Code
• The Black Tie Guide: Defining Black Tie