Black Tie Event

Oscars, Grammy Awards, Cannes Film Festival, now you must be wondering what is the significance of mentioning all these together. Simple! All of these are black tie dos' or rather black tie events! In other words, these are formal events. A wedding, an opera or a special concert, all fall under the category of black tie events. A ballroom dance can be a one too. Still confused about what this is? Read on...

What is a Black Tie Affair?

Taking it ahead from what was mentioned earlier, a black tie event can be anything from a private to public dinner to parties, ceremonies to dances. Once the standard evening dress, the white tie now has given way to a black tie. A black tie affair is a formal event, almost always in the evening, after 6 pm to be precise. Post sundown is the time for a black tie do in winters.

Black Tie Event Attire

Black Tie Attire for Men
Okay, for all the men out there, remember this- chuck the penguin suits and blazers. Black tie attire mainly demands a tuxedo and settles for nothing less than that in men's clothing category. If you do not have one, it would be a good investment to get one. Okay. Now considering that you are buying a tux, buy one which comes with a black tie and a black cummerbund. This is the classic and the most basic requirement for a formal event. Don't want to buy one? Rent it out! However, keep in mind that you would need to place the request keeping sufficient days in hand. You can go for a colored cummerbund matching with your date (if that is the case) or go for the classic and stylish black. When you pick a jacket and shirt to dress for black tie event, buy it according to your taste. There are a lot of options as far as jackets are concerned, pick the one you think suits you the best. Make sure that from the dinner jacket to the trouser everything is a perfect fit. Finally, know the sequence for dressing up in a black tie attire.

Black Tie Attire for Women
Ah.. my dear ladies, we have more options than men. The mantra for women's clothing is to wear a style which is absolutely flattering, while accentuating your best features and hiding your problem areas. The options range from full length evening dresses to skirts. Sounds boring, not a problem at all! The choices are far from being limited! Be a bit adventurous and try spaghetti straps or a jewel neck collar, or dipping front or back necklines. Slits at the sides or back would also do. To describe the material, silk, satin, embroidery, velvet, etc. are all great ideas for black tie events. Moreover, the color of the dress should complement your skin tone. Finally, coordinate the accessories to your dress from bracelet to footwear, earrings and so on. Have a chic and stylish hairstyle to go with it, different from what you have everyday. Read more on black tie attire for women.

Being conversant with black tie event etiquette, is also important. Gobbling of food, introducing yourself with your left hand unless you are a southpaw and talking about controversial issues like sex and religion is a huge no-no. Being polite, cordial and limiting the amount of alcohol consumption is the right thing to do at a black tie affair. I am sure you would use these pointers and have a great time at such an event with your date or even otherwise if you are looking for one! Till then, adios!