Dresses to Wear to a Black Tie Event
Events that impose a 'black tie' dress code might seem a little daunting. If you're the type of person who lives in jeans and a puffer jacket, suddenly staring down the barrel of a super formal occasion is unnerving.
But considering that the AW19/20 runways had definitively given up the ghost of dad trainers and slouchy tees, in favour of high octane glamour and dress codes inspired by the super-rich, now more than ever we're embracing sequins, ruffles, lurex and everything that black tie entails.
That being said, there is a lot of confusion around what black tie actually means, specifically black tie for women. Do you have to wear a floor length dress? Does it have to actually be black? Do you have to cover your shoulders? That sort of thing.
Let us help you decipher the dress code with our easy-breezy guide:
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Do you have to wear a floor-length dress?
Although, historically, people have interpreted black tie to mean a floor-length evening gown, the pavement-grazing nature of your dress is not a pre-requisite for the dress code.
Black tie was invented in the Edwardian era and entailed dressing smartly for dinner and drinks functions with a start time later than 6pm. Considering that at the turn of the 20th century, essentially all women's skirts were floor-length, be they smart or casual, this is perhaps where the assumption comes from.
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It will please you to know, then, that as hem lines began to vary, so did black tie dresses for women. Assume that at its core, 'black tie' is synonymous with 'formal.' It isn't the most formal of all dress codes, but it does denote a heavy degree of fanciness.
Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing too much skin isn't likely to be the classiest option and might draw the wrong kind of stares. Midi-to-full hemlines are your safest (and chicest) bet.
If you opt for midi length, think of the classic couture shape of the 1950s – nipped in at the waist with a full skirt. It's timeless and readily available on the high street right now.
If you opt for full length, seek out gowns with a slight train or dipped hem at the back. This adds a little elegance to the silhouette.
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Do women have to wear black?
Black tie for men means a dinner jacket (tuxedo) which traditionally comes in black (although other colours are now available and acceptable), so you do generally see a lot of black at black tie events. And, of course, a black dress is a simple, stress-free option, so it's usually on a woman's shortlist.
But to be clear, a black tie dress code does not require a woman to wear black. Every colour is acceptable and there are some fantastic, jewel tones out there just screaming the right level of opulence for a fancy occasion.
Don't rule out prints either; Erdem's floral silks and Richard Quinn's bold patterns are perfect for a black tie event.
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What fabric should women wear?
Considering black tie events are almost exclusively in the evening and demand a certain degree of ceremony, they render some fabrics inappropriate.
For safety, stick to plush, rich fabrics - the most obvious being silks, satin, taffeta, tulle, lace and chiffon.
You can almost certainly rule out jersey, knit, cotton, corduroy, flannel, linen, denim and other distinctly casual, day-time fabrics.
The brave among you might weave in lurex, jacquard, gauze and leather and bigger design features (like a giant felt bow, see below), so long as the final look feels luxe.
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Do you have to wear a dress?
Nope. Technically you don't have to wear a dress. If you're willing, there are a few other options.
Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR Getty Images
Take Yves Saint Laurent's iconic 'Le Smoking' tuxedo as your inspiration and opt for a classic women's tuxedo, or even a jumpsuit.
Or what about dress-like separates? A Vivienne Westwood corset with a ruched, full skirt would be a show-stopping look.
Just be sure to opt for a luxurious fabric and add heels to keep the look elevated.
Do you have to wear a hat or fascinator?
Absolutely not. Given that black tie events typically take place in the evening, you are not required to wear a hat or fascinator which are the preserves of day time occasionwear.
That being said - do consider the complete look! The joy of black tie is that it gives you the permission to go all out, so make the most of it. An Ashley Williams-style statement hair slide, a satin Prada headband or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery would all be excellent additions to your black tie outfit.
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12 Items To Suit Your Black Tie Dress Code
Ilythia polkadot Satin Maxi Dress
Gina Bacconi - £150
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Shirred Petal Detail One Shoulder Gown
Adrianna Papell - £172.50
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Beaded Halter Neck Midi Dress
Adrianna Papell - £210
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Tiered black maxi dress
Topshop - £59
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Doriana one-sleeve ruffled fil coupé floral-jacquard gown
Erdem - £2,495
Winslow open-back cloqué gown
Rebecca Vallance - £705
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Open-back embroidered shantung peplum gown
Brock Collection - £1,925
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Black one shoulder midi satin gown
H&M - £49.99
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Wild Rose tiered ruffled tulle gown
Needle & Thread - £425.00
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V-neck green tulle dress
H&M - £59.99
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Black smart trousers with contrasting tulle
Zara - £59.99
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Natasha Bird Executive Editor (Digital) Natasha Bird is the Executive Editor (Digital) of ELLE.
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Dresses to Wear to a Black Tie Event
Source: https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/articles/a30589/what-is-black-tie-dress-code/