Can you wear tails to a black tie event

Traditionally, long gloves have also been worn by women at white tie balls, but over time have become less of a requirement. Gloves should be worn on arrival at an event or in a receiving line shaking hands with the host and dancing.

They are supposed to be removed when eating and at the dinner table - no-one likes a red wine spillage. This sleek black suit is the epitome of a classic tux, with silk peak lapels and a sharp tailored cut. COM Buy it now. These shell cufflinks are an unusual yet utterly stylish choice for those looking for something a little different.

Balenciaga's a brand that's down with the kids and their logo brings a streetwear-vibe to these classic shoes. Take the fuss out of tying a bow yourself with this textured white pre-tied version from Tom Ford. Featuring polkadots in a sheer fabric, the black trim adds is the perfect punch of interest to round off the sophisticated look.

ES Money. The Escapist. The Reveller. The Optimist. ES Best. ES Mag. Follow us:. Password Please enter a valid password. Submit Submit. But what are the black and white tie dress code rules? Bend the black tie rules a little with this silk shirt by Giorgio Armani. Take animal-print to the next level with this sophisticated silhouette and contrasting sleeves. Now we get to the crux of the matter.

What should you be looking for in a dinner suit? From your dinner jacket to a waistcoat and cufflinks, here's the lowdown on everything you need from a black tie suit. The silk-lapelled jacket maketh the black tie outfit. There are three different types of lapels: the notch lapel, the peak lapel and the shawl lapel, the V increasingly deepening through the list, ending with the shawl lapel, which is commonly found on the tuxedo suit and is the most traditional and arguably the smartest.

However, the velvet jacket is just as acceptable and, in some cases, chicer. It was midnight blue, which actually looks darker than black in artificial lighting.

So, to create the classic monochrome contrast, go for midnight blue. The jury is out for the white tuxedo. If you want to step out in a white dinner jacket, our advice is to go off-white with black lapels.

Black or white trousers? The answer is always black. Equally, the double-breasted jacket is a smart option, but again not traditional. Its versatility means it can be used with other outfits. Really looking to impress your youthful modernity on the place? Henry Golding in a metallic Tom Ford jacket is how to veer from tradition in ostentatious style.

At mrporter. Whether you opt for a break at the hem is up to you, but no more than one gentlemen, please. Oh, and avoid anything that clings, amywhere, at all costs. A black tie shirt is otherwise known as a dress shirt, one that's traditionally pleated, with a winged collar and holes for cufflinks on the sleeve. Yes, but not topless. Caleb McLaughlin and, more recently, Oliver Cheshire show you how to don a turtleneck in black tie.

At matchesfashion. Do not keep your black office shoes on. The look needs to be a step up from the smart everyday. This is evening formal wear, after all. Something black and patent is classic and comes off well against the formality of the suit. Velvet slippers are fine too. But suede is not advised suede looks dusty under artificial light.

At brownsfashion. However, because of the thin material of an evening sock it can almost look like flesh if the trouser leg strays upwards. All stipulations made for the dinner jacket apply to the bow tie.

Colour deviation is accepted, if it works. Never can it be white: unsurprisingly, this is saved for the white-tie event, which is among the loftiest of dress codes. So do you really understand the difference between a tuxedo and a suit? When should one wear a cummerbund? Are colourful bow ties a black tie blunder? Black tie sends a message of elegance and quiet confidence.

But for black tie to work its magic, it must be worn correctly. This article aims to remove any ambiguity around black tie attire. If your invite says black tie optional or black tie preferred , you have a choice. You can either go for a tuxedo, aka dinner jacket, or a dark suit. The biggest difference between a tuxedo and a normal suit is the satin detailing. Dinner jackets have satin facing on the lapels, buttons, and pockets. A satin stripe also runs down the leg of the trousers.

With suits, the jacket, lapel, and trousers are all made of the same material. Another difference is the buttons. Suits usually have plastic buttons — or buttons faced with the same fabric as the jacket itself. Tuxedos have satin buttons. Black tie is a dress code that requires men to wear a dinner jacket with matching trousers, a pleated white shirt, black formal shoes, and a bow tie.

Optionally, men can also wear a cummerbund or a waistcoat. If an event invitation calls for a black tie attire, it is important for men to dress appropriately to show that they are able to conform to the formality of the evening. Wearing black tie attire is also a mark of respect to the party host. Traditionally, tuxedos were made of silk. Black or dark blue are your best colour choices. The reason? Black tends to look dusty under artificial light.

So opting for dark blue marks you out as a fashion-literate guest. Fancy something a little different? A velvet smoking jacket in dark blue, burgundy, or bottle green could lend your look a chic vintage edge. This navy tuxedo by Richard James is a luxurious combination of satin and velvet. A dinner jacket in off-white with black lapels can look great in warm climates.

But be sure to pair with black trousers. There are two types of acceptable black tie lapel: peaked or shawl. The peaked lapel is popular, flattering, and straightforward. The shawl lapel is more traditionally elegant. This jacquard tuxedo jacket by Giorgio Armani is a good example of the modern day sophistication of peaked lapels.

Shawl lapels convey a timeless elegance — especially with a single-breasted close. There are far fewer rules when it comes to black tie trousers. Simply choose a dark fitted pair that matches your jacket.

They should also have a natural taper. Beware the classic error of choosing trousers that are slightly too short or too long. Traditional black tie trousers have a single row of braiding running down the leg. For something modern and versatile, try these Kenneth Cole Reaction trousers. Black tie shirts, or dress shirts, are usually made from marcella , a stiff cotton fabric.

They have black or white buttons, plus holes for cufflinks. A wing collar is traditional but a standard collar is fine too. This formal white shirt from Mr Porter has a ribbed bib and classic collar. If you choose to wear a suit rather than a tuxedo, try to avoid patterns or bright colours.

A white or light blue shirt looks best. When it comes to bow ties, a dash of colour can give your look some personality without breaking any black tie dress code rules. But no white. Hand-tied is much preferred. But if you struggle with the finger gymnastics required, a pre-tied one is fine.