Black tie affairs require formal attire for both men and women, with men wearing a traditional black tuxedo and a plain black bow tie. Women have more flexibility in dress style but must wear floor-length attire. These events are important and often include proms, weddings, and premieres.
Black tie affairs are social events where all attendees are required to wear formal attire. Both men and women who attend this type of event strive to abide by the dress code and choose clothes that are considered formal wear that are appropriate for the time of day, season, and nature of the event. A black tie affair is different from a semi-formal event, where there is a wider range of dress options considered appropriate semi-formal attire.
For men, a black tie affair normally means donning a traditional black tuxedo. While fashion trends sometimes dictate that various color selections for tuxedo pants and jacket be appropriate, this is never the case at black tie events. Only the traditional black tuxedo is considered the right option for a man who wishes to dress in the spirit of the occasion.
To complement the black tuxedo, the gentleman will also use a plain black tie, most often a bow tie. Clip ties are generally not recommended for any events that are structured as a black tie occasion. The right bow tie for a formal event is one that is knotted by hand.
Men should also remain conservative with their choice of tuxedo shirt. The shirt should be white and may include fine ribbing or pleats at the front. Using black or pearlescent enamel button covers may also be appropriate for the occasion. If a cummerbund is worn, it should be black to match the tie. However, it has become increasingly acceptable for the gentleman to wear a bow tie and cummerbund in the same color as his date’s suit.
Women have more flexibility in their dress style when it comes to a black tie affair. The main requirement is that the dress or skirt should be floor length. Anything shorter is considered semi-formal and not appropriate for the relationship. Outside of this requirement, women can choose to wear any color they like and use a wide range of styles and materials for clothing. Options may include something bolder, like a maxi dress with spaghetti straps and back or side slits that reveal a little leg. Depending on the exact nature of the event, something more conservative may be needed, such as a simple full-length skirt accented by a silk blouse and simple jewelry that calls attention to the woman’s overall elegance.
A black tie affair often involves a social event of great importance to the attendees. Events such as proms, formal weddings, debutante coming-out events, theater and film premieres, or events held in honor of visiting dignitaries are all examples of events that can be structured as a black-tie affair. Attention to dress often underscores the importance of the event and can make attending more of an experience than it otherwise would be.
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