Dress Code Decoded: What to Wear to a Black-tie Event

A glossy invitation has landed on your doormat – and the dress code says black tie. But what should you wear to a black-tie event and, just as importantly, what should you not wear? Put simply, black tie is a rare chance to get dressed up to the nines. It’s a formal way of dressing for special events – whether that's a black-tie wedding, milestone birthday party, dinner or award ceremony. Men don tuxedos or dinner jackets with traditional satin peaked lapels and a bow tie. Women tend to wear long dresses, usually below the knee or floor length, in an evening-appropriate fabric: think velvet, silk, satin or lace. Despite the name, a black-tie dress doesn’t necessarily have to be black.

When it comes to what not to wear to a black-tie event, avoid lounge suits (the kind that might be worn to the office). Anything casual, like trainers, polo shirts, or shorts, are also an immediate no-go.

Think black-tie, and you probably imagine a man wearing a tuxedo. Some pieces are simply non-negotiable when it comes to men’s black-tie dressing, including a jacket with satin lapels, a smart dress shirt and a bow tie. We offer a range of fits in our tuxedos, including skinny, slim and regular, so you’re sure to find a shape that suits you.

If the event is very formal, you’re best off sticking to the tried-and-true colour combination of a black tuxedo and bowtie, worn with a white dress shirt. However, if there’s a chance to be a bit more playful, you can experiment with different colour combinations. A midnight blue jacket obeys all the rules of black-tie dressing but feels fresh and modern.

Accessories can add a touch of personality to your black-tie look, like this polka dot pocket square. Shoes should always be smart: you can’t go wrong with Oxford shoes.