Black Tie Style

James Bond: The fictional spy is known for his impeccable black tie attire, which usually consists of a classic black dinner suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, and a pair of black formal shoes.
He often accessorizes with a wristwatch, a pocket square, and sometimes a cummerbund or a waistcoat.
One of his most iconic looks was in the 1962 film Dr.
No, where he wore a midnight blue dinner jacket with satin shawl lapels.

Audrey Hepburn: The actress and fashion icon dazzled in a black tie ensemble in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
She wore a floor-length black gown with a cut-out back, designed by Hubert de Givenchy.
She completed the look with a pearl necklace, long black gloves, a tiara, and oversized sunglasses.

Barack Obama: The former US president always looked sharp and elegant in his black tie outfits.
He usually opted for a simple and timeless style, wearing a black dinner suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, and a pair of black formal shoes.
He sometimes added a flag pin on his lapel or a colorful pocket square for a touch of personality.

Beyoncé: The singer and entrepreneur has rocked many stunning black tie looks over the years.
One of her most memorable ones was at the 2015 Met Gala, where she wore a sheer nude gown embellished with multicolored crystals, designed by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy.
She paired the dress with nude platform sandals and high ponytail.

Ryan Gosling: The actor and heartthrob has mastered the art of black tie dressing.
He often experiments with different colors, fabrics, and patterns, while still maintaining a refined and sophisticated appearance.
One of his most notable looks was at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, where he wore a white dinner jacket with black shawl lapels, a white shirt, a black bow tie, and a pair of black formal shoes.

Choose a dinner suit that fits you well and has a modern cut.
Opt for a different color than black, such as midnight blue, burgundy, or charcoal gray, as long as it's not too flashy or casual.
You can also experiment with different textures and patterns, such as velvet, jacquard, or houndstooth.

Accessorize your suit with a bow tie that matches or complements your suit color.
Also try a different shape or style of bow tie, such as a butterfly, diamond, or batwing.
Avoid novelty or printed bow ties that might look tacky or childish.

Wear a white dress shirt with a winged or turndown collar and link cuffs.
Add some flair to your shirt by choosing one with a pleated or textured front, or one with contrasting buttons or stitching.

Add a waistcoat or a cummerbund to your outfit to complete the look.
A waistcoat can be either matching or contrasting with your suit, while a cummerbund should be black or match your bow tie.
Choose a waistcoat or a cummerbund with a subtle pattern or texture.

Finish your outfit with a pair of black patent leather dress shoes or court pumps.
Opt for a pair of velvet slippers for a more relaxed and sophisticated vibe.
Make sure your shoes are polished and clean.

Don't forget to wear some jewelry and accessories that enhance your outfit.
A pair of cufflinks, a pocket square, a lapel pin, or a boutonniere can add some personality and charm to your look.
Wear a watch, a ring, or a bracelet, but keep them simple and elegant.

If you're attending an outdoor event or need some extra warmth, you can wear a coat over your suit.
A black overcoat, a trench coat, or a pea coat can work well with your black tie outfit.
Accessorize your coat with a scarf, gloves, or a hat.

For women, the black tie dress code allows more flexibility and creativity than for men.
Wear an evening gown in any color, length, or style that suits your taste and body type.
Choose a cocktail dress, a jumpsuit, or a pantsuit, as long as they are elegant and sophisticated.

Accessorize your outfit with jewelry, shoes, and a clutch that match or complement your dress.
Also add some glamour to your look with makeup, hair accessories, and perfume.

Choose a high-quality dinner jacket that fits you well and has a classic silhouette.
You can opt for a single-breasted or double-breasted style, with peaked or shawl lapels.
Avoid notched lapels, as they are too informal for black tie.

Experiment with different colors for your jacket, such as midnight blue, navy, or burgundy.
These shades can add some personality and flair to your outfit, while still being appropriate for formal occasions.

Accessorize your jacket with a matching bow tie, a pocket square, and a boutonniere.
These details can help you express your style and add some contrast and texture to your look.

Wear a crisp white shirt with a turndown collar and French cuffs.
Avoid wing collars, as they are outdated and too stiff for modern black tie.
Choose a shirt with a pleated or pique front, and fasten it with studs instead of buttons.

Select a pair of trousers that match your jacket in color and fabric.
They should have a silk stripe along the outer seams, and no cuffs or belt loops.
Make sure they fit you well and have a proper break at the shoes.

Complete your outfit with a pair of black patent leather shoes, such as oxfords or loafers.
They should be polished and clean, and match your belt or braces.
Avoid wearing sneakers, boots, or any other casual footwear.

For colder weather, you can add a formal overcoat, such as a Chesterfield or a Crombie.
It should be dark in color and long enough to cover your jacket.
You can also wear a scarf and gloves, but make sure they are understated and elegant.

Wearing a regular suit instead of a tuxedo.
A tuxedo is the standard attire for black tie, and it should have satin lapels, a satin stripe on the trousers, and a bow tie.

Wearing a pre-tied or clip-on bow tie.
A self-tie bow tie is the only acceptable option for black tie, and it should be black and match your cummerbund if you wear one.

Wearing a long tie or a necktie.
These are too casual and inappropriate for black tie, which is named after the bow tie.

Wearing a belt.
A belt will ruin the sleek and smooth look of your tuxedo, and it is unnecessary since your trousers should fit properly and have side adjusters or braces.

Wearing the wrong shoes.
Black tie shoes should be black, polished, and preferably patent leather.
They should also be lace-ups, not loafers or slip-ons.

Wearing too many accessories or flashy jewelry.
Black tie is about understated elegance, not ostentatious display.
Keep your accessories minimal and tasteful, such as cufflinks, a pocket square, and a watch.

Wearing the wrong shirt.
A black tie shirt should be white, crisp, and have a wing collar or a turndown collar.
It should also have French cuffs and either studs or hidden buttons.

Wearing a vest instead of a cummerbund.
A vest can look too bulky and formal for black tie, and it can also interfere with the line of your jacket.
A cummerbund is a more elegant and flattering choice, as it covers your waistband and adds some contrast to your outfit.

Wearing the wrong color or fabric.
Black tie is traditionally black or midnight blue, and made of wool or velvet.
Avoid wearing any other colors or fabrics that are too casual or flashy, such as cotton, linen, or polyester.

Wearing an ill-fitting or outdated tuxedo.
A black tie tuxedo should fit you perfectly and flatter your body type.
It should also be classic and timeless, not trendy or dated.
Avoid any tuxedos that are too tight, too loose, too long, too short, or have unusual features such as patterns, prints, or embroidery.

The first dinner jacket was worn by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, in 1865 as a less formal alternative to the tailcoat.

The term "tuxedo" was coined in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, New York, where a group of wealthy men adopted the dinner jacket as their standard evening wear.

In the 1920s, the Jazz Age brought new innovations to black tie, such as the shawl collar, the cummerbund, and the patent leather shoes.

In the 1930s, the Golden Age of Hollywood popularized the white dinner jacket for warm-weather occasions, as well as the double-breasted and peaked lapel styles.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Jet Age introduced more variations to black tie, such as the midnight blue suit, the velvet jacket, and the slim-fit silhouette.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the counterculture movement challenged the traditional norms of black tie, experimenting with colorful and casual elements, such as ruffled shirts, patterned ties, and flared pants.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the yuppie era revived the classic black tie look, emphasizing elegance and sophistication.

In the 2000s and 2010s, the millennial era embraced black tie as a form of self-expression, adding personal touches and modern twists, such as bow ties in different colors and fabrics, pocket squares, lapel pins, and sneakers.

For winter events, opt for darker colors and warmer fabrics, such as velvet, satin, or wool.
You can also add a shawl, a fur stole, or a coat to keep you cozy.

For summer events, choose lighter colors and fabrics, such as white, cream, or pastel, and silk, chiffon, or linen.
Also go for a sleeveless, strapless, or halter-neck gown or dress to stay cool.

For formal occasions, such as weddings, galas, or operas, stick to classic and elegant styles and colors, such as black, navy, or burgundy.
You can also accessorize with pearls, diamonds, or cufflinks to add some sparkle.

For less formal occasions, such as parties, cocktails, or dinners, you can have more fun with your style and color choices, such as red, pink, or purple.
Experiment with patterns, prints, or embellishments to add some flair.

For different settings, such as indoor or outdoor, city or country, or modern or traditional, you can adjust your style and color choices accordingly.
For example, you can wear a sleek and simple gown or dress for an indoor, city, or modern event, or a flowy and romantic gown or dress for an outdoor, country, or traditional event.

The first dinner jacket was commissioned by King Edward VII in 1865 from his tailor Henry Poole. It was a short black jacket with silk lapels that he wore for informal dinners at Sandringham House.

The term "tuxedo" comes from Tuxedo Park, a country club in New York where the dinner jacket was introduced to American society by James Potter, a friend of the Prince of Wales, in 1886.

The black tie dress code became more standardized in the early 20th century, with the adoption of the wing collar, the bow tie, and the waistcoat or cummerbund. The dinner jacket was usually black or midnight blue, and the trousers had a satin stripe on the side seams.

The 1920s and 1930s saw some variations and innovations in black tie style, such as the introduction of the double-breasted jacket, the peaked lapel, the soft turndown collar, and the white or ivory dinner jacket for warm weather.

The 1940s and 1950s witnessed the golden age of black tie, as it became more popular and accessible for men of different classes and professions. The dinner jacket was often worn with a pocket square, a boutonniere, and patent leather shoes. Some famous icons of black tie style in this era were Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, and Frank Sinatra.

The 1960s and 1970s brought some challenges and changes to black tie style, as it faced competition from less formal and more colorful attire influenced by counterculture movements and disco music. Some men experimented with different colors, fabrics, patterns, and accessories for their dinner jackets, such as velvet, plaid, ruffles, and medallions.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a revival and refinement of black tie style, as men returned to more classic and elegant designs inspired by vintage fashion and Hollywood glamour. The dinner jacket was slimmed down and fitted, and the bow tie was often replaced by a long tie. Some notable examples of black tie style in this period were James Bond, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, and Pierce Brosnan.

The 2000s and 2010s have witnessed a diversity and creativity of black tie style, as men have more options and freedom to express their personality and preferences through their evening wear. The dinner jacket can be made of different materials, such as velvet, tweed, or jacquard, and can have different colors, such as burgundy, navy, or green. The accessories can also vary, such as lapel pins, cufflinks, or pocket watches.

Velvet is a luxurious and cozy fabric that can add some texture and warmth to your black tie look.
You can opt for a velvet jacket, dress, or even shoes in rich colors like burgundy, navy, or emerald.

Sequins are a fun and festive way to sparkle and shine at a black tie event.
You can go for a full-on sequined gown or a more subtle touch of sequins on your accessories, such as a clutch, earrings, or belt.

Feathers are another playful and glamorous element that can elevate your black tie style.
You can choose a feathered skirt, hem, or collar for a flirty and feminine flair.

Jumpsuits are a modern and chic alternative to the traditional gown or cocktail dress.
You can find jumpsuits in various styles, colors, and fabrics that suit your taste and body type.
A jumpsuit can also be easier to move and dance in than a long dress.

Capes are a dramatic and sophisticated way to add some drama and sophistication to your black tie outfit.
You can wear a cape over your shoulders or as a part of your dress for a stunning silhouette.
A cape can also keep you warm and comfortable in colder weather.

Mixing and matching is a creative and personal way to express your style at a black tie event.
You can mix and match different pieces, such as a tuxedo jacket with a skirt, a blouse with pants, or a vest with a dress.
You can also mix and match different colors, patterns, and fabrics for a unique and eclectic look.

Experiment with different fabrics and textures.
Velvet, satin, lace, sequins, and feathers are some examples of materials that can add some glamour and interest to your gown.
You can also mix and match different fabrics for a contrast effect, such as a velvet bodice with a satin skirt.

Play with colors and patterns.
Black is always a safe and chic choice for black tie, but you can also opt for other colors that suit your skin tone and personal style.
Jewel tones, metallics, pastels, and neutrals are some options that can look sophisticated and stunning.
You can also choose a gown with a pattern, such as floral, animal print, or geometric, for a more eye-catching look.

Accessorize with statement pieces.
Jewelry, shoes, bags, and other accessories can make or break your black tie outfit.
Choose pieces that complement your gown and enhance your overall appearance.
You can go for a minimalist approach with delicate jewelry and simple shoes, or a maximalist approach with bold jewelry and embellished shoes.
You can also add some sparkle with diamonds, crystals, or pearls.

Try different silhouettes and cuts.
A floor-length gown is the standard choice for black tie, but you can also experiment with different lengths, such as midi or tea-length.
Try different styles of gowns, such as mermaid, ball gown, A-line, or sheath.
You can also opt for a gown with a slit, a train, or a cape for some drama and movement.

Have fun with your hair and makeup..
Your hair and makeup can complete your black tie look and express your personality.
Choose a hairstyle that suits your face shape and gown style, such as an updo, a bun, a braid, or loose waves.
You can also play with different makeup looks, such as a smokey eye, a red lip, or a natural glow.