Black Tie Optional

We all have heard of events and come across invitations which say that the event is a black tie event, but not many of us are aware of the 'black tie optional' phenomena. There are many parties and events these days, which require the guests to dress up in a particular theme or a dress code, and for most of the formal events, black tie has been, and still is, a popular choice of dress code amongst the other options. Having said that, there are other variants in black tie dress code, black tie being one of them. These variations were introduced considering those people who don't find it wise to spend a lot of money on buying that perfect formal attire. If you have been invited for a party or an event which requires you to dress up in black tie optional attire and you are confused, then you have reached the right place, as this article will give you a clear understanding about it. We'll have a brief look at the different types of black tie dress codes.

Black Tie Dress Codes

Curious to know how black tie dress code originated? Well, black tie attire originated in England around 1860 or so. It wasn't considered to be a formal dress code in those days. In fact, the white tie dress code was considered to be formal (now ultra formal!) and black tie attire used to be worn at semi-formal events and occasions. There are basically three different attires in black tie dress codes.

Black Tie
Black tie attire includes a classic black tuxedo, pleated tuxedo shirt, black trouser pants, black bow tie, cuff links, studs, a vest or a cummerbund, and black shoes, of course. If 'black tie' is what is mentioned on your invite, then your host is definitely expecting you to show up in nothing else but a tuxedo! What about women now? Well, when it comes to fashion, ladies certainly have a wider choice. Black tie attire for women can either be a three quarter length or floor length evening gown. Even a short dressy cocktail dress (depending on the time of the occasion and current fashion) would look perfect when teamed up with the right jewelry, a hand bag or a clutch of either silk, satin, velvet or brocade and the perfect pair of sandals or pumps.

Black Tie Preferred
Black tie preferred is a tag line that is used in the invites when the host expects the guests to wear a dark suit and a tie, if not a tuxedo. This option was introduced keeping in mind people who genuinely could not afford to own or rent a tuxedo. But if you have one, then great! The term simply suggests that we insist our guests to wear tuxedos but, if you don't have one, then please come in a suit and a tie, we cannot compromise with anything less formal than that.

Black Tie Invited or Optional
Black tie optional and black tie invited, both mean the same. Unlike the first two, here the host does not insist on men wearing tuxedos. They can either choose to wear tuxedos or wear a dark suit, preferably black or dark gray with a white dress shirt, and instead of a bow tie, a necktie can do. It is better if you go for silk neckties with solid colors instead of patterns. A solid color tie would give it a look of a ensemble for a formal event or an occasion. Clearly as the term suggests, this dress codel for men gives an option of choosing between typical formal wear, a tuxedo, or a simple formal suit. Unlike the other attires mentioned above, you don't have to worry about getting cold stares from your host if you are not dressed up in tuxedos.

Similar to black tie attire, in a black tie optional dress code women can freely choose to wear either a short dressy cocktail dress or a three quarter length dress. Be it a cocktail dress or a floor or a three quarter length dress, they both look formal. As long as they look gorgeous and compliment their partners, they don't need to spend much time thinking about the right attire for a formal event. Instead they can utilize that time in make-up and dressing up! I hope this article has helped you in identifying the difference between the different black tie dress codes. The next time you are invited for a formal event, and your invite says black tie optional, these etiquette will ensure you are appropriately dressed for the occasion.