What to wear to a black tie wedding
A floor-length gown or a formal evening dress for women, and a tuxedo with bow tie for men. Choose deep or jewel colours, not white, and polished formal shoes.
Three outfits that work
Floor-length gown, gold heels, wrap
- midnight blue floor-length gown
- gold evening heels
- gold clutch
- silk wrap
A floor-length gown is the heart of black tie; a deep colour and a wrap keep it elegant and warm.
Dinner jacket, bow tie, patent shoes
- black dinner jacket
- black dinner trousers
- white dress shirt
- black patent shoes
A tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie is the standard; patent or polished black shoes finish it.
Long-sleeved gown, wrap
- emerald long-sleeved gown
- champagne wrap
- black evening shoes
- black clutch
Sleeves and a full-length hem meet black tie and cover shoulders and arms for a ceremony in a place of worship.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A lightweight silk, crepe or chiffon; a wrap for the evening. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The gown or tuxedo as planned with a light wrap or overcoat. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Velvet, heavier crepe or wool, a full-length coat or cape, and shoes with grip for the entrance. |
Do and don’t
- Choose floor-length or a very formal evening dress
- Add polished jewellery or a watch
- Check the invitation for “black tie” or “black tie optional”
- Wear shoes you can stand in for hours
- Hire a tuxedo if you do not own one
- Wear white, ivory or very pale colours
- Wear a short or casual dress
- Wear a business suit with a long tie
- Choose shoes you have not worn in
Check the night before
- Check the invitation wording
- Try on the gown or tuxedo and sit down
- Have shirt studs, cufflinks and bow tie ready
- Polish your shoes
- Pack a wrap and the gift
Questions people ask
What is the difference between black tie and formal?
Black tie means a tuxedo and a floor-length gown; formal can allow a dark suit and a very elegant dress. Check the invitation.
Can I wear a short dress to a black tie wedding?
Floor-length is the safest. A very formal midi can work at “black tie optional”, but not at strict black tie.
Do I have to wear a tuxedo?
At strict black tie, yes. At “black tie optional” a dark formal suit with a tie is accepted.
Can women wear a tuxedo?
Yes. A tailored tuxedo suit or an elegant jumpsuit works, with formal shoes and jewellery.
Pick Black tie wedding in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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