What To Wear To A White Tie Event: A Comprehensive Guide
A white-tie event is the most formal dress code that you are going to come across. It is also sometimes called full evening dress or the ultra-formal dress code. It is generally reserved for state dinners, royal events, international awards shows, or other very formal occasions to which very few of us will ever be invited. However, if you are one of the lucky few who gets an invitation to an event that indicates this particular dress code, you will need to dress at a very formal level that is quite specific for both men and women.
The goal of white-tie dressing is to create an overall look that is elegant, formal, and refined. This means this dress code is very strict and should be adhered to precisely to show respect for the occasion and hosts. This post covers what you should wear if invited to a white tie event and, perhaps more importantly, what not to wear.
What Should Men Wear to a White Tie Event?
For men, a white tie dress code requires the most formal men’s attire, and you must follow rules to be appropriately dressed for this type of situation. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when choosing an outfit for a white-tie event:
- Tailcoat: The black tailcoat is the most essential part of a white tie outfit for men. It should be well-fitted and made from high-quality wool or a wool blend.
- Black trousers: The trousers should be black and made from the same material as the tailcoat, with a black silk or satin stripe or braid down the side in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK.
- White wing-collared shirt: The shirt should have a stiff front and a wing collar and be made from high-quality cotton or linen.
- White bow tie: The bow tie should be made from the same material as the shirt and tied by hand.
- White waistcoat: The waistcoat should be white and made from high-quality silk or linen.
- Black patent leather shoes: The shoes should be black, polished, and made from patent leather in a derby oxford style—black dress socks.
- Accessories: To complete the look, add accessories such as cufflinks and studs, a pocket square
- If you feel like it, you can go for it and also wear a top hat and cane.
What Should Women Wear to a White Tie Event?
Women have a little more room to express themselves when choosing a dress (than the men do with their attire), but it must be formal and floor length. Here are a few other guidelines to keep in mind when choosing an outfit for a white-tie event:
- Formal evening gown: The most essential part of a white tie outfit for women is a long formal evening gown (no exceptions, the gown must be full length). Look for a dress made from luxurious fabrics like silk or satin, and choose a style that flatters your body type. While black is the most traditional color for an evening gown, any subdued color will suffice.
- Formal jewelry: Time to bring out those diamonds or pearls if you have them. Understated and elegant is the goal.
- Long gloves (optional-although worth considering as they are currently having a fashion moment): White tie events often require women to wear long gloves that match their gown.
- Formal hairstyle: Hair should be styled formally in an updo or blowout, and makeup should be minimal.
- Elegant Clutch or small handbag: Choose a small bag that complements your outfit, preferably in a metallic or neutral color.
- Heels: Opt for closed-toe heels in a dark color.
What Not to Wear to a White Tie Event
If you are lucky enough to be invited to this rare occasion, you don’t want to mess it up by wearing the wrong thing. Yes, everyone is dressing more casually these days. People want to show off their personality; is this a good thing? Of course, it is, with one exception, a white-tie event. This is not the time to show your wild side; this is an ultra-formal event with stringent rules on how to dress. To avoid embarrassing yourself follow, avoid some of the following.
- Cocktail dresses or short dresses: White tie events require full-length formal evening gowns for women, and any other type of dress would be considered too casual.
- Bright or bold colors: White tie events are typically black-and-white affairs, and bright or bold colors are inappropriate.
- Short or revealing clothing: This is a formal event, so revealing or overly casual attire is inappropriate.
- Large or flashy jewelry: While elegant jewelry is appropriate, large or flashy jewelry may be too distracting or ostentatious for a white-tie event.
- Casual shoes: Sneakers, sandals, or any other type of casual shoe should be avoided in favor of formal dress shoes for both men and women.
- Hats: Hats are generally inappropriate for formal events, including white tie events, unless it is a top hat for men as part of the formal dress code.
Remember, a white tie dress code aims to create an overall look that is elegant, formal, and refined. If you are unsure what to wear, it’s always better to err on being too formal rather than casual.
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