What exactly does “black tie” really mean for a woman? How formal is formal? Is a floor-length dress a must? What about heels? These are all questions that might be racing around your head if you’ve received an invitation to a black tie event.
Mastering the art of dressing for a black tie event might be daunting for an unseasoned pro. But, it’s an exciting opportunity to get dressed up in something you wouldn’t normally and pretend to be a glamorous film star for the night.
Worrying about what exactly to wear to a black tie event? Fear not, the expert team at SilkFred has pulled together the ultimate guide to dressing in black tie attire.
What is the black tie dress code?
First things first, you might be wondering what exactly it means if a dress code is “black tie”. For men, it means a top tier tux. But for women, things can get a little hazy.
To be on the safe side, black tie for females is best translated as a ‘long’ dress, and in an evening-appropriate material; such as satin, silk, lace, chiffon or velvet. A shorter dress, such as a cocktail dress, might be acceptable if your host is more on the relaxed side, but it’s best to assume that a floor-length gown is the winner.
What is a black tie event?
And what constitutes a black tie event? Well, put simply, it’s any formal event that has a sense of special occasion. For example, a wedding, a graduation ceremony, an awards do, a charity gala or a ball. Not to be confused with a ‘white tie event’ which is the fanciest of all the dress codes, wear a man is required to wear a white bow tie and black tailcoat and women must only dress in floor-length gowns. Black tie dress codes tend to have slightly more breathing room.
If in doubt, speak to your host and ask them what they expect to see. Once you’ve understood the dress code, you’re on to the fun part: choosing what to wear!
Elegant Maxi Dresses
For a failsafe way to dress appropriately for a black tie event, a maxi dress is just the ticket. The best thing about a floor-length dress is that there are so many styles, cuts, fits and colours to choose from; you can still feel you whilst dressing up to the nines.
From slinky satin cowl neck maxi dresses to floaty, chiffon empire line maxis, there are endless ways to add some class and sophistication to your look that fits the black tie dress code. And when it comes to colour, you don’t need to stick to black! Why not go for a bright and bold red or a feminine pastel pink? Or, depending on the time of year, you could opt for a darker green or navy shade, which looks absolutely stunning in winter. Don’t forget to add some dainty jewellery to accessorise and slip into your favourite high heels.
Luxurious Velvet Dresses
One way to make an impression is by choosing a velvet dress. Particularly if you’re heading to a black tie event in the autumn or winter, velvet is the best fabric to add an instant touch of elegance (and texture!) to your fit. We love a velvet dress in deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue or the colour of the season: a deep burgundy (super on-trend for AW224!). Don’t forget, length-wise, it’s best to assume your velvet dress needs to be floor-length unless your host is more relaxed.
To style a velvet dress, simplicity is key. Go for plain accessories like a black clutch and matching shoes, along with some dainty jewellery – and let the dress do the talking.
Shimmering Sequin Dresses
Looking for a little extra glam? Then why not go for a shimmering, sparkling sequin dress to ensure every eye is on you when you walk through the door to your black tie event. Sequin dresses come in all shapes and sizes, but we personally love a classic silver or gold sequin dress.
To style, make sure to choose an accent colour to match your dress. For example, if you’re going for gold with your sequin dress, pair with gold or warm, brown shoes. Basically, complement the tones and you’ll create an overall cohesive look.
Cocktail Dress
If your host allows for a slightly more lenient black tie dress code, then you may be able to go for a shorter cocktail dress. Keep things classy with a midi dress in a neutral colour like black, brown or navy. We love an interesting cut on a midi, such as a high-neck halter or a one shoulder.
To accessorise, go for a statement clutch bag or some killer heels that are sure to elevate your look to the next level. Pick jewellery like a simple choker necklace or elegant drop earrings, and you’re ready to go to the ball, Cinderella!
Check out our guide on Cocktail Dresses here
And there we have it! Our ultimate guide to the black tie dress code. Ready to browse hundreds of styles? Check out our black tie dresses edit.
Looking for even more dress-spiration? We got you. Why not check out our ultimate guide to formal dresses.
