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EXPERT ADVICE
Be the best dressed guest with our ultimate guide to black-tie dressing for him, her, and the kids
Black tie dressing explained
A glossy invitation has landed on your doormat – and the dress code says black tie. But what exactly does a black-tie dress code mean? What should you wear to a black-tie event and, just as importantly, what should you not wear? We’re here to help. Put simply, black tie is a rare chance to get dressed up to the nines. It’s a formal way of dressing for special events – you might be lucky enough to be invited to a black-tie wedding, milestone birthday party, dinner, or award ceremony. Men don tuxedos or dinner jackets with traditional satin peaked lapels, and a bowtie. Women tend to wear long dresses, usually below the knee or floor length, in an evening-appropriate fabric: think velvet, silk, satin, and lace. Despite the name, a black-tie dress doesn’t necessarily have to be black.
Men can also experiment with tuxedos in other colours: navy and green are popular alternatives to classic black. When it comes to what not to wear to a black-tie event, lounge suits (the kind that might be worn to the office) should be avoided and shirts, shoes, and trousers should be formal. Anything casual, like trainers, polo shirts, or shorts, are an immediate no-go. The black-tie dress code for women is more flexible, but short dresses and anything too revealing should be avoided.
Dance the night away in black-tie event dresses
We’ve got good news: black-tie dress codes tend to be broader for women. That means it’s a good opportunity to have some fun with your wardrobe and experiment with something new, although we’d recommend nothing shorter than knee length. If you want to keep things classic, a floor skimming dress will always feel suitably elegant for a black-tie event. We love brands such as Ghost London, Gina Bacconi, and Monsoon for polished and sophisticated black-tie maxi dresses. There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to print and colour for black-tie dresses, so you can take your pick from bold florals, jewel tones, and eye-catching prints. 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. If dresses aren’t your thing, why not try wearing a sharp suit instead?
Channel your inner Bond in a tuxedo
Think black-tie, and you probably imagine a man wearing a tuxedo. Some pieces are simply non-negotiable when it comes to men’s black-tie dressing, including a jacket with satin lapels, a smart dress shirt, and a bowtie. We offer a range of fits in our tuxedos, including slim, regular, and tailored, so you’re sure to find a shape that suits you. If the event is very formal, you’re best off sticking to the tried-and-true colour combination of a black tuxedo and bowtie, worn with a white dress shirt. However, if there’s a chance to be a bit more playful, you can experiment with different colour combinations. A midnight blue look, as pictured above, obeys all the rules of black-tie dressing but feels fresh and modern. Accessories can add a touch of personality to your black-tie look, like this polka dot pocket square. Shoes should always be smart: you can’t go wrong with Oxford shoes.
How to dress kids for a black-tie event
There’s nothing cuter than when the kids put on their smartest outfits (although inevitably, they will spill something down it within five minutes.). If your black-tie invite extends to the whole family, you can stick to the same rules as for the grownups: longer dresses and smart suits. For the littlest guests, this two-piece outfit comes with a bowtie and is made from a soft material to keep them comfy on long evenings We love Monsoon for kids’ occasionwear: this kids’ four-piece-suit is the perfect choice for black tie events and the dresses are beautifully made. You might need to slip some activities or toys into your evening bag to keep them occupied, so check out our range of toys here.
Words: Emily Sutherland
