Lets begin THE TIE FOR STYLE with one of the most confusing Dress code for Black Tie events. There are many theories what Do and DON’T for this special occasion, many confusions over the definition of black tie dress for social invitations, so what exactly should you wear to the most formal of occasions?
The main components of the black tie dress
• A black jacket with silk lapel facings
• Black suit pants
• A black cummerbund or waistcoat
• A white dress shirt
• A silk black bow-tie
• Socks in Black
• Black shoes
Let’s break it down one by one
---The Jacket
The dinner jacket is the only thing you can wear at a black tie event. Normally this comes as a set with the pants as part of the tuxedo – so please – don’t wear the separately.
It is usually ventless, which means it doesn’t have any slits in the back. I’m sure you’ve noticed the vents on your other suits, right? They should have either one in the center or two at the sides.
Dinner jackets, however, don’t have any vents at all!
One more thing:
tuxedo jackets should be single breasted.
I know you may sometimes find double breasted jackets, but my advice is to stay away form them for this occasion!
And, of course, you want to be dressed like a gentleman and follow the rules, let’s continue with…
---The Trousers
As the main rule, the trousers match the color and fabric of the jacket. They can be black or midnight blue, the only two acceptable colors for a black tie event.
A few critical things about the trousers that can make it or break it:
• black tie trousers have no cuffs at the bottom
• They are NEVER worn with a belt. Suspenders are the only acceptable accessory to hold them, that could add a bit of personal identity.
• The outer seams are also made of silk to match the lapels on the dinner jacket.
---The Shirt
The shirt’s color should be white – plain and simple. I recommend You to stay away from colored/checked or striped shirts during a black tie event!
It is black tie etiquette!!!
---The Tie
Well, this is going to surprise you, but a black tie attire doesn’t involve a black tie. Well, some less knowledgeable men will actually wear one, but the only thing you can hang around your neck is a black bow tie.
If you don’t have one, it’s time to get it. Just be really careful about a few things.
1.Quality and Fabric.
The bow tie should be 100% made of silk to match the lapels on the jacket.
2. NO-fake.
The bow tie should not be a clip-on. Clip-ons are for kids only, you need a really, classic, bow tie to represent Yourself in the best way and to show knowledge about understanding of style etiquette for this occassion.
---Socks and Shoes
I already said in the beginning that you should go for black socks and shoes.
That may seem like a little too much black for you in one outfit, but this is the only way to go.
The shoes should be real leather and should be lace-ups. Loafers or any other type of shoes are unacceptable.
The socks can be either cotton or silk and they should be long enough to go high enough on your calves. You do not want to show to anyone Your masculine hairy legs.
---Exceptions and Ways To Stand Out
I know have been thinking a lot about Your own style and if there are any exceptions for this strict dress code.
Be Stylish about standing out. A black tie event is an exception. A big one.
The best way to stand out is to follow the rules to the letter and show everyone that you’re a style connoisseur.
Let me tell you: a lot of men will shamelessly break the black tie rules, because they don’t know and, obviously, they don’t care. But you won’t, as long as you put some thought into your clothes.
The fact of the matter is, that there ARE a few ways to stand out as well.
The first one is to choose a peak lapel with your dinner jacket. The pointy nature of the lapels will give you a more confident look while still following all the black tie rules.
The second way to stand out is to forget black and go for a midnight blue.
Yes. Midnight blue.
Can you really break the rules in such a bold way as to change the entire suit color? Are we still talking about black tie?
Indeed I am. I can assure you that midnight blue is also acceptable, though not as common as black. Midnight blue is actually a very dark blue, even darker than navy blue.
And the third way to stand out is actually the easiest:
wear a white pocket square.
Most guys won’t so, why shouldn’t you?
While some stylists also recommend an ivory-colored pocket square, I say you should stick to white- play safe, so that it matches your shirt.
And the Forth style exception:
Brace yourself. The great thing about braces is that you can’t see them under your jacket. This is a lot of fun because as the night goes on and jackets are literally thrown off. It’s in your braces that you can share your personality in the ballroom.
TIP by THE TIE FOR STYLE.
Make the investment. As long as your waistline doesn't shrink or expand, a classic tuxedo or chic evening gown won't go out of style. and it's better to be remembered for being overdressed in an elegant ball gown than underdressed in a short sundress.
Question: have you ever attended a black-tie event before? What were men wearing and what were YOU wearing?
I am sure, You all know how to dress, but if You got any questions or would like to share Your images from one of the events - do not hesitate and drop me a line.:)
[email protected]
The main components of the black tie dress
• A black jacket with silk lapel facings
• Black suit pants
• A black cummerbund or waistcoat
• A white dress shirt
• A silk black bow-tie
• Socks in Black
• Black shoes
Let’s break it down one by one
---The Jacket
The dinner jacket is the only thing you can wear at a black tie event. Normally this comes as a set with the pants as part of the tuxedo – so please – don’t wear the separately.
It is usually ventless, which means it doesn’t have any slits in the back. I’m sure you’ve noticed the vents on your other suits, right? They should have either one in the center or two at the sides.
Dinner jackets, however, don’t have any vents at all!
One more thing:
tuxedo jackets should be single breasted.
I know you may sometimes find double breasted jackets, but my advice is to stay away form them for this occasion!
And, of course, you want to be dressed like a gentleman and follow the rules, let’s continue with…
---The Trousers
As the main rule, the trousers match the color and fabric of the jacket. They can be black or midnight blue, the only two acceptable colors for a black tie event.
A few critical things about the trousers that can make it or break it:
• black tie trousers have no cuffs at the bottom
• They are NEVER worn with a belt. Suspenders are the only acceptable accessory to hold them, that could add a bit of personal identity.
• The outer seams are also made of silk to match the lapels on the dinner jacket.
---The Shirt
The shirt’s color should be white – plain and simple. I recommend You to stay away from colored/checked or striped shirts during a black tie event!
It is black tie etiquette!!!
---The Tie
Well, this is going to surprise you, but a black tie attire doesn’t involve a black tie. Well, some less knowledgeable men will actually wear one, but the only thing you can hang around your neck is a black bow tie.
If you don’t have one, it’s time to get it. Just be really careful about a few things.
1.Quality and Fabric.
The bow tie should be 100% made of silk to match the lapels on the jacket.
2. NO-fake.
The bow tie should not be a clip-on. Clip-ons are for kids only, you need a really, classic, bow tie to represent Yourself in the best way and to show knowledge about understanding of style etiquette for this occassion.
---Socks and Shoes
I already said in the beginning that you should go for black socks and shoes.
That may seem like a little too much black for you in one outfit, but this is the only way to go.
The shoes should be real leather and should be lace-ups. Loafers or any other type of shoes are unacceptable.
The socks can be either cotton or silk and they should be long enough to go high enough on your calves. You do not want to show to anyone Your masculine hairy legs.
---Exceptions and Ways To Stand Out
I know have been thinking a lot about Your own style and if there are any exceptions for this strict dress code.
Be Stylish about standing out. A black tie event is an exception. A big one.
The best way to stand out is to follow the rules to the letter and show everyone that you’re a style connoisseur.
Let me tell you: a lot of men will shamelessly break the black tie rules, because they don’t know and, obviously, they don’t care. But you won’t, as long as you put some thought into your clothes.
The fact of the matter is, that there ARE a few ways to stand out as well.
The first one is to choose a peak lapel with your dinner jacket. The pointy nature of the lapels will give you a more confident look while still following all the black tie rules.
The second way to stand out is to forget black and go for a midnight blue.
Yes. Midnight blue.
Can you really break the rules in such a bold way as to change the entire suit color? Are we still talking about black tie?
Indeed I am. I can assure you that midnight blue is also acceptable, though not as common as black. Midnight blue is actually a very dark blue, even darker than navy blue.
And the third way to stand out is actually the easiest:
wear a white pocket square.
Most guys won’t so, why shouldn’t you?
While some stylists also recommend an ivory-colored pocket square, I say you should stick to white- play safe, so that it matches your shirt.
And the Forth style exception:
Brace yourself. The great thing about braces is that you can’t see them under your jacket. This is a lot of fun because as the night goes on and jackets are literally thrown off. It’s in your braces that you can share your personality in the ballroom.
TIP by THE TIE FOR STYLE.
Make the investment. As long as your waistline doesn't shrink or expand, a classic tuxedo or chic evening gown won't go out of style. and it's better to be remembered for being overdressed in an elegant ball gown than underdressed in a short sundress.
Question: have you ever attended a black-tie event before? What were men wearing and what were YOU wearing?
I am sure, You all know how to dress, but if You got any questions or would like to share Your images from one of the events - do not hesitate and drop me a line.:)
[email protected]