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A simple square or puff fold will be in keeping with the formality of the evening. A white dress shirt with a traditional collar type, such as a semi-spread, is ideal for the Black Tie Optional dress code. A single-breasted suit is perfectly acceptable as Black-Tie Optional Attire as its simple silhouette will call to mind the elegant lines of a dinner jacket.
This dress code is relatively new and will leave many guests scratching their heads. Basically, guests are given the go-ahead to have fun and play with their look. Opt for cocktail party attire featuring bolder colors and playful accessories. Women should wear a cocktail dress or party dress in a fun color paired with playful accessories and heels or dressy flats.
Reformation Hilda Dress
If you don't own a tuxedo already, we recommend picking up a quintessential style like this black Italian wool option. It'll work for black-tie events all year round, plus you can always swap out the tuxedo jacket for a snazzy patterned dinner jacket the next time you wear it . A pair of black patent-leather shoes and a black tie or bow tie are essential to complete the look.
Nevertheless, if this is the route you want to follow, head to our guide to the best custom suits to buy online as we have exclusive voucher codes for both of them. Black is a chic and timeless color that works in all four seasons. Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry to make it sparkle and stand out even more. No websites speak directly to that, so I started asking around and ordering dresses to try. It even comes with a pair of suspenders in every box.
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Whatever you do, make sure you polish your shoes. You can always add a few conservative accessories to your dark suit ensemble for black tie optional events. Avoid wild socks and novelty braces if you don’t want to look out of place. Nevertheless, when it comes to optional black-tie events, you have a bit of freedom with the accessories than any other part of your ensemble.
The couple and their wedding party will be wearing their best black-tie attire on the big day, and it's respectful for guests to replicate that level of formality in their own outfits. That said, suits aren't completely out of the question. "Men can wear a tux, but are also fine to wear a nice black, gray or navy suit," says Mayer. If you're wearing a suit, you should plan to keep it minimal, choose a dark color and wear a bow tie.
How to Nail the Dress Code at a Black-Tie Optional Wedding
Remember, the hosts chose this dress code because they want a sophisticated affair. With that in mind, stick with dark, solid colors such as burgundy, navy, forest green, or dark plum. One color to avoid is white, which is reserved for white tie events. The black tie-optional wedding is an example of an event every gentleman gets to attend in their life. Here, formal dark suits are still the favorite, but since it’s a celebration, you can style things up with colorful ties and pocket squares.
There are plenty of places where you can rent a tuxedo, whether you're a wedding guest or in the wedding party—and if that's not an option, a dark suit would also be appropriate. A black-tie gala is a good time to go all-out with your outfit. Selecting a floor length gown that is sophisticated and stylish will allow you to nail this dress code without feeling under-dressed. Black is a standard colour choice for gala attire and will never steer you wrong, but dont be afraid to try other options, such as white, red or metallics.
Best Black Tie Wedding Guest Dress with Floral/Lace, $88
As for the willfully inconsiderate, the host’s congeniality need last only as long as the evening. Are you ready to elevate your look with black tie essentials? If so, take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and let your expert stylist know what events you have coming up. I had never been to a black-tie wedding, so wasn’t sure what to expect. Fortunately, I had three dresses to choose from, and the perfect heals and jewelry to match. Whatever you choose, your shirt should be white.
Sleek and sophisticated, this black-tie-approved wedding guest dress is a real stunner. With a chic mock neckline, a fitted silhouette and a tasteful side slit, you'll look forward to wearing this sophisticated frock. Accessorize with statement earrings and sparkly heels to elevate your black-tie wedding outfit. If you're buying an outfit for the couple's wedding day on a budget, you won't regret taking a look at what Lulus has to offer.