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Black tie optional, on the other hand, gives you some space to interpret what formal means, dressing down slightly from the classic standard. For shoes, expect to wear black shoes or brown dress shoes. Other colors may fit your outfit, so you have some options here. However, make sure they shoes are formal enough to pair with your suit and not look out of place. We suggest you match your socks to your outfit as well and avoid any zany colored socks unless you’re certain the bride and groom will appreciate your style.
Ironically, it’s not even the most formal wedding dress code option, but formal wedding attire does require some thought, effort, and the tying of a bow tie. Again, this dress code leaves some room to express yourself, so choose a fun pair of socks, tie or bow tie. If you’re worried about what sort of dress is expected for women at black tie optional events, don’t fret, you have some options with this dress code.
What All You Need For A Wedding
Typically, guests are asked to wear a tuxedo or an evening gown to a black tie wedding. You really can't overdress for a black tie affair, so if you have been saving a really chic suit or dress for a special occasion, then this would be the one. While a tux should be the first choice for men, a nice suit is an acceptable substitute. When choosing a midi dress for a black tie event, opt for a style that is elegant and classy.
Lighter colored suits or suit separates are recommended for this dress code. Not sure how to accessorize black tie event dresses? Consider sparkling rhinestone earrings and a chic updo, or accent a dramatic neckline with a delicate gold necklace. A black-tie dress code traditionally calls for formal outfits like floor-length evening gowns, tailored jumpsuits, and tuxedos. If you're not sure where to start, it's helpful to let the venue and season guide your decision-making process.
Am I Required to Wear a Tux?
Black tie optional events require you to dress up but are not as formal as black tie events. A black tie optional dress code can be confusing for even the most fashionable of us. Remember that the underlying rule for a black tie optional event is to “dress formally,” and no formal attire is complete without a tie. A lighter-colored suit is acceptable if it’s an afternoon event, a summer wedding, or in line with the colors of the day as per the couple’s instructions.
"When hosting a formal affair, it's best to not stray from the traditional etiquette guidelines," Kallett says. "Use your invitations as an opportunity to communicate what to expect, from attire to the overall vibe you seek to create for your guests." You can add a tie or sports jacket if you'd like, but it's not required. In addition to the length of the dress, fabrics are of the utmost importance, too. This is your moment to go all out with sumptuous, flowy silks, luxurious chiffon, and dreamy layers of tulle. A few embellishments here and there won’t hurt either.
Our Favorite Black Tie Optional Tuxedos
First, thing first, about that little note on the wedding invitation you just got. You can only wear a cocktail dress if it's a very formal design. It can fall above the knee, but it shouldn't get much shorter than that for a black-tie wedding. For this occasion, it's not recommended to show too much skin. Steer clear of anything that looks like you're going to a club. Pair your cocktail dress with sleek heels, gorgeous jewelry, and an elegant clutch so the overall look is formal.
Find elegant mother of the bride & groom dresses at JJ'sHouse in various colors, styles & sizes. The wedding scene seems to change with the seasons bringing along a few classic staples you can always rely on. Dusty blue wedding color combinations have always been a bridal favorite, however this year it is stepping out into the celebrity spotlight! Known as the new neutral to love, the hues are enchantingly elegant and sweepingly romantic.
Putting Together Your Suit Ensemble
Peak lapel tuxedos are probably the most formal version of the black tux, but this one’s tailored cut gives it a fresh feel—a great choice for any black tie wedding. Male friends hanging out together during outdoor wedding reception - black tie wedding stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images wedding icons. Contains such icons as wedding, heart, love, dove, tuxedo, wedding dress, champagne, engagement ring, camera, photography, church. If you want a recommendation, two of the best places to shop black tie wedding guest dresses are Lulus and BHLDN. As a rule of thumb, black tie optional dress code is the expectation that guests dress formally but not necessarily in overly fancy attire.
The sequined details on Tory Burch’s dress or the breathtaking puffed sleeves on Khaite’s column number are divine add-ons that could set you up to win best-dressed guest. However, overly opulent jewelry might be considered too much for this type of dress code, so try not to take too much attention from the bride with your impeccable style. Gonzalez-Ramirez also recommends dressing according to the location. “If the ceremony takes place at an elegant salon, you can mirror chandeliers by wearing intricate earrings,” she notes.
