A Guide to Men’s Black Tie Attire for Cocktail Parties, Dinners, Weddings, and Formal Occasions November 9, 2023October 9, 2024 Mo Mulchandani There’s something uniquely alluring about the black tie and tux combo. A black tie brings another level of high class that belongs alongside the glossiest diamonds and shoes and the most beautiful people, outfits, and places. Understanding the Meaning of Black Tie Attire What is a Black Tie Event? You might be wondering, what does black tie mean? When you think of men’s black tie wedding attire or another black tie event, you can envision tuxedos, black ties or bow ties, floor-length gowns, and sparkly jewelry. How is the Black Tie Event Attire Different from Other Dress Codes? You might also be curious about black tie vs white tie attire or black tie vs formal attire. The black-tie dress code for men is the second most formal type of attire, closely following the white tie. At a black tie event, men and women dress in carefully considered, elaborate, and stately outfits. The History of the Black Tie The necktie is believed to have originated in the 17th century in France when the Croatian mercenaries hired by King Louis XIII wore a uniform with a piece of cloth around their neck. The majestic black tie attire came later, originating in Britain and North America in the nineteenth century. The term ‘black tie’ dates back to 1933. Modern tuxedos and blazers gradually replaced traditional tailcoats. The story goes that some friends wore suits without tails to an elite party in Tuxedo Park, New York. The high-society party guests couldn’t believe the tailcoat had lost its tail and the tuxedo was born. Tuxedos usually have unique accents that distinguish them from suits, like shawl lapels and satin buttons. The Essential Components of Men’s Black Tie Attire Dressing for Specific Occasions and Formal Events Photo credit: Envato Some occasions are ‘black tie required’ and call for a tuxedo or dressy suit and your best dress shoes. Others might be ‘black tie optional,’ leaving room for more choices. Cocktail Parties EJ Samuel Blazer You might have questions about cocktail attire vs black tie. Black tie cocktail attire is a merging of black tie and formal fashion, allowing for small pops of color and patterns. Women wear shorter fancy cocktail dresses. Men can wear a smart jacket like this Cielo black velvet blazer or this EJ Samuel Black modern patterned blazer with dress pants and, of course, the signature black tie. Choose a darker-colored black tie suit with your favorite dress shirt and polished loafers like these Mauri black crocodile loafers. Cocktail parties are the time to select more colorful and distinctive designs like this Samuel black and red design blazer with a vest or this Avanti Uomo black and white two-tone dress shirt. Galas and Black Tie Dinner Attire For special gala or black tie dinner attire, nothing beats a smooth black tuxedo with a cummerbund, a white pleated tux shirt, and a black bowtie. Take it up a notch with this Gianfranco black and gray medallion design silk bow tie. Gianfranco silk bow tie If you don’t want to break out the tux, make a statement with a patterned shirt like this Axxess blue and beige dress shirt peeking out under a fitted, sleek black tie suit. Waistcoats and vests are optional, too. When it comes to shoes, it’s best to go for dress shoes, oxford shoes, loafers, or monk strap shoes with an attractive buckle. Black Tie Wedding Attire Men’s black tie wedding attire requires a more upscale look with a tux or dark-colored suit, a white or lighter-colored shirt, and a black long or bow tie. Enhance your look with cufflinks, watches, and silk pocket squares or handkerchiefs. Go classic with black dress shoes, or go bold with these Belvedere Alex Antique royal blue ostrich leg shoes. Styling Tips Photo credit: Envato Coordinating with Your Partner’s Attire Coordinating with your partner’s attire sparks a magnetism you only see in power couples. For example, your black tie complements your partner’s little black dress. Maybe the hint of color in your shoes matches your partner’s accessories or gown. Consider even the small touches, like the silver buckle on the monk strap of your dress shoes setting off the silver in your partner’s jewelry. The goal is to harmonize the colors and patterns by matching them or choosing complementary patterns, colors, and shades. Dressing According to the Season Darker colors and heavier textures work best for the colder winter months. Bring out the stripes, burgundies, blacks, and blues during the fall. Lighter materials and colors fare better in summer. Alternatives to Black Tie Creative Black Tie Attire Creative black tie attire allows you to infuse color and personality into this black and white ensemble. You don’t want to go overboard with outlandish styles and colors. The elegance remains, but the tuxedo doesn’t have to be black, and the jacket and pants don’t have to be the same color. Wear a white dinner jacket and have fun with the colors and textures of your socks, pocket square or handkerchief, waistcoat, vest, or cummerbund. Explore burgundy, deeper purple, and royal navy blue like this E. J. Samuel blue vested slim suit. Let your loafers wear a bow tie, too, with these Duca Di Matiste blue and silver velvet and leather bow tie loafers, which pair perfectly with this vintage velvet Cielo black blazer. There’s even western black tie attire where the Southern gentlemen step out in their cowboy boots. Semi-Formal Attire Options Semi-formal is ambiguous and a little less ritzy than men’s black tie dress code. For example, you could wear a dress shirt and slacks with a semi-formal blazer that still looks sharp, like this V.I.P. burgundy Egyptian cotton casual slim-fit blazer. Derby shoes are always an excellent choice when going semi-formal. When Black Tie is Not Appropriate Black tie attire is requested in advance so you know what to expect. Black tie attire is usually chosen for weddings, galas, and other classy events. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Black Tie Event? Black tie event attire is the term for that specific style of fine clothing with the staple black long tie or bow tie for men. What Effect Does Seasonality Have on Your Black Tie Suit? Black tie attire for men is suitable for a black tie event in every season. What Does “Black Tie Optional” Mean? Black tie optional means you don’t have to wear a black tie, but you can if you’d like to. What Does Men’s Black Tie Dress Code Mean? A dress code refers to a set of rules that determine what types of clothing people are required or encouraged to wear to a particular event. The black-tie dress code for men asks for black long ties or bowties, a dark suit or tuxedo, and dress shoes. What Black Tie Accessories Do You Need? There’s no precise unwritten rule on the exact accessories you need for a black tie event other than the black tie itself. Depending on the formality of the occasion, men might decide to wear other accessories and additions like cufflinks, watches, pocket squares or handkerchiefs, and cummerbunds. Whenever you receive an invitation for any type of black tie event, Upscale Menswear can help you step out in style.