Do You Have To Wear A Hat Or Fascinator
Absolutely not. Given that black tie events typically take place in the evening, you are not required to wear a hat or fascinator which are the preserves of day time occasionwear.
That being said – do consider the complete look! The joy of black tie is that it gives you the permission to go all out, so make the most of it. An Ashley Williams-style statement hair slide, a satin Prada headband or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery would all be excellent additions to your black tie outfit.
With Schiaparelli having such a moment, you can take inspiration from the couturier and consider accessories as an integral part of the overall look. A gold breastplate, for example? A feather choker that spills out over the bodice of the dress? The world of accessories is your oyster.
What Exactly Does ‘black Tie’ Dressing Mean
For the most part, there is only one rule in fashion, and that is that there are no rules. Of course, it wasn’t always like this. Once upon a time, stringent dress codes dictated our every sartorial move and there were straightforward style guidelines for every facet of our life.
But now, for better or worse, the lines are blurring and no more so than when it comes to how to dress for the classic ‘black tie’ wedding. After all, we live in a time when sneakers and sequined gowns co-exist in one ensemble and personal style reigns supreme, so naturally it begs the question: what exactly is black tie dressing?
So, in order to decode black tie dress for women today, we consulted wedding planner Nina Ma’Belle Wiener of Nina Ma’Belle Weddings for all the dos, the don’ts and everything in between.
Scroll on for all details on how to do black tie in style.
Joseph Abboud Notch Lapel Black Label Slim Fit Tuxedo In Grey
While the wedding invitation might say black tie, it’s okay to go for another dark, neutral tone like gray or charcoal. This Joseph Abboud tux has a modern slim fit and double-pleated trousers with a satin stripe. All you have to do is add a tie, pocket square and shoes, and you’re good to go.
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Black By Vera Wang Notch Slim
Men’s Wearhouse is another one of our go-to’s for black-tie optional tuxedos and suits. If you’re leaning more toward timeless luxury, this slim-fit tuxedo by Vera Wang is a worthwhile pick. The set comes with a black tuxedo jacket accented with a grosgrain-faced lapel and matching flat-front trousers. Accessorize with a black bow tie and dress shoes to complete your luxe outfit.
Love By Theia Floral V
Rent the Runway is a great place to look for black-tie optional wedding guest dresses. The site offers beautiful designer outfits you can wear for a fraction of the price by renting instead of buying. The best part? If you really fall in love with your outfit, you can decide to buy it after. This floral wedding guest dress is suitable for celebrations all year round thanks to the richly colored botanical print.
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What Colors Are Appropriate For A Black
All colors are fair game except white, off-white, or anything else that’s even close to white. Apart from that, the only color you might want to avoid is the color the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a wannabe ‘maid if you accidentally wear the same color.
Other than that, you’re good to go. Often, people think black is a no-go for weddings, but that’s simply not the case. A floor-length black gown or a fancy little black dress are elegant, classy options that are perfectly appropriate. Red is another color that gets called into question for wedding attire, but wearing red is acceptable so long as it doesn’t call attention away from the bride. For weddings of all dress codes, jewel tones are excellent options and pastel hues are lovely for summer weddings.
Norma Kamali X Revolve Halter Turtle Size Slit Gown In Black
Sleek and sophisticated, this black-tie-approved wedding guest dress is a real stunner. With a chic mock neckline, a fitted silhouette and a tasteful side slit, you’ll look forward to wearing this sophisticated frock. Accessorize with statement earrings and sparkly heels to elevate your black-tie wedding outfit.
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What Does Black Tie Wedding Mean
Black tie attire typically refers to a formal dress code. Its usually reserved for celebratory events most often held in the evening, including galas, charity events, cocktail hours, and, of course, weddings. Its often mistaken for white tie, which is the most formal wedding attire requirement (think awards show-level dressingelaborate gowns with elegant accessories. That said, if youre invited to a black tie wedding, its going to be fancy and you should dress the part.
Boss Velvet Tuxedo Jacket In Black
If you’re attending a black-tie optional wedding in the fall or winter, what about rocking a velvet tuxedo jacket? The soft cotton velvet will add a luxurious element to your overall look. Black satin accents on the lapels and pockets offer a nice contrast to the rich velvet fabric.
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How Should I Style A Cocktail Dress
You can only wear a cocktail dress if it’s a very formal design. It can fall above the knee, but it shouldn’t get much shorter than that for a black-tie wedding. For this occasion, it’s not recommended to show too much skin. Rather, keep the hemline modest and keep any cleavage to a minimum. Steer clear of anything that looks like you’re going to a club. Instead, opt for sophisticated cocktail dresses made from rich fabric and fine details. Pair your cocktail dress with sleek heels, gorgeous jewelry, and an elegant clutch so the overall look is formal. You can’t go wrong with diamonds or pearls. You can also opt for bold statement jewelry, especially if you’re wearing a more muted dress.
Dont: Overlook Your Outerwear
All that time and effort you put into creating a perfect look can be instantly ruined by throwing on the nearest jacket as you run out the door, says Padilla. Depending on the season, women can consider a beautiful faux fur stole, shawl or tailored blazer to stay warm, and men should complement their look with a cashmere scarf, leather gloves, and/or a dark colored overcoat knee length or longer.
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Can You Wear A Short Dress To A Black
As a black-tie wedding guest, you can’t go wrong with a long formal gown . That said, it’s not your only option, especially with a modern black-tie dress code. “For women, a floor-length dress is great, but a more fancy cocktail-length dress can also work,” says Mayer. It’s acceptable to wear a tea-length dress to a black-tie wedding, so long as it feels elevated enough and hits mid-calf or below. Opt for something with elegant embellishments and stick with darker hues.
Ml Monique Lhuillier Sequin Wide
What is a black-tie optional wedding without a bit of sparkle? This glittery jumpsuit comes in a stylish multicolored hue that’ll complement a fall or winter celebration. The wide-cut leg is right on trend and would look excellent paired with a strappy stiletto or heeled sandal.
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Avoid Anything Too Revealing
A weddinga black tie wedding, for that matteris simply not the occasion to whip out your most scandalous dresseven if its a floor-length gown. Sure, weddings in the modern age are, by nature, less rigid when it comes to dress rules, but you still dont want to push the limit and wear something that could pose as offensive or distracting. If youre not sure if something is appropriate, ask a friend for their honest opinion. Still not convinced? You should probably save it for a wedding or event that doesnt come with the black tie label.
Black Tie Optional Dress Code For Women As Wedding Guests
Black tie optional can be a tricky dress code. The regular requirements for women explain the black-tie optional dress code as garment choice of long evening gown, dressy suit or shorter cocktail dress. Depending on the season and the venue, the black-tie optional dress code is subject to changes and adding a personal touch to the look, but it is still a formal event and you should always keep it to the formal and elegant looks.
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Ok But My Invitation Says Black Tie Optional
This probably seems like a particularly tricky request, but its pretty simple. For a black tie optional wedding, men can wear a tuxedo but they dont have to. However, if they dont, they should opt for a dark formal suit with a tie. Similarly, women can wear a long evening gown or a fancier suit or cocktail dress.
With a little bit of know-how and a whole lot of class, you can pull off finding the perfect attire for your upcoming black tie wedding.
Am I Required To Wear A Gown
Although evening gowns are standard fare for black-tie weddings, you can get away with a formal cocktail dress or even an elegant suit. You can wear a gown in any silhouette you like. Go all out with a trumpet or ball gown or keep it simple with a dressy sheath. Whatever style you choose, make sure you’re able to walk in it. When you wear a floor-length dress, the goal is to have the hem graze the ground. If the hem falls higher, it will look like the dress isn’t fitted properly. If the dress is longer, you’ll risk stepping on the fabric and tripping.
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What Am I Supposed To Wear For A Black
Spectacular, ground-grazing couture isnt right for a morning ceremony in fact, its considered bad form to wear evening gowns when its not, in fact, the evening which can make planning your dress for a black-tie wedding in the morning or early afternoon a bit tricky. For a morning or early afternoon ceremony, wear an elegant formal tea-length dress, or well-designed cocktail dress.
Suitshop Women’s Suit In Burgundy
Suits are also a great option for women attending black-tie optional weddings. We love this stunning burgundy pantsuit from SuitShop. It’s crafted from stretch-fit fabric for extra comfortability, while the dark burgundy shade is suitable for dressy events. Style your outfit with a chic pair of heeled sandals or bedazzled loafers.
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Kiyonna Leona Lace Gown In Pinot Noir
Such a special occasion is deserving of an equally special outfit. This elegant black-tie number comes in three formal event-ready hues: navy, wine and black. And if romantic lace, an illusion neckline and a flowy skirt aren’t enough to convince you, this plus-size evening gown also has pockets.
Black Tie Cocktail Dresses
For many black-tie events, particularly those that are less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress can make an ideal outfit choice. This option is perfect for any ladies who feel uncomfortable in a full-length gown. Just make sure you choose the right kind of cocktail dress for the event youre attending. Selecting one thats structured or elegant and that sits at the knees is always a good idea. Also, to keep your look elevated, stick to black or rich, jewel-toned colors and finish your ensemble with sophisticated jewelry, accessories, and heels.
SHOP THE LOOK
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What Should You Wear To A Black Tie Wedding
“Traditionally, it has always been a floor length evening gown, yet these days we are seeing an array of length and styles. I believe in this day and age, you can play with the length of your dress, whether it be a long dress that falls to the ground or a mid-length dress in a beautiful rich hue and luxurious fabric. Both of these are fine, just do not go above the knee,” said Nina.
“Amp up the accessories to formalise your look and if in doubt, you can always ask the couple, wedding party or close friends to help answer questions about the appropriate dress length.”
See a few of Nina’s black tie wedding-approved examples below.
Ted Baker London Tampa Slim
This black-tie optional men’s suit is ideal for your forthcoming outdoor affair. The olive green hue is a unique shade for a daytime event, such as at the beach or garden. For another plus, it’s made with soft, lightweight cotton, making it a great pick for warmer climates. Style your outfit with a white dress shirt, a simple necktie and leather loafers.
Monica Mercuri contributed to the reporting of this article.
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Do You Have To Wear A Floor
Although, historically, people have interpreted black tie to mean a floor-length evening gown, the pavement-grazing nature of your dress is not a pre-requisite for the dress code.
Black tie was invented in the Edwardian era and entailed dressing smartly for dinner and drinks functions with a start time later than 6pm. Considering that at the turn of the 20th century, essentially all women’s skirts were floor-length, be they smart or casual, this is perhaps where the assumption comes from.
It will please you to know, then, that as hem lines began to vary, so did black tie dresses for women. Assume that at its core, ‘black tie’ is synonymous with ‘formal’, though in these days of hedonism, some might propose to replace ‘formal’ with ‘fabulous.’ At the very least, though it isn’t the most formal of all dress codes, it does denote a heavy degree of fanciness.
Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, black tie in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests. Midi-to-full hemlines are your safest bet. Choose minis if you’re brazen and don’t mind being centre of attention.
If you opt for midi length, think of the classic couture shape of the 1950s nipped in at the waist with a full skirt. Its timeless and readily available on the high street right now.
What Colours Are Appropriate For A Black
All colours work of course except white, off-white, or anything else thats even close to white. Apart from that, the only colour you might want to avoid is the colour the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a member of the wedding party.
Other than that, youre good to go. Often, people think black is a no-go for weddings, but thats simply not the case. A floor-length black gown or a fancy little black dress are elegant, classy options that are perfectly appropriate. Red is another colour that gets called into question for wedding attire, but wearing red is acceptable so long as it doesnt call attention away from the bride. For weddings of all dress codes, jewel tones are excellent options especially for autumn and pastel hues are lovely for summer weddings.
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Bhldn Dylan Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress In Dark Emerald
Black-tie wedding guest attire is more versatile than you might think. This gorgeous maxi dress checks all the boxes without feeling over-the-top fancy, meaning you’ll likely be able to wear it again. Plus, the leg slit and sleek satin material add a sultry edge. Accessorize with a pair of dressy heeled sandals and a coordinating clutch.
Gowns For Black Tie Events
Gowns are the way to go for people who are not afraid to dress up and turn heads with their looks. The black tie dress code also includes floor-length gowns of luxurious fabrics and dark rich metal colors that accentuate your style and personality. You can go for a structured and fit floor-length gown with deep neck columns, ruffles at the bottom, or a backless piece the choice is yours. You can even go with a flared frock or stick with a tight silhouette.
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Lulus Molinetto Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress In Navy Blue
We’ve got plenty more black-tie optional dresses to come. Check out this formal pick from Lulus in a classic navy blue shade. Floral lace over contrasting black woven lining creates a light and airy look that still feels elegant. And with a plunging V-neck, ruffled sleeveless bodice and tiered maxi skirt, it’s a suitable dress for both daytime and evening soirées.
What Fabric Should Women Wear
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.
You can almost certainly rule out jersey, knit, cotton, corduroy, flannel, linen, denim and other distinctly casual, day-time fabrics.
The brave among you might weave in lurex, jacquard, gauze and leather and bigger design features , so long as the final look feels luxe.
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