What to wear to a black tie event

Here’s the rub: a thick invitation with ‘black tie’ emblazoned across it doesn’t automatically mean floor-length dresses and diamonds (that would be white tie). It’s simply a way for hosts to ensure guests make a suitable level of effort – in opulent fabrics and elegant eveningwear – thus discounting anything too casual or work-smart.

What is black tie dressing?
Black tie always means a black dinner jacket for men (you can’t wear a work suit to a black tie event), but modern black tie dress codes can be interpreted much more broadly for women. Here are some tips to guide you.

‘Black tie events can cause us to panic and impulse buy,’ warns fashion stylist and writer Virginia Chadwyck-Healey. ‘Make time in your diary to seek out something that makes you feel fabulous, but will also work for you after the “big reveal”. Could it be worn again for a wedding, birthday, office party or festive gathering? Rather than sitting forlorn in your wardrobe for years to come…’ 

Not sure? Rent it. Fashion Rental is fast, fuss-free and proof that designer shopping needn’t cost the earth. You still get that dopamine hit of unboxing something decadent and designer that feels new to you – but for much less.

What is appropriate to wear to a black tie wedding? On or below the knee is the simplest rule to stick to when it comes to choosing a dress. Anything floorsweeping can be relied on to create impact, as will a structured midi. But that doesn’t rule out trousers and jumpsuits entirely: flowing palazzo pants or co-ords are eternally elegant – just be sure to pick an equally dressy top.

You can wear black, of course, and nothing is more versatile than an A-line midi-length dress. If opting for black, Virginia suggests, ‘Be sure to add some sparkle with  statement earrings or, my favourite, sparkly shoes.’

But this is also a wonderful opportunity to embrace colour and textures. ‘Opt for Quality Street colours, such as coffee creams, ruby reds, emerald greens and opulent orange,’ Virginia says. ‘Bold primary colours are also perfect for commanding attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with hues that suit your skin and hair tone.’

It sounds obvious, but study your invitation carefully. Are you attending a dinner, a gala, a wedding or a party? Some events lend themselves to a voluminous silhouette but for a sit-down meal you’ll probably want something more streamlined.

For a wedding, full-length means you can forgo a hat, while a Christmas party is the perfect excuse for sequins. The setting is equally important: sleeves are a good option if there’s going to be lots of standing around outside. If in doubt, ask the host well in advance.

Nothing dampens a ‘wow’ outfit like a beige trench coat or quilted jacket. If you’re on the guest list for a evening event, your jacket will be the first thing anyone sees, yet it’s likely to be the last thing you think about when planning your outfit.

Invest in a chic cover-up that will serve you time and time again. A faux-fur stole looks decadent yet is practical, while a kimono can be styled off the shoulder.

This is 2023, after all. But the caveat is that they need to be really fancy flats. Embellished ballet-style shoes or metallic Mary Janes that are dainty in profile are appropriate – just don’t entertain a lace-up, loafer or moccasin.

It’s not every day you get to go all out on the glamour front, so enjoy adding some dazzling accessories, such as earrings, brooches or a statement necklace – costume jewellery is fine.

The etiquette experts at Debrett’s decree that tiaras are not black tie appropriate, alas, so leave those in the dressing-up box. But do ensure you take an elegant clutch or this timeless feather-trim bag for your essentials.