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This stormy blue off-the-shoulder floor-length dress is a real representative of a black-tie dress code. Fancy touches, like clutches and long gloves, suit a black tie optional look too—but as the name suggests, this level of fanciness is optional. A wristwatch does not go with conventional tails, so the recommended option is a gold pocket watch. Men can wear jewellery in the form of cufflinks or a lapel pin. For those who want to truly complete the elegant white tie look, a cane is the perfect option.
The smoking jacket is quite acceptable for a black tie event, though it is likely to make you stand out from the rest of the guests. Ultimately, it is a personal decision how much you want to stand out. These days, tuxedos and other black-tie attire are reserved for very formal events, as dress codes overall have shifted toward the casual. You may not need this knowledge often, but it’s valuable to know how to dress to impress at a black-tie function. Only the finest and most elegant footwear is suited for formal white tie dress. Thus, pumps made from fine and shiny patent leather are preferred.
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By expressing yourself within black-tie rules, you might find that dressing for formal events can be fun. Of course, there have been fashion trends in black tie – albeit subtle ones, shifting over the decades rather than from season to season. White evening gloves have become rare at modern white tie functions. Should you choose to wear gloves with your white tie ensemble then make sure they are white in color and made from fine kidskin leather. Cufflinks and studs are not optional but a must have accessory. Typically the cufflinks, shirt’s studs, and waistcoat buttons all match.
However, when it’s specifically a black tie optional event, I’d be hesitant to wear anything but black. It’s just as important to stand out for the right reasons as it is to not make the wrong style decisions. A short cocktail dress would be inappropriate at such a formal affair and could be seen as insulting to those who planned the event. As we’ve said, white-tie events are few and far between at present times, so if the president invites you to a ball, dress accordingly. For the ladies, a white tie means bringing out your most elegant full-length women’s dresses, ball gowns, and opulent jewelry. Think Cinderella and long white gloves, though white gloves are now optional in this modern era.
Dressy Casual
The other colors, deep and rich the fabric might be, would make me feel more like a pirate crashing a dinner party. It can be translated to an attire that is fancy, elegant, and glamorous, according to the party you are heading to. When some event is a black-tie, men should wear tuxedos, a white shirt, and of course, a black bow or tie. So, know that you know that casual wear is not going to work, you need to find out the perfect attire.
Similarly, formal nights on elegant transatlantic crossings suggest more conservative choices than do those on budget-priced Caribbean cruises. The Golden Age of Hollywood, when everyone knew how to dress up well, looked pretty as a petal, spoke with perfect annunciation and could all perform a glorious foxtrot. Fred Astaire in You’ll Never Get Rich shows white tie is an excellent ballroom outfit. He trots around the floor with such poise and such charisma, effortlessly complimenting Rita Hayworth’s undulating black dress.
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The choice of a long or short dress can also be vexing. Traditionally, long is more formal than short, but these distinctions are fast disappearing . The choice today is largely based on what suits the wearer, her legs and her relative age. Long is the preferred comfortable option of older women, while young girls invariably feel more suited to short.
Heels are traditional, but if you can’t or don’t want to wear them for the health of your feet, fancy flats can work. Add jewels, long gloves, clutches, and other formal accessories to elevate your look. Hair can be up or down, and makeup can be anything you want as long as it’s polished. A festive dress code is often the choice for holiday or New Year’s parties.
They were first called “dinner jackets,” as they were perfect for informal evening events . With dress codes of all kinds becoming less formal, a velvet dinner jacket is a relatively safe way to do something different with black tie. The soft lustre of the fabric lends a kind of comfortable glamour to the penguin suit. White tie waistcoats are typically white in color and made from cotton pique but off-white shades such as ivory and cream are also acceptable. You can choose between single and double breasted cuts.
For Americans, black tie means “tuxedo,” a term derived from Tuxedo Park, NY, the place where the garment was first spotted in the United States. British folks generally refer to it as a dinner jacket, and Spanish speakers use the termesmoquin (a cognate of the word “smoking,” as in “smoking jacket.”). Your trousers should match your jacket with some exceptions. For instance, you should wear regular trousers with a velvet jacket, or black trousers with a white jacket. Make sure to get your tux tailored, including the trousers, so the length and fit are just right. A slim cut strikes the perfect balance between modern and classic.
