Black-Tie Optional Tips: How to Wear Black-Tie Optional

A black-tie optional event is one in which wearing black-tie attire is not required but dressy attire is. Black-tie weddings imply the need for a black tuxedo or full-length gown, but black-tie optional wedding attire means you do not need a black suit.

Black-tie optional attire is still an invitation to wear traditional black-tie outfits if you wish. If you choose not to meet this standard, cocktail attire is the minimum, and suits and dresses in darker colors (such as charcoals or navy blues) are preferable.

Wedding guests at black-tie optional affairs should strive to wear a classic black tux if possible, though it is not required. For this dress designation, the wedding party, bride, and groom will generally dress in black-tie formal, and it’s an opportunity for their loved ones and guests to reflect that style.

Regardless, black-tie attire is not required. If you do not plan to wear an evening gown or tux, err on the side of overdressing in a dark suit or longer-length cocktail dress.

Consider the following attire options for a black-tie optional wedding or formal event:

• Black-tie tuxedo: A black-tie ensemble designates a full tuxedo, which comprises a few key pieces. Most pertinent are the matching trousers and jacket, both in classic black, plus a white tuxedo shirt, which is different from a white button-down shirt as the tuxedo one has pleats and will have slits for cufflinks. You can wear a black bow tie, a cross tie, or an ascot.
• Black-tie dress: If you plan to wear a dress, select one in a nicer fabric and a darker hue. The dress should be floor-length, and you can dress it up with pearls, gloves, and high heels.
• Cocktail ensemble: It’s okay if you don’t want to dress so formally—that’s where the word “optional” in “black-tie optional” comes in. Consider instead wearing a three-piece suit with a tie or a more conservative cocktail dress, preferably in a darker shade, to blend in with the color palette.

Wedding invitations might come with a variety of dress codes. Since most are formal events, they will have specific requirements for what to wear. Some examples of dress codes are:

1. 1. Beach formal: This dress code is more common for summer weddings, specifically those set on or near a beach. With a less strict formality, beach formal invites colorful and brighter, lighter linen or cotton dresses and suits. Floral prints or nautically inclined outfits, such as ties with lobster patterns, can make for a fun, semiformal affair.
2. 2. Black-tie: A black-tie dress code is the most formal designation. Traditionally, men wear a tuxedo: a black dinner jacket, formal trousers, and a white tuxedo shirt with tux accoutrements (such as a cummerbund, black bow tie, white pocket square, black dress shoes, and cufflinks). Darker evening gowns serve as this formalwear’s equivalent.
3. 3. Black-tie optional: Black-tie optional might still designate a formal wedding but one in which a black suit is not necessary. You do not need to wear a tuxedo, nor do you need to wear black. Nonetheless, it is always better to feel overdressed and check in with other guests about what they are wearing.
4. 4. Business casual: A slightly less formal dress code, business casual allows guests to play with color and style more freely. People might wear pantsuits, cocktail dresses, and colorful suits.
5. 5. Festive: Wedding casual, or festive attire, is uncommon. Evening dresses or ties are not a requirement for this dress code, though guests might wear suit jackets, khakis, and sundresses.
6. 6. White tie: Another form of formal attire, white-tie is similar to black-tie; however, the ensemble's color differs. Those wearing a tuxedo will opt for a white tux with a white bow tie, and those in dresses should stick to formal, floor-length gowns.

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