How to Dress for a Black-Tie Affair: For Men & Women
- Isabella Boston
- Feb 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Black-Tie Attire Guide
Last updated January 23, 2026, by Isabella Boston.
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So, you received an invitation to a black-tie event, but you don’t know what to wear. Well, fret no more! I am going to help you.
What Is a Black-Tie Event?
Black tie is the formal dress code for an evening affair, such as an award ceremony, a wedding, or a dinner party. It is less formal than a white-tie event but more formal than a business affair. Traditionally, a black tie is worn for events after six o’clock in the evening.
Black-Tie Events
Formal weddings: Evening receptions, especially in grand venues.
Theatre Opening Night.
Evening Social Events: Milestone celebrations, anniversaries, or formal holiday dinners.
Balls & Corporate Events.
Award Ceremonies.
Galas and Fundraisers: Charitable and non-profit events.
Black-Tie Dress Code for Men
Tuxedo Jacket & Pants – A black or white tuxedo with matching trousers is traditionally the first choice for black-tie attire. If you want to be more modern, then choose a velvet dinner jacket with black trousers. Midnight blue is recommended and looks darker than black under artificial lighting. Do not wear a black suit. Again, these are the traditional guidelines, but unless the invitation states otherwise, you can also experiment to create a look that displays your personal style and personality.
Shirt – Also known as “dress shirt,” should be white with a Marcella bib front. It should have a turndown collar and double cuffs, which require cufflinks (onyx). An everyday white shirt is not recommended.
Black bow tie – Your bow tie should be made of satin, silk, or twill.
Cummerbund – The cummerbund is a broad, pleated fabric sash worn around the waist. It should be black and match your tie or vest.
Shoes – Black patent leather shoes (oxfords) with black dress socks are highly recommended. If you want to be a bit flashy, you could opt to wear velvet slippers.
Optional Accessories
Dress watch
White lapel flower
Evening scarf
Avoid wearing:
Shorts
Opened-toed shoes
Polos
Opened collar dress shirts without a bowtie or formal necktie
Sport coats
Blazers
Tennis shoes
You can wear a white dinner jacket instead of a black one, but only between Memorial Day and Labor Day unless you are on a tropical cruise.
Black-Tie Attire for Women
Formal gown – You can wear an evening gown in various lengths to a black-tie event, or a cocktail dress, either above the knee or 2 inches above the ankle. The floor-length gown is the standard choice for a black-tie affair, which is the highest level of formality. Avoid cotton, knits, and corduroy. (If you are unsure how to dress your bodyframe, please read my blog:
Jewelry – You should select refined, elegant jewelry (diamonds, pearls, and precious metals like gold and platinum) that adds subtle opulence without overwhelming your outfit. Pearls are always appropriate for any occasion - They are very elegant, and they go with everything. If you want to add a little more glamour, then go with a pair of diamond earrings with a matching necklace, depending on the style of your gown. You don’t want to overdo it. And remember, there is beauty in simplicity! (Feel free to wear high-quality costume jewelry, too!).
Hair- Every strand of your hair should be in place. A nice updo is classic and formal: it will not only make you look elegant but also appear more refined and well-polished. Updos are ideal for high-necklines, strapless or detailed gowns, to keep the focus on the dress and face. Wearing your hair down is modern and chic: it is a suitable choice when styled formally. Choose to wear glamorous waves, a sleek blowout, or a half-up-half-down style.
Makeup – Your makeup should be elegant, polished, and designed to last through a long evening of socializing and photography. If you have a dramatic smoky eye, opt for a nude or soft-pink lip. If your eye makeup is more understated, go for a bold, classic red lip (you can also wear winged eyeliner). Use long-wear lipsticks or stains to survive eating and drinking. Also, make sure your nails are well-groomed and polished. Do not wear bright, glittery, or gaudy colors. Use red, clear, or a neutral polish.
Handbag – A small clutch is all you need, enough to carry your lipstick and small necessities. If possible, try to match your clutch to your gown and shoes.
Shoes – Wear formal heels with your gown or cocktail dress. Depending on the style of your gown, you can wear basic black, nude, or metallic. Again, if you want to be fancy, match the shoes to your gown.
Hosiery - "A real lady is never fully dressed if her legs aren't too". Hosiery will not only keep you looking elegant and modest, but will also give your legs a more polished look.
What to avoid wearing:
Tight-fitting dress, think classy, not "trashy".
Long trains.
Dresses that show too much skin.
Too much perfume.
Your invitation will usually instruct you on what attire is acceptable for the event, so dress accordingly. Otherwise, you can never go wrong following this list.
A black-tie affair is a formal event, and you should always dress and be your very best at all times. If you need some tips on proper etiquette and manners while attending your black-tie affair, please read my blog: How to Have Proper Dining Etiquette and Good Manners.
And remember, the most important thing to wear is your smile, so relax and have fun!
I also put together a list of outfit ideas that you can shop from at my storefront. Please click here to view!
Sources & Author's Bio
[1] Pithers, E. (2022, November 24). Black-tie dress code: The Vogue Guide. Vogue. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.vogue.com/article/black-tie-dress-code [2] Harvey James, A. T. (2023, January 25). Black tie rules explained: Everything you need to know about wearing black tie. British GQ. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/black-tie-guide [3] Encyclopedia.com. (2023, February 10). ." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. encyclopedia.com. 5 Feb. 2023 . Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/black-tie
Author’s Bio
Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio®: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.
She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.
Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book & vintage-fashion lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.
"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."
