Black Tie Dresses, Black Tie Formal Gala Gowns

Table of Content

• Bright Hand Beaded Sequin Dress / Abstract Red Pink and Purple Sequined Trophy Dress by Black Tie Oleg Cassini
• Adhere to Basic Black Tie Formal Wedding Etiquette Rules
• Give yourself time
• Start Time
• Reformation Veria Silk Dress

Black-tie dress codes do not require women to wear black. Black is timeless and classic and can be worn to these events. A black evening dress with simple pearl jewelry and a updo will make you feel glamorous. Other colors are also possible, but it is best to stick with neutral colors. Be sure to pay attention to details and how your outfit fits.

Same goes for the Midnight Pin Dot tuxedo, though this is definitely a more restrained choice. Patterns like tartan and gingham might seem a little intimidating, but putting together any of these looks isn’t complicated, and the reward is high. Tartan has an especially festive vibe—those lovely Scottish intangibles. Go full pattern , or combine a patterned jacket with solid pants .

Bright Hand Beaded Sequin Dress / Abstract Red Pink and Purple Sequined Trophy Dress by Black Tie Oleg Cassini

A long black tie column gown can be styled with gloves and a headpiece for an extra formal style. You will also want to choose a formal hairstyle, bag, and shoes to complete your black-tie outfit with the right finishing touches. Find Jovani at a store near you and choose any style in stock or make a back order. Our official sellers offer you amazing services as you choose. Feel like you belong with the stars in a scuba or tulle gown to suit your apple body type and eyes or any other personal preference. Shop markdown and sale items, or our fresh new arrivals online and get your purchase delivered to your home.

You can never go wrong with a classic black formal gown. However for Summer you can get away with a brighter color as long as it doesn’t upstage the bride, unless you no longer want to be friends. I’ve included formal gowns that would work for galas, formal events, balls, new years parties and super glam date nights. However, watch out not to pick a dress that is too short. Knee or just above the knee length would be just perfect for black-tie events.

Adhere to Basic Black Tie Formal Wedding Etiquette Rules

So try to buy neutral, dark colors that can work with any dress, such as black, white, golden, etc. You can also go with different styles, such as a plain satin clutch or a beaded clutch. An embellished clutch enhances the look of your dress if the jewelry is simple.

You can select from a variety of necklines, such as sweetheart, strapless and halter. This gives you a wide range of options to flatter your figure. A formal gown may also have a long train, sleeves or an over-skirt for added drama. You can find many ruched designs, chiffon gowns, and voluminous tulle pieces. Understand "black tie optional." Like preferred, optional suggests that the event is formal, but you have a bit more flexibility about what you choose to wear.

Give yourself time

“If the ceremony takes place at an elegant salon, you can mirror chandeliers by wearing intricate earrings,” she notes. Suits are an essential component in the modern gentleman's wardrobe. You’ll want to explore what does and doesn’t fly under the blanket term Black Tie Dress Code to make sure you’re comfortable with your eventual choice of gown. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.

You could also opt for a simple black dress or black pantsuit accessorized with elegant statement jewelry and a pair of sleek heels. While you often see these worn by celebs at awards shows, the style was actually designed as a sub for black tuxedos a long, long time ago, in a haberdashery far, far way. And it’s still a perfectly worthy, alternative, and follows black tie dress code etiquette. But this is still a black tux, so it’s still a smart choice for a modern black tie dress code.

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Apart from the white-tie dress code, black-tie is apparently more common. Some women don’t even own floor-length dresses, and it is a problem for them to choose one. No problem, since a black-tie event allows you to wear a cocktail dress as well.

To help you dress with confidence for your next fancy party, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about formal attire for women. Black tie wedding decor is all about opulence, glamor, charm, and elegance. The main colors for this event are black and white, but accents like silver, gold, and pastels are beautiful additions. If you’re opting for plated dining, it’s even more beautiful because you’ll be saving money while giving guests the best. With plated dining, guests all eat the same entrée, but there’s a silent vegan option present. You can also play around with colors in your veggies to complement your fish and meat.

Black-Tie Optional Wedding Attire For Men And Women

Table of Content

• Jovani 03331 Embroidered Skirt A-line Dress
• Jovani 3376 Godet Skirt Trumpet-Style Dress
• Black-Tie Attire for Women
• ? What are the most beautiful Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses near me?
• Vintage Black Tie by He-ro Industries Sequin Party Dress

Formal shirts are crafted with various options for buttons and cuffs so that you can select the most comfortable formal shirt option. Believe it or not, you can wear floral prints to black tie weddings. The playful flower embroidery over the sheer chiffon brings a decided level of delicate elegance. If you don’t own one, rent one—with all the standard tux accessories.

Unless the invitation calls for a casual dress code, it’s unlikely for someone to notice if you’re slightly overdressed at a black tie event. However, remember that this isn’t an opportunity to upstage the bride . By adhering to the dress code, you’re demonstrating your respect to the couple and their wishes on their big day. Many couples decide on an elegant dress code such as black-tie wedding attire.

Jovani 03331 Embroidered Skirt A-line Dress

With various color options to choose from, this dress is appropriate for a black-tie affair at any time of the year. The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are. If you're very close or related to the couple , you may choose to spend more—about $150 per guest (or $200 from a couple). But despite their best efforts, 17 per cent of married people believe they suffered some bad luck on their wedding day.

Any type of event can be formal by wearing a tuxedo or suit to match your venue's theme, for example. Black-tie events simply require more preparation and expense than other types of events. With a soft wrap neckline and draped maxi skirt, this satin charmeuse dress is so glamorous. Guests should do their best to adhere to the bride and groom’s wishes regarding the event’s dress code. It is perfectly acceptable for couples to ask their guests to dress formally for their ceremony and reception.

Jovani 3376 Godet Skirt Trumpet-Style Dress

Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords. However, a fancy cocktail dress might also be appropriate if the wedding party is similarly dressed. The length of your dress shouldn’t be too short, however, as that may not be appropriate for grown women at a black tie optional wedding.

If you’re the exception and have quite a few black-tie events coming up, investing in a tuxedo can save money in the long run. Many men’s clothiers sell tuxedos, although purchasing online is also an option. Be sure to order it well in advance of your black-tie wedding so that you can make exchanges if necessary.

Black-Tie Attire for Women

Stick to dusty pastels for day weddings and deeper tones for the evening. Our collection of formal dresses includes everything from black tie wedding attire to gala dresses. Take advantage of the opportunity to get all dressed up and wear something glamorous like a sequined maxi dress. On the other hand, we also love the idea of a sleek satin dress for a formal affair.

The shawl collar lapel further separates this look from more familiar styles. 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.

To accessorize your look, consider diamonds if they suit your budget. In the absence of those, wear moissanite or zirconia earrings, bracelets, and neckpieces. Don’t wear wristwatches, especially when you’re rocking a gown unless it looks like a fancy bracelet. If you’re on a budget, target the sales period of your best designers. The reception should feature a black and white table cover set with greenery table runners and silverware.

Formal attire is definitely defined as a full-length gown, very fancy cocktail attire from dresses to a really glamorous pantsuit. When it comes to the men, formal wedding attire means a tuxedo. The only time a tuxedo is not required is when it's black-tie optional. If you love the look and feel of a tuxedo, you’d be perfectly at home wearing one to a black tie optional wedding.

Black Tie Dresses, Black Tie Formal Gala Gowns

Table of Content

• Scala SILK Dress Small Black Vintage Glam Beaded Strapless Backless Full Length Gown Lined High Low Elegant Evening Black Tie
• The Best Athletic Fit T Shirt
• What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding (FAQs)

Meanwhile, white or light blue dress shirts are typically appropriate for a formal cocktail event. Furthermore, dress shirts with French double cuffs will dress up your presentation a lot, and we suggest them highly for cocktail attire. There are no specific guidelines for hair and makeup when it comes to a black tie wedding. That said, you don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed and put on a fancy dress. If you’re a hair-and-makeup type of person, consider this your chance to go all out—a strong red lip, smokey eye, fancy chignon, you name it. If the wedding is a black tie affair, your wedding invitation will expressly say that.

Select PayPal Credit at checkout to have the option to pay over time. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. If you’ve read this guide then you probably know already that a tuxedo would be ideal. However, we’re very much aware that what’s ideal and what’s a reality doesn’t always converge!

Scala SILK Dress Small Black Vintage Glam Beaded Strapless Backless Full Length Gown Lined High Low Elegant Evening Black Tie

If you’re wondering how to polish your shoes then check out the video below for all you need to know. For more style tips, book your free personalised consultation with us today. For more photos of our black tie clothing, click here. Some men accompany their jacket with a white, tasseled scarf called an opera scarf or with suede gloves in dark gray or black.

Black-tie events are not restricted to the UK or US; as the world continues to grow into a global village, there will be similarities in trends and traditions. Fashion is one of those trends that has consistently infiltrated several cultures and people. Sportcoats – Sportcoats fail miserably to exude the right level of sophistication for the black-tie event.

The Best Athletic Fit T Shirt

It is traditionally made from silk or satin and typically worn with a tuxedo or single-breasted dinner suit for a formal appearance. To wear one, all you need to do is place it around the lower half of your waist and fasten it securely at the back. Also, note that if your bow tie is a color other than black, your cummerbund should match. Women have more flexibility in their style of dress when it comes to a black tie affair. The main requirement is that the dress or skirt should be floor length. Anything shorter is considered to be semi-formal and not appropriate for the affair.

Black SuitCharcoal SuitNavy SuitYour suit should always be very dark at a Black-Tie Optional event to approximate the formality of the black tuxedos you’ll be seeing. Wearing a black suit to a Black-Tie Optional event is an acceptable choice, just so long as you don’t try to make it look like an imitation tuxedo by pairing it with a black bow tie. A black-tie optional dress code gives guests a couple of formal options to choose from. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit.

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding (FAQs)

With Creative Black Tie, you are free to digress from the traditional in one or two elements of your outfit. This is the dress code, in other words, where elements of the standard Black Tie can commingle to some extent with elements of conventional business wear. A boutonniere is an excellent accessory to add color and life to a formal ensemble, and the same applies for a Black-Tie Optional outfit. Something understated and in a light color is going to be the ideal choice. When worn with an elegant French-cuffed shirt, cufflinks are an excellent accessory for a Black-Tie Optional occasion.

A single-breasted suit is perfectly acceptable as Black-Tie Optional Attire as its simple silhouette will call to mind the elegant lines of a dinner jacket. If desired, you may also wear a waistcoat in matching fabric. If you’re not wearing a black suit then, charcoal and deep navy are also excellent choices. It's important to treat black tie events with a certain amount of formality, consideration, and respect.

Shop markdown and sale items, or our fresh new arrivals online and get your purchase delivered to your home. This will include a range of occasions dresses to complement a variety of body shapes, skin tones, and personal styles. For petite figures, an a-line gown is a great option and will highlight your waist.

Pleats are common but avoid them if you’re wearing a cummerbund. When you’re attending such an event then following the dress code and being in a black-tie attire is a sign of respect to the party host. A black, dark blue, or charcoal suit is a good place to start.

Black Tie Dress Etiquette

Table of Content

• Is it OK to wear black to a black tie wedding?
• Don’t: Watch The Clock
• Black Tie Dress Code
• A Vest or Waistcoat
• Black Tie Attire for Women

In the winter, you can also add a formal overcoat to your look. In all seasons, impeccably groomed hair and facial hair is crucial. Elyse Hauser is a freelance and creative writer from the Pacific Northwest, and an MFA student at the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop. She specializes in lifestyle writing and creative nonfiction.

Men can tone down the seriousness of a tuxedo by opting for a dark-colored suit on a crisp white dress shirt. A black tie optional dress code can be confusing for even the most fashionable of us. For your dress shirt, white would be your safest bet.

Is it OK to wear black to a black tie wedding?

Make sure to dress appropriately for the venue and attire specified. Time was when guys just wore tuxedos all the time—they were called dinner jackets then, and personally, I have dinner like… every single day. Hosts often use this terminology if they would like to put on a very formal party but wish not to exclude guests who may not be able to afford a tuxedo.

?? He is family, if he looks nice is anyway going to care? When selecting a suit for my black tie optional event the fellow in store recommended a mid lightness grey birds eye suit with some nice texture. Along with that he recommended some black Venetian loafers like what you have mentioned, black silk tie, white shirt, black leather belt and black pocket square same material as the tie. I love the suit but am wondering if I’ll stick out. For boys, garden party attire for a wedding means wearing dress pants or chinos and a dress shirt. You can also add a jacket or a vest to match the dress pants.

Don’t: Watch The Clock

If you wear a straight tie with a tuxedo, it may give the impression that you’re not very comfortable and don’t want to commit to the attire. Hmmmm, British Tan is a little too light for navy if you ask me. Although black shoes would be ideal, darker browns such as Cordovan or Oxblood would be acceptable. However, when it’s specifically a black tie optional event, I’d be hesitant to wear anything but black.

The Red Sea region, whose heat and humidity were so oppressive that wearing full formal dress was physically impossible. A simple rule of thumb when putting together a black-tie wedding outfit might be to ask yourself, “What would I wear if I were invited to the Golden Globes? Stick with these guidelines, and you’ll be sure to blend right in at your next black-tie optional event.

Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie is a dress code that requires men to wear a dinner jacket with matching trousers, a pleated white shirt, black formal shoes, and a bow tie. Optionally, men can also wear a cummerbund or a waistcoat. Wearing black tie attire is also a mark of respect to the party host. You’ll typically wear a simple white dress shirt and a black bow tie. Make sure to pick a formal dress shirt with holes for cufflinks—this isn’t your everyday button-down. If the dress code says “creative black tie,” you can wear a black dress shirt, a red bow tie, or some other trendy variation.

Plus, plunging temperatures means we have the perfect excuse to break out some of our cozier furnishings and make new homemade throw blankets and pillows. Looking for a way to supplement your time at pumpkin patches and football tailgates this autumn? Stay busy with our creative fall décor crafts that can double as festive decorations all season long. A black-tie event is a formal occasion requiring you to come dressed to the teeth in fancy formal attire. Instead, it simply means the couple is leaving the door open; you can choose to pull out all the stops synonymous with black tie attire or decide to dial things down a bit. Velvet slippers are also a good choice of shoes for a black-tie outfit.

Dark, Not Necessarily Black, Suit

Pair it with wedges and a tote bag to keep up with the slightly serious vibe. Unless you’re never, ever going to wear it again, then hiring a DJ is a false economy. And if it’s a special occasion, you want to look – and feel – right. Your shirt should also be double-cuffed and secured by cufflinks, not buttons.

If you’re not looking to invest in a pair of tuxedo shoes then just make sure whatever you opt for has a high shine finish. It just looks more premium and suits this dress code a lot more than rugged-looking brogues or derby shoes. However, the downside of buying a wing-tipped shirt is the fact that you will only really be able to wear it when you go to a black tie event.

Black-Tie Optional Wedding: What It Means & What To Wear

Table of Content

• Black Tie Dress Code
• Love by Theia Floral V-Neck Gown in Multicolor Floral Chiffon
• What Exactly Does A 'Smart Casual' Wedding Dress Code Mean?

She specializes in lifestyle writing and creative nonfiction. This printed crepe de chine dress by Valentino Garavani comes with defiant dose of retro glamour. Alexander McQueen is an expert in those breathtaking designs and this dress ticks all the boxes.

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. 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.

Black Tie Dress Code

So technically, there are no specifics for what women should wear, and rightly so. This outfit screams smart casual because it looks good without being too formal. The guy in question is wearing a t-shirt with a blazer on over the top to dress it up a little bit.

But no one wants to be the person who over-or under-dresses. We all know black tie means formal, but it also leaves plenty of room for interpretation. A creative black tie is best described as attire with a black-tie foundation with room for some creativity and flair.

Love by Theia Floral V-Neck Gown in Multicolor Floral Chiffon

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Cocktail dresses have the name to show their rightful place in this dress code. Women can choose to wear shorter dresses rather than floor-length gowns, but you can also select an appropriate blouse and skirt combination. You can play up this look with glittery earrings and dressy pumps. Women can choose anything from a formal evening gown to a fancy pantsuit. Sophisticated cocktail dresses are also an option, and either heels or chic flats are appropriate. To keep warm at weddings during chilly weather, ladies can drape a wrap around their arms or add a faux fur shawl or statement coat.

What Exactly Does A 'Smart Casual' Wedding Dress Code Mean?

When an invitation requests formal attire for women, it’s a fun opportunity to dress in your best and enjoy a special event. March 22, 2022 Seeing “black-tie” on an invite can cause many of us to shudder. You don’t want to be underdressed, but you also don’t want to show up to the affair in a formal gown when everyone else is wearing a chic cocktail dress. Business professional for men typically refers to a dark-colored suit and tie.

In these summer travel outfits, I wore a polka dot jumpsuit, a bright pink jumpsuit, and a bright yellow polka dot jumpsuit. Men can choose to wear a tie or a bowtie, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear one. Black-tie events — like a wedding or gala — are the most formal kind of event, usually taking place in the evening, requiring men to wear tuxedos and women to don gowns. Be yourself and pick out what you feel like is most YOU.

What is considered business attire for a man?

Wondering what to wear to a black-tie wedding on or by the beach? Opt for this breezy floor-length gown with a show-stopping lace-up back. Wear yours with a pair of wedges and your hair in loose waves for the ultimate seaside look. The average age for men and women to get married is in their late 20s, and people in their 20s and 30s attend more weddings of their peers than most. That means figuring out wedding guest attire early on is crucial.

You need to make sure to spend enough time to put the whole ensemble together. Read our guide on “How to Style Petite Formal Long Dresses“. Here is the most common types of wedding dress codes that you might find on the wedding invitation and what you should know about each type.

Plus Size Black-Tie Event Dresses Special Occasion Gowns

Table of Content

• What Exactly Does Black Tie Mean?
• Formal Dresses
• What to Wear to a Formal Wedding (Black-Tie Optional)
• Complete Guide to Black Tie Dresses for Women - What to Wear?

This includes any hues on the white spectrum—off-white, cream, ivory, eggshell, vanilla, etc. The only person attending the wedding who is allowed to wear white is the bride . If you identify as non-binary, the traditional guidelines of a black tie wedding may seem a bit harder to apply. However, feel confident that as long as you stick to a formal option, you’ll be wearing the right outfit. You can wear a floor-length gown, a creative suit in a luxe material, or even opt for a sleek jumpsuit in a jewel tone. Have fun with it and wear whatever you feel is fancy but also makes sense for you.

Our shirts are of good quality and come in a wide variety of sizes based on weight and height. You are more likely to get a perfect fit here than anywhere else. Ladies, on the other hand, do not have to stick with dark-colored dresses. Whatever your outfit, you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of heels. But if you’d rather not, then a fancy pair of flats or ankle boots could pass as well. If you ?choose to opt for another color of shoes, be careful that they’re formal enough to complement your suit and the entire look.

What Exactly Does Black Tie Mean?

As discussed above, the black tie dress code does not mean that you only have to wear black, but usually, most people opt for this color. Because it suits every skin and body type, and you will end up looking gorgeous no matter what. Black also makes a statement and looks elegant; this timeless color is perfect for formal events, and you won’t even have to shop too much to find a formal black dress.

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Formal Dresses

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 always add a few conservative accessories to your dark suit ensemble for black tie optional events. Avoid wild socks and novelty braces if you dont want to look out of place.

Just as a warning, Muslim Senegalese may also be offended by ... Trousers for a formal outfit should match your suit jacket unless you opt for a velvet jacket that you should pair with a black pair of trousers. Ensure that the trousers are hemmed and shouldn't be too long or too short. It is considered uncouth to wear a black-tie outfit without socks.

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding (Black-Tie Optional)

Keep it classic or throw in some personal touches with a colorful pocket square, socks, tie pin, or similar. This point is particularly important to remember for non-binary individuals who might feel left out by the traditional, gendered dress codes that are typical at a formal wedding. Nowadays there are a lot of options, ranging from more gender-fluid alternatives, such as elegant jumpsuits and pantsuits, to trendy, more high-fashion gowns.

For daytime events, a silk or linen suit is an excellent option. A formal summertime wedding doesn't allow you to wear an open collar dress shirt or even the most expensive t-shirt. Still, even with more relaxed venues , if the couple chose a cocktail dress code, it means a jacket and tie are a must no matter what.

Complete Guide to Black Tie Dresses for Women - What to Wear?

Most of us don’t have “black tie attire” hanging at the ready in our closets—some of us don’t even know what that means. A small step above semi-formal, though not as formal as black-tie optional or black-tie, cocktail attire is a popular dress code choice. It's a balance between elegant and comfortable and typically more formal than a day wedding but more casual than a night celebration. Instead of a floor-length dress, women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress. Men are required to wear a suit and tie, regardless of the wedding's setting.

For petite figures, an a-line gown is a great option and will highlight your waist. To flaunt your curves, a mermaid dress is an on-trend choice. This includes a flared end but is otherwise form-fitting and body con. This means you can select from gorgeous shades such as blush, champagne, and burgundy.

Men'S Tuxedos & Black Tie Suits Moss Bros

Table of Content

• Only wear a cocktail dress if it’s very formal.
• Do: Have a perfectly tailored look
• Smart Casual
• The Skincare You Should Be Applying In The Day Vs. Night, According To An Expert

Examples of these “casual” fabrics and weaves include cotton twill weaves, tweed, linen, and corduroy. While it’ll still be clear that you aren’t wearing a tuxedo, it’ll at least make it clear that you’ve made some sort of an effort to dress up for the occasion. If you've been invited to a black-tie wedding and are struggling to figure out what to wear, we're here to help. The downside to renting is usually drop-off times, especially if you’re traveling and rent at your final destination. Returning your tux before an early Sunday morning flight may prove difficult.

Consequently, formal shoes have a distinctly slipper-like appearance. Black tie is traditionally only supposed to be worn after 6pm. (The clue’s in the alternative name ‘eveningwear’.) White jackets are for warmer climes, not the day.

Only wear a cocktail dress if it’s very formal.

It’s essentially cocktail party attire with a seasonal and festive holiday touch. A creative black tie is best described as attire with a black-tie foundation with room for some creativity and flair. It maintains black tie formality but allows for the use of textures, colors, and accessories to personalize your look. Black-tie optional attire is completely dependent on the season and venue.

In particular, grey flannel suiting has been worn very widely since the 1930s. In non-business settings or less-formal business contexts, brown is another important colour; olive also occurs. In summer, lighter shades such as tan or cream are popular. Suits are offered in different designs and constructions. Cut and cloth, whether two- or three-piece, single- or double-breasted, vary, in addition to various accessories. A two-piece suit has a jacket and trousers; a three-piece suit adds a waistcoat.

Do: Have a perfectly tailored look

Without a cummerbund, you will need five studs. A formal shirt front can have a placket with formal studs showing or a clean fly front, which doesn’t require formal studs and hides the buttons. Besides color, the texture of the base cloth is also a way to distinguish yourself from others and provide a real custom look to your black-tie attire. Regardless of the material or color chosen, formal socks must be calf height. There is probably no better way to ruin a formal outfit than by flashing bare shins when you sit or cross your legs.

This is one of the few occasions in life when women have it easier. There’s even a book on the topic by fashion writer Laird Borrelli-Persson aptly called The Cocktail Dress, which discusses in detail the dress that inspired the code. A semi-formal dress code is best described as being more formal than what you would wear to an office, but slightly less formal than what you would wear to a formal event. Do keep in mind that if the event is later than 6 in the evening, you’ll want to err on the side of formality.

Smart Casual

Knowing how to wear a cummerbund is simple as all you’ll need to do is tie around the bottom half of your waist and fasten it at the back. If you’ve opted for a bow tie in a different colour to black then your cummerbund should match. Your first step on the way to a clear idea of what to wear to a wedding is discovering the wedding’s dress code. This sounds simple, but it’s not always as easy as just reading the invitation. Dress codes are often written using obscure language or are only mentioned on additional invitation cards or the wedding website.

It’s the type of thing you’d wear to work on your average day. If you just got invited to a wedding or a pre-wedding affair that requests black-tie wedding attire, here’s your go-to guide to the dos and don’ts so you’re nothing short of dressed to impress. Wear shined leather dress shoes and a matching belt, with dress socks to match your suit. 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. Wear your heels or dressy flats, and don’t be shy with accessories. These are typically evening events, so you can go big with statement jewelry and makeup.

While it’s considered a relatively dark shade of blue, it should be seen as a spectrum. Navy suits are no exception and simply wouldn’t be appropriate. What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner as a Guest of the Happy Couple Stuck on what to wear to an upcoming wedding rehearsal? It seems that you can do just about anything with the internet at your fingertips, and renting a tux is one of them. Many businesses specialize in formalwear rentals, so be sure to select a longstanding one with a good reputation. The few hours in between is an opportunity for guests to rest and freshen up while the wedding party gets photographs taken.

With a single-breasted suit, the buttons are usually unfastened while sitting down to avoid an ugly drape. A double-breasted suit is often able to be left buttoned, to avoid the difficulty of constantly redoing the inner button (the "anchor button") when standing up. Although the sleeve buttons usually cannot be undone, the stitching is such that it appears they could. Functional cuff buttons may be found on high-end or bespoke suits; this feature is called a surgeon's cuff and "working button holes" (U.S.).