Men - What to Wear to a Black Tie Event

Men - How to Dress for a Black Tie Affair

If you have received an invitation for a black tie event you will need a tuxedo.

Scary as it might sound to some guys, a black tie affair is really a simple look to master.  The particulars are pretty specific.  The tuxedo doesn't have to have tails, nor do the slacks have to have a satin stripe.  A simple tuxedo jacket, black cummerbund or vest, white tuxedo shirt, and a black satin bow tie completes the look.

There are many reasons for a black tie affair and most are evening events like attending an opera, a gallery opening,  a wedding and even some corporate holiday parties.

A black tie event is a wonderful opportunity to dress to the nines and so, if you have the opportunity to attend one, you should.  However, having said that, if you do receive an invitation which specifically states that the event is black tie, if you do not plan on wearing a tuxedo, you should probably not attend.  If your invitation states that black tie is optional, you can also be certain that the majority of attendees will wear a tuxedo.

Black tie events are typically elegant and fun, so we recommend that if you do get invited to one, you should make all efforts to attend one.