Black Tie
Black Tie, or cravate noire is a dress code you often see designated on invitations to award ceremonies, balls and weddings. The dress code is one of the most formal dress codes. As such, there are very clear expectations that accompany it.
The Black Tie dress code is typically reserved for events that start after 6 p.m.
At a Black Tie event, gentlemen are expected to wear a tuxedo (also called a tux or dinner jacket).
Ladies have more freedom to choose what to wear, provided the outfit is elegant and appropriate.
With this formal dress code, personal grooming is an essential and integral component of the whole look. Your appearance should be impeccable from head to toe!
Black Tie for women
- Black Tie is a formal dress code
- Wear heels or elegant pumps
- A clutch or purse is allowed, but no large handbags
- Personal grooming is essential
- Accessories are allowed, no watch
The perfect Black Tie outfit
Women often wear a long evening gown to a Black Tie event. A very formal cocktail dress is also an option. But for occasions with seated dinner, a long gown is called for. Go for an elegant look with muted colours. Avoid summery or very busy, bright prints.
With Black Tie, accessorise with a matching or statement clutch or purse. But don’t wear a wristwatch! Read our article “Accessories for every dress code” to find out more.
Black Tie clothes for women
Attention to personal grooming is essential with Black Tie. It’s a perfect excuse to do something special with your hair and makeup. With the Black Tie dress code, the sophistication is in the details. An evening gown is preferred for this dress code, but if you do choose a short dress, wear pantyhose.
An important rule of etiquette is that no wristwatch is worn. With wearing a watch, you may give the impression of being concerned about the time and this would be considered an insult to the host.
Choose matching pumps to complete your look. Both low and high heels can be worn with Black Tie. If you want to carry a bag, choose a purse or clutch that matches your shoes.
Black Tie for men
- Black Tie is a formal dress code
- Wear a black tuxedo including a black bow tie
- Wear a white dress shirt under the jacket
- Black patent leather shoes are classic
- Cleanly shaven or groomed facial hair
- Wearing a wristwatch is traditionally not allowed
The perfect Black Tie outfit
A tuxedo by definition what men wear with the Black Tie dress code. Not everyone has a tuxedo just hanging in the closet, that’s why you’ll probably find many options to hire a tuxedo. But if you do want to invest in a tuxedo, what should you look out for?
For Black Tie, the jacket is single-breasted with classic lapels. Single-breasted refers to the single row of buttons that close the jacket. The jacket buttons up with minimal overlap in the front. Lapels are the extension of the collar of the jacket that sit flat on the chest. A classic tuxedo has narrow lapels. The jacket is traditionally made from fine black wool and lapels from black satin.
The trousers are made from the same material as the jacket and fitted with a high waist. The trousers of a tuxedo almost always have a strip or braid. This is a strip of fabric sewn to cover the outer leg seam of the trousers, usually made of the same satin as used for the lapels.
The tuxedo shirt worn under the jacket is a more elegant version of the typical dress shirt, always in pure white. It has a narrow collar, a smooth front and often a hidden placket. The placket is the strip down the front of the shirt where the buttons and buttonholes are placed.
An traditional rule of etiquette is that no wristwatch is worn. It was considered rude to keep an eye on the time at formal affairs. However, times have changed and wearing a watch is nowadays acceptable, even fashionable, as long as it is appropriate, formal and elegant.
Black Tie clothing for men
The cummerbund is a pleated silk waistband worn around the waist. The waistcoat is a vest with a low-cut front designed to show as much as the shirt front as possible. They are designed to cover the waistband of the trousers – so one or the other is worn, and never together. These components add to the formal elegance of the tuxedo by concealing the working parts of the clothing. Just as the buttons are covered and the braid covers the trouser seams, the waistcoat and cummerbund cover the trouser waistband.
The bow tie is usually made from the same fabric as the lapels of the jacket. Here, it is possible to express a little creativity in how to wear a tuxedo. You can tie the bow tie in a variety of ways. Of course, there are pre-tied versions available- but that takes out part of the fun of wearing a tuxedo.
For less formal events such as a premiere or Christmas ball, you could opt for a colour other than black. Complement it with a pocket square in the same colour. If you are wearing a cummerbund, then this always must be in the same colour and fabric as the bow tie. If you are escorting a partner, you could coordinate the colour in your outfits for a thoughtful touch.
The shoes are the finishing touch. The classic black patent leather dress shoe with black socks will help you stand with confidence and style.