What is black tie optional?

WHAT DOES BLACK TIE OPTIONAL MEAN?!

A black-tie optional dress code for guests at an event requests you arrive in formal or semi-formal attire. This dress code invitation will communicate this suggested attire under these titles: formal, semi-formal, black-tie, or black-tie optional.

Let's get into it, to remove the stress for you…

In this article I will address:

1. Rules to go by...

2. What to do...

3. What to avoid...

4. Guest outfit options that are not a dress…

5. and, Example Outfits. (Links provided below)

I am here to help you, equip you & put you at ease so that getting ready for your event will be stress-free & fun!!

*be encouraged to DRESS FOR YOU and confidently walk out your door setting yourself up to have a great time at your event!!

PARK 5TH BELMONT DRESS Slip Dress XS-XXL

BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL RULES TO GO BY:

Guests have the option of wearing their most formal evening gown or tuxedo but, you are not limited to that...

Let’s start with Men/Persons. Although they are requested to wear a tuxedo, they can absolutely wear a dark suit.

If I was styling you or your man, I would suggest they purchase a dark suit because it can be the same price point when renting a tux and they can separate the suit after the event to get more wear out of their purchase.

A woman can choose either a formal gown, a short (below or covering knee) / long cocktail dress, a formal midi-dress, a maxi-dress, a classy jumpsuit, or dressy separates.

Velvety Flowers Tulle Maxi Dress

Sm-Lg, available in Green/Black/Hot Pink

(Pink is more for wedding attire pending on venue)

TIPS & SUGGESTIONS ON 'WHAT TO DO' FOR BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL:

If you choose a dark suit over a tuxedo-- What colors should you choose for a DARK suit?

Burgandy, Navy, Black, Olive, or Charcoal Grey.

How to complete your suit look— I suggest choosing a solid button-up shirt to go with your suit and tie/bow tie. You can absolutely go all monotone (stunning) OR, choose a complimentary color in one item. Either your tie/bow tie, pocket square, or shirt to be the complimenting color, not both. Too much color for this event is too bold. I never shy away from encouraging my clients to be bold, but in this case, you present yourself as polished and aware of exactly how to represent yourself under the suggested style terms.

SHOES- for a pantsuit: Choose from the colors black, cognac, or navy pending on the color of the suit you have chosen. This will complete your look from head to toe.

Heels: choose a complimenting color: a neutral, or a pop of color. A comfortable heel is very important because whether you are mingling throughout the evening or dancing you do not want your focus to be on the discomfort of your feet. MY ADVICE: wear your heels around the house before your event to break them in!

As for accessories, a colorful shoe (if suits the venue Ex. A wedding/ Office event), a patterned tie, a statement piece of jewelry, or a fun pair of sunglasses individualizes your look.

Short Dresses are typically more for "less formal" events. If a shorter dress is all you have then choose it in the color black, and wear sparkly jewelry and high heels to elevate your look.

*A short dress is considered SHORT when it is above or showing your knee.

Sequin Top Asymmetric Gown size 2-18

WHAT TO AVOID FOR BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL:

1. Can I wear a floral dress to a black-tie optional event?

Avoid bright & bold florals. Subtle florals can be appropriate and add playfulness to a perhaps perceived stuffy event.

2. Avoid wearing a bow tie with your black suit. It will mimic the tuxedo and look "off". Choose to wear a tuxedo and commit or, consider the suggestions above regarding dark suit rules.

3. Avoid Wrap dresses.

They are too casual for black-tie optional.

*Although, they remind me to talk about a gown with a good slit in the front or side of your dress! Revealing your leg is appropriate but do not expose your upper thigh.

4. Ladies try to avoid flat shoes with your gown/dress/pantsuit. Heels are more formal.

In saying this, I want to consider those of you who medically cannot stand in a heel. If this is your situation, I suggest you choose a gown/pants that cover your feet and have detail around your neck to draw the eye UP. A long dress will add length & height to you and does not distract from your look.

5. Short dresses – Adult women should not wear short dresses (above your knee) to black tie optional events. Choose a mid-length gown or a longer cocktail dress.

Rectangle Jog Jumpsuit XXS-XXL

GUEST OUTFITS THAT ARE NOT DRESSES:

The benefit of black-tie optional events is that you can step outside of a formal gown or cocktail dress if you'd like.

Many women prefer to choose a cocktail dress because it is easier to re-wear to another event. Expanding wear for our items is important to so many and is fun because it allows us to be creative when we wear the item again with different shoes and accessories.

Let's talk jumpsuits.... evening jumpsuits are so classy and suitable for a winter event. They are absolutely an option if you would like!

Pantsuits are also an option that should not be doubted or overlooked.

Separates can be a blouse, structured pants with a great heel, or, a silk blouse and a long velvet skirt.

AZAZIE BERDIE JUMPSUIT

EXAMPLE OUTFITS:

Jumpsuit/Pantsuit One-Shoulder Halter V-neck High Neck Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress With Ruffle

available in US 0- 26W

Tight-knit asymmetrical dress

Pnina Tornai For Azazie

LACE MIDI DRESS

Jumpsuits Evening Dresses Minimalist Elegant Dress Wedding Guest Formal Evening Detachable Sweetheart Neckline Sleeveless Satin with Bow(s) Overskirt

EXAMPLE OF SEPARATES LOOK

High-Waist Tapered Ankle Pant With Belt - 28 " Size 00-14

EXAMPLE OF APPROVED FLORAL COCKTAIL GOWN

Pleated Chiffon V-Neck Fit And Flare Cocktail Dress

Slim Fit Tuxedo Pant

Tailored Fit Velvet Tuxedo Blazer

EXAMPLE COLOURED SUIT

Slim Fit Dark Green Suit Pant

Slim Fit Dark Green Suit BLAZER

styles featured in this post:

Adelyn Rae Manon Burnout Velvet Midi Dress

Burnout velvet

The rich velvet and asymmetric neckline give this midi an evening feel. Pair it with refined shoes and jewellery when the invitation allows a formal midi.

Shop at The Trendy Walrus

Adelyn Rae Selena Scarf Cowl-Neck Midi Dress

Red

Lustrous satin and the flowing scarf detail create a polished occasion look. Keep accessories simple, and confirm the colour and length suit your event.

Shop at The Trendy Walrus

Feel certain about your event outfit

Kim can help you interpret the invitation and choose a dress, jumpsuit or separates that suit the event and feel like you. Start with a free styling consultation.

Let’s Chat

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