What Do I Wear to a Black Tie Affair?

For men, a classic tuxedo complete with black cummerbund or vest, white shirt, and black bow tie should be worn at a black tie affair. Midnight blue is an acceptable alternative to black for the tux, but no other colors are really appropriate. Some men choose to add a touch of color with a jewel-toned cummerbund or pocket square, but anything other than very subtle colors or patterns should be saved for a creative black tie affair. If you are a man and you attend quite a few black tie events, you might consider purchasing a tuxedo instead of renting each time, because this might be more cost-effective overall.

Some individuals consider a black suit, white shirt, and black necktie — sometimes called a "funeral suit" — to be sufficient attire for a black tie event, but it is best to consider the nature of the event before deciding on this less-formal attire. If you cannot afford to buy or rent a tuxedo, however, this may be an acceptable alternative, especially if the invitation says "black tie requested" or "black tie preferred." There may be benefits to wearing a sharp and well-tailored suit over a poorly fitted tuxedo, but it also risks offending your hosts if they expect all male guests in tuxedos.

Women have a bit more leeway in deciding what to wear to a black tie affair, but it still should be kept formal. Long gowns are the preferred attire for these types of events, because they are both formal and elegant. The gowns do not need to be plain or boring; dresses adorned with rhinestone or beads, ones that have shaped cutouts, or gowns that have other accentuating details also can be appropriate for black tie events. You might want to avoid dresses that are too revealing, however; if you choose a strapless dress, for example, you'll want to make sure that you're comfortable moving and dancing in it without being constantly concerned that it might slip.

For most black tie affairs, women should wear their best jewelry, which typically means precious metals and stones. Jewelry should not clash with the dress; diamonds are always a good choice, as they go with anything. In addition, a good rule of thumb to follow is to balance all elements of your attire. If a gown contains beadwork or other standout features, its wearer should consider minimal accessories.

Black tie optional events still mandate formal attire, but the requirements are somewhat more relaxed. Men might opt for a tuxedo, but it is not required; a dark suit, shirt, and conservative tie can be substituted without causing offense. Women still should wear elegant dresses, although they might choose a cocktail dress or formal separates instead of a floor-length gown. No matter the attire you choose for these events, remember that they still are formal occasions, so light suits, sport coats, and semi-formal dresses or separates are not appropriate.

Creative black tie and themed black tie events are similar and involve a bit of a twist on the traditional black tie. This might involve a specific type of accessory, a piece of clothing based on a specific geographic location, or a holiday-themed wardrobe addition. You may want to take the opportunity for a man to break out the colorful cummerbund or vest, but fashion experts typically recommend not going overboard with the whimsical accessories. Stick to making just one accessory different; a pattered vest, for example, can add personality to the outfit without being distracting. Men can make other changes to the traditional tuxedo as well, such as choosing a long black or silver tie instead of a bow tie.