The “black tie optional” caption in your invite shouldn't get you confused at all. That is why this article is written to set things straight and explain what black tie optional dress code means once and for all. So, the next thing you should be doing is getting your outfits together and not racking your head on what to wear. Once you're able to master this look like a pro, you can take on any black tie optional attire with confidence as you always dress to impress. Read on to get more insight on what black tie optional is about.
Black Tie Optional Explained
What is black tie optional? In simple terms, “black tie optional” is a type of dress code that allows you the flexibility of wearing a formal suit or cocktail dress instead of a tuxedo. This is the type of style that is often required for formal dinners, invitations for weddings, gala nights, formal dinners, galas, and other prestigious events.
Guests coming for the event can wear highly formal attire like the tuxedo but can also decide to go with the option of a suit. At a black tie optional wedding, the dress code for the couple is a black tie. You have the option of donning the complete black tie event outfit but if you choose to relax your attire with a suit, it's also accepted so long as it is still formal. Invited attendees must come in outfits that exude a high level of formality.
What Do You Wear
One of the things you must know about this style is that it has a high level of formality, but it’s also quite flexible. So what do you wear?
Suit or Tux
On whether to tux or not to tux? That's your choice to make since we are talking of black tie optional attire for men here. If you have a pair of classic black tuxedos in your wardrobe, that's fine or you can rent one. Alternatively, a black suit, navy or charcoal suit will still do. Plus, you must wear a crisp white dress shirt. The goal is to appear formal, elegant, and smart.
Black Shoes Only
Avoid any form of casual shoes that will tone down your formal black tie optional ensemble. Shoes can make a whole lot of difference in your outfit and tell a lot about whether you know how to dress for the occasion or not. The simple rule is to step into black Oxfords, Derby shoes, or Monkstraps not loafers or boots.
Maintain a Simple Tie Style
The style tip you need is to put on a black bow tie when wearing a tuxedo. Since the dress code is already allowing you to wear a suit, then you need a necktie. If you are dressing up in a formal suit, a colored bowtie but in a dark shade or necktie is more suitable.
Accessorize Well
Complete your overall with a pocket square and cufflinks. Never let your bare legs show for any reason. Get either a mid-calf or full-calf sock that will cover your legs fully. You also need to add a black bowtie for a tux and a black necktie for suit.
Black Tie Optional Vs Black Tie Attire
The black tie optional is the type of attire that people who are invited to certain events where the dress code can be a tuxedo but it's not necessarily a must. It allows for flexibility on the part of the guests to showcase their personal preferences and style. The host wants to maintain a dignified and sophisticated atmosphere while ensuring that each of the guests is relaxed and comfortable and able to freely express themselves in their outfit while maintaining formality.
Black tie attire on the other hand is the type of dress code reserved for highly placed occasions, formal dinners, evening weddings, ballets, award nights, and other upscale events. It takes the formality level a bit higher than the formal black tie optional attire. The required outfit for a black tie event for men is the tuxedo.
Black Tie Optional Wedding
Black tie optional as stated before gives room for flexibility to come in. For guests gracing this kind of wedding, a nice tailored suit is perfect instead of a tuxedo. If guests have a black tie attire, great but if not, something elegant and less fancy is a good alternative.
Even though the couple hosting the wedding wants an event that requires a black tie formal outfit they also know that such attire might be too expensive. So, there is a need to improvise which is why guests can opt for formal wear like a suit.
Colors for Outfits
In choosing your colors, avoid wearing loud hues as these simply are not fit for the level of formality needed for a black tie optional wedding. Colors like sapphire, emerald, ruby, and amethyst are rich tones to use. One more thing is to choose colors according to the season. For example, the winter season can accommodate dark shades of red, green, and navy blue while the summer season will go best with navy blue or magenta.
Suit Material Best for Black Tie Optional
What suit fabrics are best for a black tie optional wedding attire? In this case, your usual linen and cotton materials wouldn't work at all so you must ditch them for more suitable elevated fabrics.
Remember that you want to dress as formal and sophisticated as possible given the event you are invited to. Opt for luxe fabrics that command attention giving you that dapper and elegant look. Check out some silk, wool, and cashmere material or blends of these fabrics. You can also incorporate materials that scream luxury like a velvet jacket with a satin shawl collar.
What You Should Not Wear to a Black Tie Optional Wedding
While you have the leverage of not sticking to the strict rule of the black tie attire here, this dress code also has its own rules. There are still what you shouldn't wear if you are considering going for a black tie optional wedding. On no account should anything casual be found amongst your outfits. These are off-limits for black tie optional weddings.
That you have flexibility in dressing doesn't mean you wear clothing like polo, t-shirts, chinos, jeans, sneakers, and the like. This is not the usual office work clothes or business casual attire either. When it comes to colors, stay away from neon or flashy patterns. Also, double-check your invite to ensure that you stick to what the couple wants for their occasion.
