Black Tie Attire in 2023 Explained

March 4, 2023

By Katerina Katakalides

What is Black Tie Attire?

Black Tie is a formal dress code that is often requested at elegant events. Black Tie attire typically includes evening gowns for women and tuxedos for men.
Black Tie attire is definitely what you would consider formal. Think back to your prom night… That’s the kind of dress we’re talking about! Floor-length gowns are the expectation at Black Tie events and you can always get more formal from there.

Black Tie Attire for Women v. Men

Black Tie attire includes floor-length dresses or evening gowns for women and a tuxedo or suit and tie for men. Both women and men are expected to dress formally for a black tie event.
Regardless of your gender expression, a black tie dress code calls for formal attire. This means looking elegant in anything you decide to wear. For those who want to dress on the feminine side, a floor-length evening gown would be the most appropriate choice. For those who want to dress more masculine, a formal suit is your best bet.

General Guidelines for a Black Tie Dress Code Includes:

- Women generally wear longer gowns
- Embellishments and luxurious fabrics are welcome
- Men should always wear a tie
- Darker colors are preferred, but should still be seasonally appropriate
While a Black Tie dress code can seem overwhelming at first, it’s actually pretty simple once you break it down! Formal attire is pretty consistent throughout different seasons and locations. A floor-length dress is a floor-length dress no matter where you go! As you get more comfortable dressing formally, you can start experimenting with elegant accessories, embellishments, and unique silhouettes.

Best Designers for a Black Tie Event

Terani Couture Dresses
Portia and Scarlett Dresses
Jovani Dresses
Tarik Ediz Dresses

Black Tie can seem like a very broad statement and well… that’s because it is! Shopping for a black tie gown can produce countless results. After all, you’re simply searching for an elegant evening gown and many designers make those! One of the best ways to start your search is by picking a black tie designer that best suits your specific taste. Let’s check out some of our favorite designs from the best black tie designers!

What Not to Wear at a Black Tie Event

Women should never wear a short cocktail dress or bodycon dress to a Black Tie event. Men should never wear shorts, short sleeves, or sneakers. Black Tie events are very formal and your outfit should reflect that.
You never want to be underdressed for a party and this is especially true for black tie events! Save your short dresses for semi-formal events. It’s important to never wear a cocktail dress to anything black tie. This is also true for men! Even if you’ve been invited to a summer wedding, men should avoid wearing shorts, even if they’re formal.

FAQs

Can you wear a short dress to a black tie wedding?
No, it’s not appropriate to wear a short dress to a black tie wedding. A black tie dress code requires guests to dress formally, which includes wearing a floor-length gown.

Can a woman wear pants to a black tie event?
Yes, a woman can wear pants to a black tie event. The most popular options for women who want to wear pants to a black tie event are dressy pantsuits or formal jumpsuits.

Does formal attire mean black tie?
Formal attire doesn’t always mean black tie, but black tie always means formal! If you’re confused about what to wear to a formal event, reach out to the hosts for guidance.

What are ideas for creative black tie attire?
Accessorizing your black tie attire is one of the best ways to get creative with your look. Try adding a pair of matching elbow length gloves or glamorous jewelry. You can also pick an evening gown with embellishments, sequins, or ruffles to add a fun element to your dress.

Shopping for a black tie dress doesn’t have to be stressful! A queen like you deserves the royal treatment whether she’s buying a new prom dress online or shopping secondhand. At Queenly, we’ve committed ourselves to promoting sustainable fashion while making it affordable for everyone. Join our community of Queens who have listed outfits in their online closet. It’s as easy as signing up for a free account, snapping some pics, and uploading the details- that’s it!