What does black tie mean for women?
The black tie dress code for women means a floor length evening gown. Black tie is the most formal dress code most people will meet, and it sits fifth on the usual scale: casual, smart casual, cocktail, formal, black tie, white tie. It is an evening dress code, used for weddings, balls, galas and awards nights.
Black tie does not mean wearing black. Any colour suits, in a fabric with weight or shine: satin, crepe, velvet, silk or chiffon.
What to wear to a black tie event
Black tie wedding. A black tie wedding guest dress is a floor length gown in any colour except white or ivory. Choose one you can sit, walk and dance in for a long evening.
Ball or gala. A ball or gala is the place for the most dramatic dress you own. A column gown, a mermaid shape or a full ball gown all fit.
Awards night or charity dinner. A simpler floor length dress suits a seated dinner. A satin maxi dress or a column dress in crepe is formal enough and comfortable at a table.
What does black tie optional mean?
Black tie optional means black tie is welcome but not required. For women, a floor length gown still fits, and so does a formal midi or tea length dress, or a dressy cocktail dress in an evening fabric. A very short dress does not. Black tie optional can be read as the formal dress code.
What not to wear to a black tie event
In most cases, avoid:
- A mini or knee length dress
- Casual fabrics, including cotton and linen maxi dresses
- Daytime prints and sundresses
- White or ivory at a wedding
- Casual shoes or bags
A long hem alone does not make a dress black tie. The fabric has to be an evening fabric.
Black tie compared with other dress codes
| Dress code | Hem length | Typical dress | Typical events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Any | Sundress, T-shirt dress | Weekends, barbecues |
| Smart casual | Any | Shirt dress, wrap dress | Lunches, the office |
| Cocktail | Knee to midi | Cocktail dress in satin, crepe or lace | Weddings, engagement parties |
| Formal | Tea length to floor | Maxi dress or gown in a dressy fabric | School formal, prom, balls, evening weddings |
| Black tie | Floor | Evening gown | Black tie weddings, galas |
| White tie | Floor | Full ball gown | State and ceremonial events |
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See all black tie dressesCommon questions
What is black tie attire for women?
Black tie attire for women means a floor length evening gown. A very dressy midi or elegant separates can work at some events, but a full length dress is the safe choice.
Can you wear a short dress to a black tie event?
Usually not. Black tie calls for a floor length dress, and a short dress will look underdressed beside it. If the invitation says black tie optional, a dressy midi is acceptable.
What does black tie optional mean?
Black tie optional means black tie is welcome but not required. For women, a floor length gown, a formal midi or tea length dress, or a dressy cocktail dress in an evening fabric all fit the dress code.
Do you have to wear black to a black tie event?
No. Black tie is the name of the dress code, not a colour rule. Any colour works in a floor length evening dress, although white and ivory are best avoided at a wedding.
Can you wear a midi dress to a black tie event?
Sometimes. A very dressy midi in satin or velvet is accepted at some black tie events and at most black tie optional ones. For strict black tie, a floor length gown is the safe choice.
Can you wear a jumpsuit to a black tie event?
Sometimes. A dressy jumpsuit in satin, crepe or velvet is accepted at many black tie optional events. For strict black tie, a floor length gown is still the safe choice.
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