It really just depends on the context of the event. A 'black tie' formal event i.e a posh corporate awards celebration is not quite the same context as 'black tie' for a friend's wedding evening or a NYE Great Gatsby themed part. So there's a degree to which you'll need to 'read the room' as to how strict the 'black tie' element really is, for this event specifically. That said, unless it is a genuinely very posh / high-society event, the reality is that in 2023, very, very few people are going to genuinely care/be fussed if you go to black tie wearing some other form of formal, dark suiting with black shoes. Example - I was at a friend's wedding last weekend. Black tie was the dress code. I wore a tux because I have a nice tux already that fits be fantastically. But there were several men there in non-tux outfits (3-piece suits, and tweed suits, for instance). Answer from JakeArcher39 on reddit.com
Generation Tux
generationtux.com › blog › style-guides › mens-black-tie-dress-code-made-simple
A Comprehensive Guide to Black-Tie Dress Code | Generation Tux
December 27, 2023 - When we talk about the tux, the first image that comes to mind is the iconic tuxedo jacket. It’s no wonder this outfit counts among the black-tie preferred wedding attire for many. Most commonly black, this jacket type is distinguished from a regular suit jacket in several regards.
Savile Row Company
savilerowco.com › home
Black Tie Dress Code Explained | Savile Row Company
Patent Derbies are the most sensible choice, however velvet slippers are a viable – if not a little unpractical – alternative. Your bow tie should be black (never white), made from silk and hand-tied.
Does black tie means strictly tuxedo for men these days?
It really just depends on the context of the event. A 'black tie' formal event i.e a posh corporate awards celebration is not quite the same context as 'black tie' for a friend's wedding evening or a NYE Great Gatsby themed part. So there's a degree to which you'll need to 'read the room' as to how strict the 'black tie' element really is, for this event specifically. That said, unless it is a genuinely very posh / high-society event, the reality is that in 2023, very, very few people are going to genuinely care/be fussed if you go to black tie wearing some other form of formal, dark suiting with black shoes. Example - I was at a friend's wedding last weekend. Black tie was the dress code. I wore a tux because I have a nice tux already that fits be fantastically. But there were several men there in non-tux outfits (3-piece suits, and tweed suits, for instance). More on reddit.com
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October 9, 2023What does "black tie" mean these days?
Please help keep AskUK welcoming! Top-level comments to the OP must contain genuine efforts to answer the question. No jokes, judgements, etc. Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on. This is a strictly no-politics subreddit! Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
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May 10, 2024When people put “black tie” on an invitation when they don’t mean it
Good one, I agree. I have seen this in the business world too. I recently had a work conference with instructions that specifically said “business professional dress.” That means a jacket and tie for men, so I wore a suit. Only one other guy at the conference wore a suit, and everyone else just wore polos and pants or even jeans (business casual, mostly). Even the guy running the conference just wore business casual, and he basically said “oh you didn’t need to wear a suit, that’s ok.” Fine, then don’t put “business professional” on the instructions. More on reddit.com
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August 8, 2023Does black tie mean solid colors only?
Generally solids read more formal than prints, but that's just a guideline. You can absolutely wear a print to a black tie event, the dress just has to be truly formal in all other respects (cut, fabric, fit). I would note that while silky and shiny materials are common in black tie that's definitely not your only option. Crepe is a lovely choice for a formal gown. You also don't have to wear something clingy! For what it's worth I think it's really obnoxious to set a strict color requirement on top of a black tie dress code, so you're well within your rights to just find what you can and not worry too much about whether it's exactly perfect. More on reddit.com
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May 13, 2022Videos
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Is this black tie attire?? #mensfashion #tuxedo #wedding | TikTok
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/askuk › does black tie means strictly tuxedo for men these days?
r/AskUK on Reddit: Does black tie means strictly tuxedo for men these days?
October 9, 2023 -
I've been invited to a black tie event. Not optional black tie, just says dress code black tie (in capitals).
I've been thinking of getting a nice black suit for a while anyway, but I really don't want to buy a tux as it will be way too formal for my use. It would fit this event but then I'd be overdressed everywhere else.
I found a nice suit that I really like. It's a bit fancier than a business suit but not quite a classic dinner jacket. Single button, peak lapels (not satin though), a contrast strip down the trousers. It's basically like a dinner suit without the satin lapels. Happy to get a wing collar shirt and a bow tie to go with it.
How out of place am I going to feel if I went with that? Part of me thinks that surely people won't care or maybe not even notice, but then I've been reading comments online that if it says black tie, people expect you to turn up in a tux full stop.
Update:
Thanks all, I've gone ahead and ordered a dinner suit/tux.
Top answer 1 of 22
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It really just depends on the context of the event. A 'black tie' formal event i.e a posh corporate awards celebration is not quite the same context as 'black tie' for a friend's wedding evening or a NYE Great Gatsby themed part. So there's a degree to which you'll need to 'read the room' as to how strict the 'black tie' element really is, for this event specifically. That said, unless it is a genuinely very posh / high-society event, the reality is that in 2023, very, very few people are going to genuinely care/be fussed if you go to black tie wearing some other form of formal, dark suiting with black shoes. Example - I was at a friend's wedding last weekend. Black tie was the dress code. I wore a tux because I have a nice tux already that fits be fantastically. But there were several men there in non-tux outfits (3-piece suits, and tweed suits, for instance).
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Personally I would interpret back tie as being a tux and bow tie. That's always what I've known it to mean, and what I and most people have worn on the handful of occasions I've been to such events.
House of Cavani
cavani.co.uk › home › what to wear to a black tie event if you don’t have a tux
What To Wear To A Black Tie Event If You Don’T Have A Tux
December 10, 2025 - Often reserved for the finer moments, a tux is classed as formal attire that you only bring out on very rare occasions or if you are James Bond. Many modern gents own suits, but not a tuxedo. So, how do you make the most of this ...
State and Liberty
stateandliberty.com › home › state and liberty clothing company blog › state and liberty clothing company blog
Black Tie Dress Code for Men - Modern Overview
August 24, 2023 - The black tie dress code for men is a fashion forward approach that has expanded to include fabric color choices such as midnight navy and charcoal grey.
Pasha Belman
pashabelman.com › pasha belman photography › our blog › weddings › what to wear to a black tie wedding guide for men and women
What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding for Men and Women
6 days ago - It represents sophistication and tradition, calling for tuxedos for men and floor length gowns for women. Every detail, from fabric to fit, should feel polished and refined. Whether attending a Charleston destination wedding or a grand ballroom ...
Menswearhouse
menswearhouse.com › o › black-tie-attire
Black Tie Attire | Men's Wearhouse
Seasonal touches such as velvet dinner jackets, textured fabrics, or a formal overcoat can add warmth and style while adhering to the traditional requirements of black tie formal men’s attire. What occasions typically require black tie apparel for men? Black tie is usually reserved for formal evening events such as galas, balls, black tie weddings, award ceremonies, and upscale holiday celebrations.
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Black_tie
Black tie - Wikipedia
3 weeks ago - They may feature a bib that is either marcella or starched and include stiff single cuffs secured with cufflinks, made of the same fabric as the bib; this type of shirt is exactly the same as one worn with white tie attire. The collar in this case is tall and stiff, which may be attached or detachable. When a full dress shirt is worn in this fashion, it is accompanied by the white marcella waistcoat ordinarily associated with white tie. Wearing white tie accessories in this manner is considered by many to be an affectation. Debrett's do not endorse the wing collar as being compatible with the black tie dress code.
OTAA
otaa.com › blogs › journal › what-to-wear-for-a-black-tie-event
Men's Dress Code for a Black Tie Event: What to Wear | OTAA | OTAA
May 29, 2018 - The essential items for a black-tie event are a dark suit, a shirt with cufflinks, a thin belt, dark shoes, and, most importantly, a dark bow tie or tie. A few invitations may specify the dress code for attending an event.
Apposta
apposta.com › sp › black-tie-dress-code-men.3sp
Men’s Black Tie Dress Code Explained
December 19, 2024 - For a black tie wedding, a tuxedo is required. This means a black or midnight blue dinner jacket with peak or shawl lapels. Matching trousers with a side stripe are essential. Your shirt should be crisp white, with French cuffs and a turndown collar.
FriarTux
friartux.com › blog › blog2290.html
Black Tie vs. Formal Attire for Weddings and Events
When selecting black tie attire, adhere to the event's dress code. If the invitation specifies 'black tie,' a tuxedo is required. Consider the occasion's formality; Traditional black tie is usually safest, although variations like a midnight blue tuxedo can add individuality.
Charles Tyrwhitt
charlestyrwhitt.com › us › editorial-style-tips › black-tie-dress-code.html
Black Tie Dress Code Explained | Charles Tyrwhitt
When people ask ‘what is black tie attire?’, the tie you wear is the clincher. It’s a bow tie, and it's got to be black - or midnight blue if you’re feeling bold. No room for funky colours here, and never wear a white one - the white tie dress code is a whole other ball game.
Hockerty
hockerty.com › en-us › blog › what-does-black-tie-mean
What Does Black Tie Mean? A Complete Guide - Hockerty
December 3, 2024 - A Black Tie outfit is made up of a dinner jacket, a dress shirt, trousers, a bow tie and accessories of course. Your regular 9-5 office suit just won’t cut it! The black tie dress code traces its roots back to the late 19th century.
Tie-a-Tie
tie-a-tie.net › black-tie-guide
Black Tie Dress Code | Tie-a-Tie.net
The classic black tie dress shirt has a pleated front that is spaced 1/2 to 3/4 inches apart. If you want to opt for a more simplistic style that does not compromise formality then you may also choose a plain front shirt whose buttons are replaced with black button studs. Regardless of the style you choose, black tie dress shirts never have a breast pocket. Both, waistcoat as well as cummerbund, are acceptable waist coverings for black tie attire.
The Black Tux
theblacktux.com › blogs › style › black-tie-attire-men-dress-code
Black Tie Attire for Men: Special Event & Wedding Outfits | The Black Tux
August 5, 2025 - That may sound rigid and annoying ... know exactly what you and everyone else will wear: a black tuxedo, a black bow tie, white shirt, and black shoes—usually patent leather....
IsuiT
isuit.it › home › the isuit journal
Black Tie Dress Code For Men Explained | IsuiT
August 16, 2023 - A: A black tie event is a formal event where men are expected to wear a black tuxedo or smoking jacket, a black bowtie, black trousers, and black dress shoes. Women are expected to wear formal evening gowns.
The Knot
theknot.com › ideas & advice › fashion › guest attire
*This* Is Exactly How to Dress for a Black-Tie-Optional Wedding
September 11, 2025 - Black-tie-optional men's and gender-neutral attire can be just as confusing as women's attire. For example, what type of jacket should you wear? Well, classic black-tie attire means that tuxedos are mandatory, while black-tie optional means that the tuxedos are, well, optional.
GQ Magazine
gq-magazine.co.uk › fashion › fashion › the gq black tie guide is the only one you'll need
Black tie rules explained: everything you need to know about wearing black tie
January 26, 2024 - Jacket: A suit jacket that is known as a dinner jacket. This must come with satin lapels, buttons, and pockets. The suit jacket material is traditionally barathea wool in black. Tie: Always select a bow tie from among your best ties. You can dare step into using other colours, but not white.
Quora
quora.com › Can-you-explain-the-black-tie-optional-dress-code-for-men
Can you explain the black tie optional dress code for men? - Quora
Answer: The reason why men wear a black tie, is when thy are at a funeral wear men wear a black tie with a white short, black trouser suit and black shoes this is the tie optional dress code for men at funerals , where women wear a black dress ...
Rembrandt Australia
rembrandt.com.au › home › journal › what to wear to a black tie event
What to wear to a black tie event
The shirt must be white (this is one rule you don’t want to break) with French cuffs and should have a pique or Marcella front. For a look that’s sophisticated, without being stuffy, we recommend you opt for a standard collar (as our Avalon shirt has) rather than the classic wingtip. Don’t be tempted to wear a slim black tie – this is one chance you have to wear a bow tie, so wear it well.