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- Article tag: Bridal
Formal events always come with a dress code to follow, and black tie weddings are probably the strictest of the bunch. As an elegant, sophisticated occasion, you can expect the dress code of a black tie wedding to be described in a similar way. You likely already know that you should wear something refined and respectful for the event, but what exactly does that entail?
The nuances of a black tie wedding can be a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first black tie event. In this article, we’re going to explain what to wear to a black tie wedding so you can make sure you know how to make a lasting impression.
This article discusses appropriate attire for both men and women, the classic tuxedo and evening gown, and the accessories that complete the ensemble. We'll also let you in on all our secrets on color palettes and fabric choices so you can truly look your best.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding: Women’s Attire
You’ve probably been told you need to wear an evening gown for a black tie event, but there’s a lot more that goes into this decision. Here, we’ll take you through our recommendations for evening gowns, accessories to go with them, and hair and makeup to tie it all together.
Evening Gown
As far as a woman's black tie attire goes, the evening gown is pretty much the only right choice. This gown should be floor-length and made from silk, satin, velvet, or lace; anything luxurious. Options for the neckline range from a classic sweetheart to a sophisticated halter, but we generally recommend opting for a more modest style that complements your figure.
If you’re confused about the decision for the fabric and style of your gown, consider the season when you’ll be attending; a lightweight silk gown is best for a summer wedding, but a velvet gown might do you better in the winter. This does come down to preference, however.
Accessories
Accessories will help you complete your black tie ensemble. For your essentials, go with a delicate clutch or a small evening bag. As for jewelry, we usually recommend the classics: a diamond necklace, elegant earrings, and a bracelet.
High-heeled shoes, preferably in a neutral color like silver or gold, will help elevate your look a touch. When choosing your accessories, make sure they complement your evening gown and overall style, which means no overly large or flashy accessories that might detract from the theme.
Hair and Makeup
Like your accessories, the hair and makeup should complement your evening gown and overall look. If you’re unsure, take your pick between the classics: a chignon, updo, or soft curls.
Keep your makeup natural and sophisticated while highlighting your features with subtle contouring, mascara, and a touch of lipstick. Choose a color palette that complements your skin tone and the overall aesthetic of your outfit. Color palettes are discussed in detail in a later section.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding: Men’s Attire
If you’re just picking out a standard black tuxedo and calling it a day, you might be missing out on making your best impression at the event. In this section, we’ll go into everything that ties a man’s black tie attire together.
Tuxedo
The tuxedo is to men’s black tie attire what the evening gown is to women’s. It’s the standard suit, but it doesn’t have to be the standard style every time.
A tuxedo is usually characterized by its black jacket with satin lapels and black trousers with satin side stripes, but we recommend experimenting with a navy one too. You might be pushing it with other, less common colors, but a navy jacket is perfectly acceptable at most events and helps you stand out just that little bit more.
The jacket of your tuxedo should fit impeccably, with a tailored silhouette that accentuates your physique. The trousers should be hemmed to just above the ankle. The fitting of the tuxedo jacket can really make or break your whole outfit, so make sure it gets the appropriate attention.
Shirt and Bow Tie
The shirt worn with a tuxedo should be a white dress shirt made from a fine fabric like cotton or linen. The collar should be a wingtip or a spread, the two most commonly used formal types.
A black bow tie is also the traditional pairing for the tuxedo, so make sure you have one. It should be tied carefully and adjusted so it’s comfortable around your neck. Like the rest of the outfit, the bow tie should be made from a high-quality fabric, such as silk or satin.
Accessories
Accessories at a black tie wedding are as important for men as they are for women. As a man, you should choose a black patent leather belt and your best pair of dress shoes (we recommend oxfords or wingtips).
A pocket square can also add a touch of personality to your tuxedo jacket. Don’t forget your timepiece - a classy Tissot can add a lot of sophistication to your look without breaking the bank.
Grooming
Grooming is an everyday essential, but it’s all the more important if you want a polished black tie look. Whichever hairstyle you choose, make sure it’s neatly styled and well-groomed. If you have facial hair, it should be trimmed and properly maintained.
There are too many perfumes or colognes to choose from (depending on the season, style, etc.), so as a general recommendation, we advise against strong or overpowering ones. A subtle fragrance is all you’ll need to lift your whole impression. Little details like this will make all the difference for you on the evening
More Do’s for Both Men and Women
Now that you have a baseline for what to do with your outfit and accessories, you can get into the nitty gritty of your overall look; that’s what we’ll cover in this section.
Color Palette
At a black tie event, your options may be a bit limited in the color palette, depending on how strict the dress code is. If you want to go with something solid and dependable, black is the traditional color that you just can’t go wrong with. This will work for both tuxedos and evening gowns.
That said, there are other options that can work just as well too. For men, our favorite is a midnight blue tuxedo or even a charcoal gray suit. For women, you can consider a navy blue, emerald green, or dark silver evening gown as well.
The only guideline to keep in mind with different colors is not to go for really flashy ones that might stand out in a distracting manner. After all, you don't want to distract from the party or the bride's dress.
Fabric Quality
The quality of the fabric used in your outfit plays a much bigger role in how you’ll look than people often expect. High-quality fabrics that are both durable and luxurious are a must here. For women, these would be silk, satin, velvet, and lace. Not only do they look the part, but they also drape beautifully and make you look graceful regardless of the setting.
For men, your tuxedo should be made from a fine wool or cashmere blend. The fabric should be soft to the touch and have a subtle sheen.
Fit and Tailoring
As we emphasized earlier, fit and tailoring can really make or break your whole look. For men, your jacket should fit snugly across the shoulders without being too tight. The sleeves should be the correct length, which means ending just above the wrist bone. The trousers should be hemmed to your preferred length and fit comfortably around the waist.
For women, the evening gown should flatter your figure and curves. The tailoring should be such that it fits snugly around the bodice and waist, with a flowing skirt that goes with your body type.
Comfort
We often see people overlooking comfort in favor of looking their best, but you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. A good looking outfit can be your most comfortable one as long as you choose it right. For starters, whichever attire you go with should let you move freely and enjoy the evening.
Women should look at the length of the dress in this respect (does it let you move around easily?) Heels are the most common choice for shoes, so make sure they’re your most comfortable pair.
For men, when getting your suit tailored, make sure it’s not so tight that it restricts your movement, even if it looks fine at a surface level. Get a good pair of dress shoes with good cushioning and support to avoid discomfort.
Mastering the Art of Black Tie Attire
And there you have it! By now, you should know everything you need to look your absolute best for the evening. Once again, we’d like to emphasize the importance of your fitting and tailoring; it’ll define not just how good you look, but how comfortable you are at the wedding.
You also have options with colors, though we’d generally recommend staying on the darker end of the spectrum with your choice. Last but not least, remember to be your most confident self at the event - your attire will follow suit, and you’ll make the best possible impression on your peers.
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