Certain parties, a wedding or social gathering, often send invitations that says, "black tie optional" on the invitations. There are many fabulous options of attire for both men and women to choose from for this occasion.
“The more suits I owned, the more I realized the best besuited look a man can achieve comes from a harmony of three details: fabric, construction, and fit. If the suit fits you like a glove and it’s well made, you simply feel better about everything in life when you’re wearing it.”
― Paul Feig
As there are different types of dress codes out there, nailing it down to what you can and cannot wear for each dress code can be a challenging task. Let’s take this dress code as an example. The fact that it has the word ‘optional’ in it can leave many of us baffled as to what it truly means.
Many of us have received invitations to parties, weddings, galas, and social gatherings that specifically mention or stress on the usage of the word ‘optional’ in them. So, what do we do then? If you’re like us, the first thing will be to hunt the Internet to find the accurate answer. And since you’ve landed on this article, we will do our best in helping you get ready for the event.
Meaning of Black Tie Optional
In actuality, the idea is to organize an event that doesn’t require you to follow the black tie rules to the core. This usually applies to men who don’t necessarily have to be confined in the tuxedo ensemble. However, for this dress code, you can wear one if you’d like.
Black Tie Optional Attire For Men
Black Tuxedo with Bow Tie for Black Tie Optional Event
At such events, it is perfectly alright to go for the tuxedo with a bow tie.
◆ White, black, or colored bow tie
◆ Classic white tux shirt
◆ White pocket square
◆ Studded tuxedo buttons
◆ Solid black tuxedo
◆ No cummerbund
◆ Black leather belt
◆ Black leather oxfords
Now even when if you’re keen on wearing a tux, do make it a point to speak with the host about whether or not it will be considered appropriate at the event.
Black Suit with Tie for Black Tie Optional Event
◆ Crisp white dress shirt
◆ Solid black suit
◆ Black or dark-colored tie
◆ White pocket square
◆ Black leather belt
◆ Black dressy leather shoes
If you’re keeping the tuxedo out, the only other option is a well-tailored black suit. It’s conservation, looks elegant, and will help you blend considerably well with the crowd. Depending on the formality of the event, each element has to be on the dressier side. Avoid wearing a shirt that has a button-down collars as they appear too casual. On the other hand, if you have a shirt with French cuffs, it’ll hit the mark. Wearing polished shoes with black dress socks may be self-explanatory, but it’s essential to follow the code to the tee.
Blue Suit with Tie for Black Tie Optional Event
◆ Crisp white or light blue-colored shirt
◆ Solid blue suit
◆ Navy blue or dark-colored tie
◆ Complementing pocket square (optional)
◆ Black or brown leather belt
◆ Black or brown dressy leather shoes
On the other hand, you can go against the traditional and try something different to stand out in the crowd. But beware as you don’t want to offend the host and grab too much attention for all the wrong reasons. If not a tuxedo or a black suit, a dark blue suit is next (and final) option. It appears dressy with the extra attention towards your personality and style. Choose a suit in a slightly shinier fabric as it appears dressy (matte fabric gives a casual appeal). Apart from this, you can also wear a bow tie if you’d like, and keep the tie out altogether.
Black Tie Optional Attire For Women
Long Gown for Black Tie Optional Event
◆ Long hemline
◆ 2 – 3 complementing accessories
◆ Clutch purse
◆ Comfortable, yet classy shoes
If you’re worried about not blending in with the crowd along with upholding the dress code, stick to a floor-length gown. Plus, it goes without saying that the gown needs to fit you properly and is in a fabric that doesn’t appear too casual. From strapless to one-shoulder to sleeveless, any type of elegant gown will work wonders here. Remember not to include all the accessories―earrings, necklace, ring, bracelet―and overpower the ensemble. Depending on the style, design, and pattern of the gown, select accessories that will highlight it furthermore.
Ankle-Length Dress for Black Tie Optional Event
◆ Chiffon, sequin, or silk dress
◆ 2 – 3 complementing accessories
◆ Light shawl (weather-appropriate)
◆ Clutch purse
◆ Heels
If you don’t want to wear a super elegant gown, then an ankle-length dress is perfectly acceptable. This gives you a lot of room to experiment with your look in terms of fabric of the dress, style, design, and accessories. Just remember that your dress needs to hold its own in a room filled with men in tuxedos and smart suits.
But that’s not all. There will be women who are going to be dressed quite stylishly, and your outfit needs to make an impact as well. So, give yourself enough time to put the entire outfit together, and avoid rushing through it. As the event will be somewhat formal (not black tie formal), you can’t just put clothing items and accessories together and walk out the door.
Knee-Length Dress for Black Tie Optional Event
◆ Knee-length cocktail dress (decent hemline)
◆ 2 ― 3 complementing accessories
◆ Clutch purse
◆ Stilettos
Cocktail dresses are absolutely fine at such events. In fact, if you have a lovely cocktail or little black dress, then you can surely wear it for the party. Just remember to check in with the host about whether or not it’ll be acceptable for his/her party. Also, make sure the hemline isn’t too high that makes the dress a club wear rather than a black tie optional outfit.
Since you’ll be wearing a short dress, be absolutely confident in your attire and know that perhaps, other women at the party may or may not be wearing a cocktail dress as well. So, if you’re fine with being the odd one out, in a good way, of course, then by all means, go for it!
Apart from the advice and suggestions given in this article, do feel free to browse other outfit ideas over the Internet. If you’re still confused or not sure about what you’ll be wearing to the event, search for outfit options of your favorite celebrity, and copy his/her style.
