What exactly is a black tie event?

Origins of the black tie event

Those who come out in a cold sweat just thinking about `black tie’ can blame Edward VII.

Back in 1885, he ditched his evening tailcoat in favour of a blue silk smoking jacket with matching trousers. Ironically, this signalled a relaxation of formal dress codes.

Everyone copied the King, and the style was then adopted by high society across the pond. This included members of the Tuxedo Club in New York (hence, the name of the suit).

Modern-day black tie is…

Formal dinners, parties, balls and super-special occasions where rocking up in jeans and T-shirt would make you look like a plonker.

Black tie usually applies to events which take place after 6pm and, according to Saville Row, they are `less formal than white tie’… which probably doesn’t help much, to be honest.

You’ll be wondering what to wear. So, what does a black tie dress code mean for men?

Black tie for men

With black tie for men, you shouldn’t wear an actual black tie — the kind of tie you wear to the office, or to a funeral. Traditionally, it’s the following:

• A white dress shirt with a textured Marcella front, wing collar and double cuffs so you can wear cufflinks.
• Black tapered trousers with a braid of satin on the outside of each leg.
• Black shoes, ideally patent leather. Not suede. It looks dusty.
• A black bow tie. You can choose another bow tie colour, although never white. That’s strictly for white tie events.
• Dinner jacket with satin lapels, buttons and pockets.
• Optional waistcoat which should match the jacket.

As you can see, black tie still clings to elements of Edward VII’s ultra-formal evening tailcoat look — specifically, the wing-collared dress shirt and bow tie.

Blue (or white) is the new black

We don’t want to confuse you or anything, but traditional black tie isn’t always black. Very dark blue is also a popular choice.

The main thing is the silk-lapelled jacket. It’s the star of the show, the one item of clothing that can make you look like James Bond.

If you want to break away from black or dark blue, a white or ivory dinner jacket will be perfectly acceptable. Are you wondering about white trousers?

Best not.

Black tie for women

For women, black tie is easier to negotiate. You have more options.

Go for a long floor-swishing number in any colour you wish, and in fabrics such as silk, chiffon, velvet or lace.

Alternatively, a cocktail dress is a more modern take on black tie. The LBD is a timeless classic — although don’t be afraid of bold, bright colours. At black-tie events, a splash of colour is always welcome.

Pair your outfit with the highest heels you can manage without falling over. Just make sure to bring plasters with you.

When it comes to bling, almost any jewellery is appropriate.

Black tie alternatives for women

Yes, women can wear trousers to a black-tie event. Trousers with a Palazzo cut are particularly recommended.

Fancy wearing a tuxedo? Go for it. You can even pair it with a black bow tie.

How to avoid the black-tie faux pas

Black tie is one of society’s few remaining dress codes — and few things are more embarrassing than turning up inappropriately dressed.

With that in mind, our advice is this:

Study the invitation carefully. Some events will be ultra-formal, others more relaxed. Often, there are a couple of sentences on the invitation which explain the dress code in more detail.

If the invitation isn’t specific, just text the host for clarification on the level of formality. Ask them what they’re planning to wear.

Our black tie Christmas parties, for example, are the casual version. Some people love having an excuse to dress up in the full tuxedo shebang, but it’s certainly not compulsory. Lots of our guests just wear a suit (or a kilt, if the fancy takes them). Check out our parties here.