A black tie event requires men to dress formally in a dinner jacket and matching trousers, a white formal dress shirt, a black bow tie, black patent shoes and dark socks. This is a traditional outfit for formal evening occasions such as galas, weddings, and balls.
A formal dress code can be challenging to get right, but don’t panic – we are here to help. The tailors at Phillip Alexander have put together this guide on what you should wear to a black-tie event to help you decide what to wear.
What is a black tie dress code?
Black tie is a popular dress code for formal dinners, parties, balls, and weddings, which start after 5 pm (or start earlier but continue late into the night).
Black tie is one of the most formal dress codes, and the only step above black tie is white tie. Read our blog, ‘What is the difference between white tie and black tie?’, to learn more.
How do you dress for a black tie event?
Black tie attire for men should consist of a dark dinner jacket (ideally black) and matching trousers.
Dinner jackets are also called tuxedos, especially in America, and they’re famous for their unique shawl lapels and satin elements. Tuxedo trousers typically have satin detailing to match the jacket.
A dinner jacket should be paired with a black bow tie (hence the name of the dress code) and a white dress shirt for a formal, elegant look. Black socks and black patent leather shoes complete the ensemble.
Your invitation might simply state ‘black tie’, but there are also a couple of other dress codes you might see.
Black tie optional
If you’ve been invited to a black tie optional event, you have the freedom to choose between a dinner jacket or a formal dark suit. Although wearing a dinner jacket is still preferable so you can show off your sense of formal style, it’s not mandatory.
A formal black, navy or other dark-coloured suit paired with a dress shirt and plain-coloured tie will work just as well, especially if you don’t own a tuxedo and aren’t in a position to purchase one.
Creative black tie
Unlike black tie optional, a dinner jacket is mandatory with this dress code. However, you can be a lot more creative with your styling and colour choices than with the standard black tie dress code.
Traditionally, black is the most appropriate colour for a dinner jacket, but creative black tie allows you to stray from tradition. You could opt for a more colourful tuxedo jacket, such as maroon, dark green or white, or stick with a black suit jacket paired with a patterned bow tie or bright vest to add a pop of colour to your outfit.
Men’s black tie checklist
- Black tuxedo / dinner jacket
- Matching tuxedo trousers with satin stripe
- White formal dress shirt
- Black bow tie
- Black patent leather shoes
- Dark dress socks
- Optional: Cummerbund or waistcoat
- Optional: Pocket square (white)
What not to wear to a black tie event
You should avoid casual clothing or sportswear at all costs, and unless it’s black tie optional, you should always wear a formal dinner jacket instead of a standard suit.
You’ll also want to avoid wearing bright or flashy colours and stick to simple and classic combinations. Black is the most traditional option, but you can also opt for white, navy, dark green or burgundy dinner jackets, especially if the invite specifies creative black tie.
What to wear to a black tie wedding
What does a black tie wedding mean?
Receiving a black tie wedding invitation signals you’ll be attending a highly elegant and formal event that demands you dress your absolute best. Male black tie wedding guests should wear a suitable dinner jacket and matching trousers.
If this is your first time attending a formal black-tie event, you might need to purchase a dinner suit or hire one for the occasion. Whether you’re wearing a dinner jacket you already own, purchasing one, or hiring one for the occasion, you should ensure that it’s well-tailored and fits you perfectly to ensure a distinguished and formal look.
How to dress for a black tie wedding
When it comes to choosing your dinner jacket, black is a classic option and the perfect choice for weddings. The last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself in a brightly coloured tuxedo and risk upstaging the groom.
Alternatively, dark blue or navy dinner jackets can help you stand out from the other guests without detracting from the wedding party or man of honour.
Whatever black tie outfit you wear, you should opt for a tailored garment to ensure a precise and flattering fit.
Black tie suits from Phillip Alexander
The best way to ensure you look the part at a black tie event is to invest in a tailored dinner suit crafted by an experienced tailor. A professional tailor will be able to offer styling advice and guidance to ensure you look your very best.
With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row in London, Phillip Alexander offers a range of tailoring services, including bespoke suits and tailored suit hire.
If you are interested in buying or hiring one of our tailored dinner jackets or tuxedos, contact us today to request an appointment.
