Recently, I was in a gathering with my friends and one of them said an upcoming event would be a black tie event, and I wondered what she meant by ‘black tie’. Does that mean everybody would wear a black tie or what? I asked.
Truly, a lot people misunderstand what black tie event is. When you open your mailboxes and find an invitation to a wedding or party, our thoughts immediately turn to easy-breezy dresses, cute sandals and maybe even ways to refresh our look. Until you see the invitation says “black tie” and that means you just have to notch up your style radiate elegance and glamour. This could present a bit of a challenge on the wardrobe front.
Follow through this expose and find out all you need to know about a black tie event.
Black tie is a dress code for social functions that start after 6 pm, and basically translates to “this party is fancy and men should wear tuxedos.” While the intricacies of a black tie formal wear applies more to men than to women, it is still important to understand that your attire should be appropriate for the occasion.
For men, the elements of a black tie are a white dress shirt, an black bow tie, an evening waist coat or cummerbund, a suit of black or midnight blue wool colour, in which the jacket lapels and trouser braid are of silk or other contrasting material and a pair of black classy shoes.
For the women, dressing up for black tie occasions has varied greatly through the years; traditionally it was the evening shoes, dinner(ankle) or tea (below mid-calf) length sleeveless evening gown, often accompanied by a wrap or stole and gloves. Today women’s dress for black tie occasion includes exquisite shoes and a cocktail gorgeous dress.
What to consider when preparing for a black tie affair
Gown or no gown: Do I have an option?
Apart from white-tie affair which is not common, black tie is the most formal dress code you will probably find when it comes to weddings, parties or galas. For women, it is customary to wear floor-length gowns, but in this day and age, exceptions can be made. If you do not own a gown and do not particularly want to buy one for a one-off occasion, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a cocktail dress you already have. However, if you do go this route, please make sure to keep the colours rich (black, jewel tones, chic metallics, brown and so on) so you do not look too casual.
On the other hand, women can wear a floor-length gown in a lighter shade, since the silhouette is inherently dressy. Another acceptable option for black-tie events includes silk blouse with a full satin skirt.
Black Tie Optional, what it means for women
If you receive an invite with the term “black tie optional” know that it mostly applies to men who may or may not own or want to wear a tuxedo. For women, it means you have the option of wearing a full-length gown, or opting for a cocktail dress, so long as the hemline is not too short or the style is not too revealing. Essentially, ladies should choose a dress that will hold up alongside a room full of men in formal tuxedos, and women who potentially have chosen to wear gowns.
Wearing red to a formal event, what’s the deal?
This fashion rule was put into place during more conservative times when red was thought to be a way-too-sexy, attention-stealing colour. Yes, you might want to stay away from wearing a skin-tight red plunging spandex gown to a wedding or black-tie affair, but you probably do not want to wear that in any colour. These days, there are tons of high-style red dresses that are perfectly acceptable as formal wear, as evidenced by the runways at fashion week and red carpets, where celebrities often wear red gowns that look elegant and classic, as opposed to tawdry.
A good rule of thumb: Choose red gowns that are made from chiffon, silk, or organza, as opposed to shiny satin or anything too stretchy, and always keep embellishments to a minimum.
After-party etiquette: Should I stick with my formal wear?
Occasionally, the festivities will not stop when the clock strikes midnight, as many couples or organisers of these parties like the black tie event or weddings will still be around if for instance it is in a hotel.
Is it acceptable to change into jeans, or is keeping your formal wear on a must? This really depends on the location of the event. For example, if your hotel room is easily accessible, a lot of people do change. But if it is another venue, most people will not. Try to be observant happenings around you at the event to see what others are doing-you certainly do not want to be the only one in jeans when others are still wearing gowns…have fun at your next black tie event and do not feel pressured to look like someone else. Wear what suits you and enjoy the celebration!
IJEOMA OMENI ASIEGBU
