Though strictly black-tie events may be few and far between for most men, it’s still worth knowing how to dress for them correctly. This is especially important because modern black-tie standards leave little room for deviation, making it one of the most difficult dress codes to adhere to.
That being said,it can be challenging to figure out what exactly wear, especially if you don’t even know the difference between crew socks and formal men’s over the calf socks. But don’t worry; we’re here to help. Whether it’s your first black-tie event or you simply need a quick refresher, this guide has everything you need to know about how to dress properly for a black-tie event.
The Black-Tie Dress Code, Explained
These days, black-tie attire is associated with formal and important occasions. However, this dress code was actually conceived around the 1860’s, when it used to be a more laid back country alternative to formal day wear.
That’s right—back in the day, men wore long frock coats during the day and formal evening tailcoats at night, both of which were cumbersome and uncomfortable for several reasons. This may have prompted the then-Prince of Wales to commission a short, tailless smoking jacket and trousers that were suitable for evening wear in 1865. By the time the Prince was crowned King Edward VII of the United Kingdom in 1901, the style was already established under the name “dinner jacket” and became de rigeur for men belonging to the middle and upper classes.
Today, a black-tie dress code indicates a high level of formality, second only to the white-tie dress code. As such, a traditional black-tie dinner suit is composed of several key elements, detailed below:
- Dinner Jacket. Also known as the tuxedo in the United States, the dinner jacket should be made with black or midnight blue wool, wool-mohair, or a wool-polyester fabric. White may be used if you’re attending an event during the warmer months or in a country with a tropical climate. The jacket’s lapels should be made with silk—no exceptions.
- The trousers should be dark, fitted, and match well with the jacket. Additionally, a single silk or satin braid should cover the outer seams.
- Dress Shirt. The black-tie shirt or dress shirt is traditionally a pleated one with a turn down collar, though the winged collar style is also acceptable.When it comes to the sleeves, they should have holes for cuff links to pass through. Lastly, your shirt should be white; no other colors are acceptable.
- Bow Tie. Black tie attire traditionally calls for the inclusion of a bow tie instead of a necktie. Preferably, it should be made of silk and match the jacket lapels.
- Dress Shoes. Complete the look with a pair of patent leather Oxford dress shoes. These should be worn with men’s dressy socks so as not to break the resulting silhouette.
What Are the Modern Rules for Black-Tie Dressing?
Despite the occasions associated with black-tie attire, this dress code is still semi-formal by definition. Sartorial standards have also grown more lenient in recent years, allowing modern gentlemen to experiment and tweak their clothing to their preferences. With that in mind, here’s how you can jazz up your black-tie outfit for the twenty-first century:
Accessorize
At the very least, you should own at least one dress watch that you reserve especially for formal occasions. It doesn’t have to be an expensive investment piece, either. In fact, a simple and minimalist watch that compliments your suit will do just fine.
You should also have a good pair of cuff links to secure the cuffs of your dress shirt. When tailored properly, your cuffs will extend past your dinner jacket, so pick out nice links that you’ll be proud to show off.
Break Away from Black
If you have the courage to pull it off, going with a color other than black or midnight blue for your dinner jacket is acceptable in the modern age. Be sure that you take the spirit of the event into account before reaching for a patterned or bold-colored jacket, though, or you may end up looking too informal.
Get Groomed
Think of black-tie events as rare opportunities to really make an effort with your appearance. If you have long hair, pull it up and off your face. Don’t forget to groom your facial hair with a close shave or a trim before the event. Lastly, complete the look by picking an appropriate perfume. Wearing the right scent can make a significant impact on how others perceive you, after all.
Black-tie events encompass the most important moments of one’s life, whether it’s a wedding, a milestone birthday celebration, or an awards ceremony. It’s therefore worth the effort to make sure that you look sharp for these unforgettable events.