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For instance, you can include “black tie recommended” in your invitation card instead of having a strictly black tie with a tuxedo dress code. This will help your guests stick to your dress code while experimenting a little with styles that make them feel comfortable. If the wedding is a black tie affair, your wedding invitation will expressly say that. You can also garner some extra hints from the invitation style, too, though.
Cotton can give the dress a casual feel, or satin can make for something more formal. A flowy, black maxi dress can be just the dramatic fit for a nighttime occasion. Something in white eyelet or lace can also make a statement, and a unique neckline or a cutout back can add flair to an otherwise simple piece. There’s a maxi dress for everyone, whether you want to feel fancy or laid back. If you’re still not sure what to wear, lean toward classic black tie fabrics, colors, and silhouettes, instead of focusing on a specific outfit or look. Silk and satin generally fit the more upscale nature of this type of event, while colors such as black, navy, and emerald green are also well-suited for a black tie ambience.
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If you are attending a wedding, just be mindful of choosing a red dress, in case you might come across as disrespectful to the couple. A bright and loud hue of red could be too distracting at a wedding. Instead, if you want to wear red, opt to wear darker shades of red instead.
With Creative Black Tie, you are free to digress from the traditional in one or two elements of your outfit. This is the dress code, in other words, where elements of the standard Black Tie can commingle to some extent with elements of conventional business wear. A boutonniere is an excellent accessory to add color and life to a formal ensemble, and the same applies for a Black-Tie Optional outfit. Something understated and in a light color is going to be the ideal choice. As mentioned above, you will never be overdressed or in violation of the Dress Code if you opt to wear Black Tie at a Black-Tie Optional event.
Dinner
Instead, stick to classic silhouettes and styles that won’t date. For many black-tie events, particularly those that are less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress can make an ideal outfit choice. Selecting one that’s structured or elegant and that sits at the knees is always a good idea. Also, to keep your look elevated, stick to black or rich, jewel-toned colours and finish your ensemble with sophisticated jewellery, accessories, and heels. Although a formal outfit is less strict than a black tie attire, it doesn’t mean it is less critical. If the couple asks for a formal dress code, you should try as much as possible to comply.
Black tie doesn’t necessarily require a long dress, of course, if you’re going short, be sure it makes a fashion statement and isn’t something you might wear to a cocktail party or a club. You may instead wear any dark, plain necktie or bow tie, or a black necktie if desired. You should not, however, wear a black bow tie for a Black-Tie Optional event, as the black bow tie is a centerpiece of the Black Tie dress code. A Black Tie dress code indicates that you will be expected to wear a traditional Black-Tie ensemble, such as a tuxedo. The Black-Tie Optional dress code allows you to wear a Black-Tie ensemble if desired, but you are not required to. You can instead wear the formally styled suit discussed above.
White-Tie Wedding Dress Code
Effectively, the “Optional” in Black-Tie Optional means that men who do not wish to or are not able to wear conventional Black Tie have the option to wear something else. Black-Tie Optional events are designed to communicate a judgment-free acknowledgment that not all men necessarily own or can afford a conventional Black-Tie ensemble. Ambiguous dress code words like “preppy,” “Hollywood,” or “elegant” can mean different things to different people, and may create more confusion than clarity.
All colors are fair game except white, off-white, or anything else that's even close to white. Apart from that, the only color you might want to avoid is the color the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a wannabe 'maid if you accidentally wear the same color. One of the best ways to decide what to wear is to do some research on the venue. "As a guest, I would first think of the wedding location as the background that sets the tone," Mae says. "A quick Google search of the venue can give you a feel of the wedding style, and the venue will have photos of past weddings that can inspire you." Turn heads in this tiered ruffle gown made out of a sateen fabric with a textured sheen finish.
What to Wear to a Black-Tie
With a few simple guidelines, you can put an outfit together worthy of the red carpet or wedding aisle. The black-tie wedding dress code is more commonly requested for a fancy evening wedding. It still requires guests to wear formal attire, and additional accessories are optional.
As a finishing touch, pair your cocktail dress with sleek heels, gorgeous jewellery and an elegant clutch so the overall look is formal. Some couples don’t want to worry guests over what to wear so they don’t require a wedding dress code. However, this likely makes it more stressful for guests to choose their attire. Without clear guidelines for what to wear, guests must guess and hope they don’t stand out.
