Black tie and formal
What black tie means, what to wear, and how it should fit.
Black tie is the most formal dress code most men will meet. When an invitation says it, it means a tuxedo.
What black tie means
- A black tuxedo with satin lapels, and trousers to match.
- A white dress shirt, with studs and cufflinks.
- A black bow tie.
- A cummerbund or a vest, and black dress shoes.
Black tie optional
A tuxedo is welcome. A dark suit with a tie is also right.
Winter and the holidays
A velvet dinner jacket, in black, burgundy, blue or navy, with black tux trousers and a black bow tie. Rich for a winter evening. Not for summer: it's a heavy cloth.
Midnight blue
An old black-tie favourite that's back. It looks rich at night and in the photos.
How it should fit
- The jacket sits flat on the shoulders, with no pulling at the button.
- A little shirt cuff shows below the sleeve.
- The trousers just touch the shoe.
Rent, own or made to measure
Rent it for one evening. Own one if you wear black tie a few times a year. Or have one made to your measurements.
Outfit ideas.
Classic black tuxedo
Midnight blue tuxedo
Ivory dinner jacket
Velvet dinner jacket
Black tie with a vest
Black tie with suspenders
Style tips.
- Fit first: shoulders, sleeves and trouser length make the tuxedo.
- Keep the bow tie black and the shirt white.
- Studs and cufflinks finish the shirt; keep them simple.
- A single rental: come in about a month ahead.
Colours.
Black
White
Midnight Blue
Charcoal
Silver
Black tie is the one night the rules do the work for you.
Questions.
- What does black tie mean?
- A black tuxedo with satin lapels, a white dress shirt with studs and cufflinks, a black bow tie, a cummerbund or vest, and black dress shoes.
- What does black tie optional mean?
- A tuxedo is welcome. A dark suit with a tie is also right.
- Can I wear velvet to a black tie event?
- Yes, in winter: a velvet dinner jacket with black tux trousers and a black bow tie. Not in summer.
- Is midnight blue black tie?
- Yes. Midnight blue is a classic black tie colour, and it looks rich at night.
- Should I rent or buy a tuxedo?
- Rent it for one evening. Own one if you wear black tie a few times a year, or have one made to measure.
Advice from the San Marko fitting room, 718 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY. Family-run since the early 1970s.
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