What Is Black-Tie Attire for Weddings?

Got a wedding invitation calling for black-tie attire and feeling a bit lost? If you're a little rusty on black-tie rules, allow us to guide you through finding an appropriate black-tie wedding guest dress that wows. 

What is black-tie attire? Learn what's in, what's out, and how to avoid a fashion faux pas that earns you some side-eye from the happy couple.

What Is Considered Black-Tie Attire?

Black tie for women essentially means a formal, floor-length dress, while men are expected to wear a full tuxedo. You're already 90% there just by showing up dressed appropriately. Think of a black-tie wedding as being more like dressing for the Oscars than a regular wedding—it's a more formal affair, like the difference between the Oscars and the MTV Video Music Awards.

There's some fluidity when selecting a black-tie wedding guest dress. While you want it to reach the floor, your formal gown can either be a full-on ball gown or more streamlined and subdued sheath dress. Black-tie dress materials include chiffon, velvet, silk charmeuse, and lace. Detailing, embroidery, and crystals are all welcome.

When done right, black tie has tasteful accessories. This is not the place to pull off Converse sneakers and tulle. Think formal dress with stiletto heels, a satin clutch, and some lovely, tasteful costume jewelry. Avoid over-the-top statement jewelry. The full aesthetic should be neat, polished, and beautiful without screaming for attention. Tailoring to create a perfect fit is highly recommended.

What Is Not Considered Black-Tie Attire?

It's just as important to know what isn't approved for black tie. While color play is fine, don't go for flashy prints or neons. Stick to black, burgundy, midnight blue, or a deep forest green. Just stay away from ivories or silvers that could look white at first glance! Fabrics should be delicate. Avoid anything made of corduroy, denim, or wool. While it's fine to show shoulders and neckline, cutouts in the bodice are big no-nos.

The biggest misconception about black tie is that you're fine as long as you wear dark colors that don't make you stand out. Black tie isn't just about "passing." It's about creating a polished ensemble where every piece fits a style rule. Footwear is what gets most men. Black patent leather is the gold standard for shoes. Yes, the bride, the groom, and everyone else will notice if you're trying to swap in boat shoes or sneakers.

For women, the biggest thing that can break a black-tie look is going with color that's too bright. The goal is a perfect balance between striking and subdued. You want the quality of a dress's structure and fit to do the talking instead of its color. That's why a good fit with tailoring is essential!

You can also break black tie with wrinkled fabrics, crumpled accessories, or hair that doesn't match the dress theme. The #1 way to stick out like a sore thumb at a black-tie wedding is wearing a short or revealing dress. Second place is over-the-top or "prop" accessories.

Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Women

What is black tie attire for a woman? You'll be good with any dress with a floor-length silhouette in a soft material with a decent amount of structure. Just avoid maxi dresses that are more "flow" than structure. Solid silhouettes we love for black-tie events include column, trumpet, A-line, ball gown, fit and flare, and sheath. Handle high-low and slip dresses with care to avoid going too far from tradition.

Any subdued color is fine. Black is 100% acceptable as a wedding color for guests. Our only caveat is that we'd avoid black if there's any contention over the big day because it could be misconstrued as a sign of mourning. It's one of the reasons why mothers of the groom should avoid black dresses at all costs!

Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Men

Do a classic tuxedo with or without tails. If the invite says black-tie optional, you may get away with a regular dark suit if it's gorgeously tailored. However, the dress shoes and tie must be impeccable. 

Here's everything you need to knock out the traditional black-tie look that the couple definitely had in mind when they wrote up the invitation:

• • Satin-lapel dinner jacket
• • Pants with a satin stripe going down each leg
• • Formal white button-down shirt with French cuffs
• • Self-tied black bow tie
• • Oxford loafers
• • Black cashmere socks with no ankle reveal
• • Silk pocket square
• • Cufflinks

You'll impress guests with your fashion etiquette by adding suspenders. However, they aren't required.

What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?

You may have caught that we mentioned black tie optional in the section above. Your host is saying that you have some leeway if you don't want to wear a full tux or evening gown. However, it's not a pass to wear whatever you want. If black tie is truly too overwhelming, stay in bounds with a dark suit with a tie or conservative cocktail dress. All of the same rules for colors and accessories apply.

Tips for Achieving an Affordable Black-Tie Look

Black-tie dresses can look like a million bucks without wrecking your budget. If you're shopping on a dime, overcompensate with amazing hair, makeup, and hygiene. That goes for men and women. The work of beard grooming, eyebrow sculpting, at-home teeth whitening, and getting your hair done really shows up once you're all dressed up!

Lost on where to focus? With black tie covering so much, fabric is the #1 detail. Splurge on velvet, satin, silk, or imitation silk for a good first impression. Fit also matters. Nothing makes it seem like amateur hour at the black-tie event like a baggy fit for men. For women, it's a dance of being fitted without suffocating.

Where to Save vs. Where to Splurge

If you need to do black tie even though you usually shop for red-tag markdowns, these foolproof tips for looking like old money will do:

• • Accessories (save): The groom's aunt, cousin, or dogwalker who is sitting next to you at dinner isn't going to get close enough to look for designer labels. Shop for timeless and affordable clutches, shawls, imitation silk scarves, and glasses that give off subtle hints of prestige.
• • Jewelry (save or splurge): A black-tie invitation is a great excuse to finally invest in some luxury jewelry. Go for the diamond or ruby studs or sapphire pendant you've been dreaming of! Of course, very understated costume jewelry adds the hints of glitter you need.
• • Shoes (save): You're probably going to wear them out on the dance floor anyway. Go for an affordable, polished pair that is comfortable. 
• • Splurge-worthy elements: Pay extra to tailor your dress or tuxedo. After all, you'll now have an amazing go-to piece for the next wedding, work event, or gala. By the way, we're pretty sure that some of the picks in our guide to wedding guest dresses on Amazon could moonlight as couture gowns with the right tailor.

Don't stress if getting a formal invite threw you for a loop! Our guide to affordable wedding guest dresses will get you all gussied up for under $250.