|
Black Tie Evening For Him
(UK and Common Wealth)
In General
Semi-Formal?The dress code below is traditionally known as 'Semi-Formal' and is often known as 'Black Tie', however sometimes 'Semi-Formal' is used to request suits and dresses (which is traditionally known as 'Informal' dress).
If there is any doubt which was intended then this is worth clarrifying. |
| Day or Evening Dress?Within the more formal dress codes there is a different code for day and evening functions.
Be sure to use the correct dress code. |
|
Hat
| Hats are not worn for Semi-Formal evening wear |
Neck
TieBlack silk or satin bow tie.
Hand tied is best. |
| | Scarf |
Jacket
Dinner JacketBlack.
Midnight blue (with black trimming) is a recent innovation.
White can be acceptable in tropical climates.
Single or Double Breasted.
Satin, silk (ribbed), or grosgrain lapels which can be peaked, shawl collar, or the popular notch collar (which is less traditional).
Ideally no vents.
White is sometimes worn with a black cummerbund in the summer. |
|
Waist Coat
Waist CoatIdeally black.
Other colours can be acceptable.
Low cut.
Full satin back. |
| CummerbundIdeally black.
Other colours can be acceptable.
(Worn with the pleats upwards.)
(Worn instead of a waistcoat.) |
|
Top
Formal ShirtStiff Collar.
Double cuffed with long collar if worn with a long tie.
Single cuffed and winged if worn with a cravat such as at weddings.
White.
Cotton, linen, or silk.
If not worn with studs the shirt often has a flap of material over the buttons.
Marcella, piqué or pleated front.
True traditionalists have detachable collar and cuffs. |
|
Bottom
Formal TrousersBlack.
One satin, silk or ribbon seam on the outside leg to match jacket lapels.
No turn ups/cuffs. No belt loops (normally worn with braces). |
|
Ankles
SocksBlack.
Knee length.
Silk (ribbed) |
|
Footwear
Formal ShoesBlack.
Lace up.
No toe cap or decorative brogueing.
Patent leather in the evening, non-patent leather during the day. |
| Court Shoes / Opera ShoesPatent leather.
Silk (ribbed) bow.
Not seen very often. |
|
Accessories
Cufflinks| Preferably black or gold. |
| StudsPreferably black or gold.
Optional but recommended. |
| | Braces | HandkerchiefWhite silk or linen.
Coloured with a white Dinner Jacket. |
|
Dress Code Variants
Black Tie Optional?If the invitation requests 'Black Tie Optional', then this means exactly that.
If you feel more comfortable in black tie or wish to convey your respect to your hosts or fellow guests, wear Black Tie. If you prefer not to dress so formally, a dark lounge suit will be sufficient.
Ladies also get a free choice of evening wear. Anything from Evening Gown to Cocktail dress would be more than suitable. Dressy separates could also be concidered.
Obviously some guests will be wearing Black Tie, so all clothing should be of the highest quality. |
| Creative Black Tie?If the invitation requests 'Creative Black Tie', or some other variation on the 'Black Tie' code, this generally means that, for him, more modern trousers and dinner jacket is acceptable. Maybe a black shirt, a long tie or some other local neckwear.
The key thing is that the suit and dinner jacket should be black and dressy.
For her, there's more creativity with her dress length, or even wear dressy evening separates.
Obviously, follow any themes requested in the dress code, but remember this is still intended to be a classy event. |
|
Alternatives
Military Mess UniformA military mess uniform is suitable for a semi-formal event.
You must be entitled to wear the uniform.
In the navy 'Mess Undress' is worn for semi-formal events. |
| Scottish DressScottish dress is suitable for semi-formal events, and is common in Scotland. However, you should be sure to have a claim upon a tartan before wearing it.
Scottish dress consists of a black jacket (Prince Charlie, Montrose, Sheriffmuir, Argyll), black waistcoat, kilt or trews (a form of hightop trouser without side seams, and cut on the cross-grain), winged dress shirt (see above), black bow tie, kilt hose, black Ghillie brogues, flashes and sporran. |
| Traditional Dress| Traditional dress is always appropriate for semi-formal events. |
|
|
