How to wear the dress code White Tie
White Tie, or ‘full evening dress’, is the ultimate formal dress code. This dress code is often worn at events such as official galas, special dinners or ceremonies where the guest list includes very distinguished guests such as royalty and dignitaries.
Men wear an evening suit with tails (also known as a dress suit) with a white vest and bow tie. For women, a floor-length evening gown is a must. A low décolleté? Yes! But only if the entire outfit exudes elegance.
Shine brightly with eye-catching or opulent jewellery. The White Tie dress code was historically associated with the aristocratic and wealthy. Guests these days are still expected to dress to the hilt with every hair in place.
White Tie for women
- White Tie is the most formal dress code.
- Characterised by exclusivity and attention to detail
- Floor-length evening gown
- A low-cut neckline is allowed
- Add sparkle with glamorous jewellery
- No wristwatch
- Classic, evening makeup is a must
The perfect White Tie outfit
Ever had a fantasy of being a princess in a castle? You can live the dream with White Tie. The key words when styling your outfit: elegance, sparkles, shine, opulence. Modesty isn’t in place here. Think of gowns with pearls, sequins and Swarovski crystals.
And your makeup should complement the fabulous gown, always with an elegant touch. Do hire a makeup artist if you are unsure of your own skills.
Women wear a floor-length evening or ball gown with White Tie. Choose from stunning designs with a strapless or a plunging neckline, or a full, swishy skirt. Or why not all of these, together! Search for an evening dress, gala dress, or ball gown. One small detail is that the dress should be in one piece.
White Tie clothing for women
The colours you choose to wear can be inspired by the season. Lighter colours complement the warmer seasons. Dark-coloured dresses usually have a more elegant look than light-coloured dresses.
In the daytime, you can even wear a hat. Choose your jewellery, shoes and handbag carefully to complement your dress in colour and style. Gloves are permitted, but are optional. Arms may be bare.
It should be remembered that wristwatches for women (and men) are not acceptable. At White Tie events, with royalty and other esteemed guests, it is terribly graceless to heed the time.
White Tie for men
- White Tie is the most formal dress code.
- Characterised by exclusivity and attention to detail
- Men wear an evening suit.
- Patent leather shoes
- No wristwatch
- Hair neatly done, face clean-shaven or facial hair freshly trimmed
The perfect White Tie outfit
White Tie is worn at the most formal of occasions.
This dress code has the strictest requirements for evening wear. You’ll see it at events such as balls, weddings and dinners often with a guest list that will leave you star-struck. You may be rubbing shoulders with royalty, dignitaries, nobility or celebrities. An evening suit may only be worn in the evening. For daytime events, the equally-formal morning suit is appropriate.
The jacket of an evening suit is a black tailcoat with satin peak lapels. It is waist length on the front and sides, with two long tails on the back that reach the knees. The trousers (from the same fabric) have a double line of braid down the outer seams of both legs. The waistcoat is made from white piqué. Then heed this subtle but essential detail: the waistcoat should be long enough to cover the trouser waistband but not extend longer than the front of the coat.
The waistcoat is cut deep in a U- or V-shape so as to reveal the dress shirt. The collar of the shirt is tall with a wing collar (downturned corners). Last, but not least, is the bow tie. Preferably hand-tied for a refined look. And obviously, as the dress code name suggests, in white.
White Tie clothing for men
When putting on an evening suit, follow these tips for a faultless look:
- Shoes must be black patent leather worn with black socks.
- Wear a white pocket square in the breast pocket of the jacket and always a white bow tie. Never wear a black bow tie. Unless of course you are the waiter at the event.
- Leave the wristwatch at home. It is particularly ill-mannered to heed the time in the company of distinguished guests where time should seem to be irrelevant.
- White Tie is the epitome of elegance. Attention to the details and personal grooming is an absolute must.