Dress Code Etiquette For Black Tie Attire
- Date: 2008-12-04 - Word Count: 595
Share This!
Have you been invited to an event that requires "black tie attire", and are a little uncertain what how to dress for the occasion? Below are all the basics you need to know to be dressed appropriately for a black tie function. If you follow the simple tips below you will avoid embarrassing fashion faux pas.
So, for a man, this should be easy, right? You have a black necktie, so you're good to go! Not necessarily. While the standards vary from country to country and even from event to event, the general consensus is that black-tie means a tuxedo. A black or dark suit is inappropriate for traditional black tie, but would be an acceptable option for an invitation calling for "black tie optional" attire. So, for traditional black tie wear a black tuxedo, black bow tie, and a tuxedo dress shirt. There are two kinds of classic tuxedo shirts: The wing tip collar shirt, and the turn-over collar dress shirt. The wing-tip collar shirt is the most classic type of shirt. It has a heavy starched collar that stands up. Only the tips are folded over. The wing-tip dress shirt might be a slightly uncomfortable for longer events. In this case you might do better with the turn-over collar dress shirt. This type of shirt has a collar like an ordinary dress shirt. It is basically a formal version of the ordinary dress shirt that uses French cuffs, worn with cufflinks, and decorations in form of folds in the front. Such folds are also called pleat.
As for your date, this is an opportunity for her to flaunt her absolute best. Bring out the DeLaurentis! There are far less restrictions on black-tie attire for women, as long as it's very formal. While basic black is always a good bet, colors, sparkle and glitz are perfectly fine. After all, she's got the perfect accessory: You, dressed in a color that matches anything in her wardrobe. Although the classic full-length gown is probably most widely accepted, a skirt and top may work to semi-formal, or "black tie optional" events. The skirt hem should fall below her knees; anything shorter is generally not considered formal. Low backs or plunging necklines may be suitable, but consider the guest list before trying anything daring.
How about accessories? For the gentleman, cufflinks definitely belong, and those with a little bit of flash - diamonds or emeralds perhaps, will add a touch of class. If you don't have a dress watch, don't wear a watch. The ladies have more leeway here, as well. Diamond bangles, a small sequined handbag, cubic zirconia earrings and matching broche or bracelets - accessorize, but keep it tasteful.
Formal shoes are an absolute must for both of you and they should be immaculate. Guys, if you don't know how to shine your shoes, have them done professionally. Gals, wear the shoes that best bring your ensemble together. Coordination is the key.
Finally, remember that you need to look as good as your outfit. A visit to the hair stylist is in order. A clean trim for him, including any facial hair, and a simple up do for her. Consider a manicure. Yes, both of you. Check your smile and if necessary, get to your dentist for a cleaning or use a commercial whitening treatment. Remember the deodorant and mouthwash. It may be a long, warm night and you'll likely be in close proximity to people during your conversations.
Still confused? "Black-Tie Attire" is a snap if you mimic the right icons. Guys, think James Bond (any of them). Girls, go with Audrey Hepburn.
So, for a man, this should be easy, right? You have a black necktie, so you're good to go! Not necessarily. While the standards vary from country to country and even from event to event, the general consensus is that black-tie means a tuxedo. A black or dark suit is inappropriate for traditional black tie, but would be an acceptable option for an invitation calling for "black tie optional" attire. So, for traditional black tie wear a black tuxedo, black bow tie, and a tuxedo dress shirt. There are two kinds of classic tuxedo shirts: The wing tip collar shirt, and the turn-over collar dress shirt. The wing-tip collar shirt is the most classic type of shirt. It has a heavy starched collar that stands up. Only the tips are folded over. The wing-tip dress shirt might be a slightly uncomfortable for longer events. In this case you might do better with the turn-over collar dress shirt. This type of shirt has a collar like an ordinary dress shirt. It is basically a formal version of the ordinary dress shirt that uses French cuffs, worn with cufflinks, and decorations in form of folds in the front. Such folds are also called pleat.
As for your date, this is an opportunity for her to flaunt her absolute best. Bring out the DeLaurentis! There are far less restrictions on black-tie attire for women, as long as it's very formal. While basic black is always a good bet, colors, sparkle and glitz are perfectly fine. After all, she's got the perfect accessory: You, dressed in a color that matches anything in her wardrobe. Although the classic full-length gown is probably most widely accepted, a skirt and top may work to semi-formal, or "black tie optional" events. The skirt hem should fall below her knees; anything shorter is generally not considered formal. Low backs or plunging necklines may be suitable, but consider the guest list before trying anything daring.
How about accessories? For the gentleman, cufflinks definitely belong, and those with a little bit of flash - diamonds or emeralds perhaps, will add a touch of class. If you don't have a dress watch, don't wear a watch. The ladies have more leeway here, as well. Diamond bangles, a small sequined handbag, cubic zirconia earrings and matching broche or bracelets - accessorize, but keep it tasteful.
Formal shoes are an absolute must for both of you and they should be immaculate. Guys, if you don't know how to shine your shoes, have them done professionally. Gals, wear the shoes that best bring your ensemble together. Coordination is the key.
Finally, remember that you need to look as good as your outfit. A visit to the hair stylist is in order. A clean trim for him, including any facial hair, and a simple up do for her. Consider a manicure. Yes, both of you. Check your smile and if necessary, get to your dentist for a cleaning or use a commercial whitening treatment. Remember the deodorant and mouthwash. It may be a long, warm night and you'll likely be in close proximity to people during your conversations.
Still confused? "Black-Tie Attire" is a snap if you mimic the right icons. Guys, think James Bond (any of them). Girls, go with Audrey Hepburn.
H Pohl is an expert author on men's formal attire. He himself has a love for formal silk neckties, bow ties, and cufflinks. He is also the founder of Ties-Necktie.com - an online retailer specializing in formal accessories for men such as cufflinks, neckties, bow ties, and pocket squares.n
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Wedding Gift Etiquette - What Every Guest Needs to Know
When one is invited to a wedding, it is only appropriate to give the couple a gift. However, gift gi - Choosing the Right Tie for the Right Situation
Choosing a tie is quite a task. Many men give up at a certain stage in their life because they don't - Basic Table Manners For Restaurants
As with all things in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to act even in restaurants. Often t - Etiquette Tips: How to Handle Your Public Cell Phone Conversation
Nearly four out of five people own a cell phone in the United States. The delight behind owning a ce - Ways To Avoid Dilemmas With Last Minute Christmas Gifts
Ok, so you've worked tirelessly around the clock to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere for your - The Best n Tough Carhartt Camouflage WorkCamo Jacket For Servicemen
Any work attire irrespective what composition is central. A dominating supreme adorning article fash - The Outstanding Assemblage of Carhartt Camouflage AP Dungarees
In my opinion, dungarees are the pure answer for work wear as well as outside sports such as other w - Reasons to Give Personalized Groomsmen Gifts
Personalized groomsmen gifts show you went above and beyond the normal groomsman gift giving process - Luxury World Cruises and Tipping
Luxury world cruises are offered in a variety of different packages nowadays. If you do not opt for - You're on Vacation, Not in a Mental Institution - Dress Accordingly
It's the heart of the good old summertime, and men everywhere have descended on the resort towns, be
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Gift Baskets For Every Occasion
Depending on if it's a boy or girl you can come up with an appropriate theme for gift baskets. There - Musical Composition
Musical composition can happen in advance with an aim towards repeat performance or it can happen on - Wallets Are For Cool Guys
To loosely quote Al Pacino, "A wise guy doesn't carry his money in a wallet. He carries it in a roll - Great Wedding Gifts
A wedding is the single most important day for a couple starting a new life together. The gift you - Choosing A Mothers Day Bouquet
Shopping for Mothers Day can prove to be somewhat of a difficult task, especially if your mom has "e - When To Send Flowers And When Not To - Etiquettes
Flowers are perhaps the most popular gift all over the world. Flowers appeal to all our senses and b - Business Card Etiquette: How To Give And Receive Business Cards
A business card is a singularly powerful tool for self-advertisement. If lets you market yourself to - Is Re-Gifting Ethical?
Most of the people among us either receive or give at least one re-gift in our lifetime;. The questi - A Guide To Corporate Gift-Giving
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, Virgil cautions us. The same warning applies to gift-giving in the w - A Unique Approach To Plastic Surgery Discretion And Patient Privacy
Plastic surgery is a private undertaking and a very personal decision. At Rodeo Drive Plastic Surger