If you're in your social era with weddings, graduations and all kinds of party invitations flooding your inbox/letterbox – and there's a black tie dress code attached to each and every one of them – don't panic.
The addition of a dress code – particularly one which feels high-brow – can be daunting, granted, but we've answered every single question you may have below to make navigating it all that little bit easier.
SKIP TO: What is black tie? | The best black tie dresses | Black tie outfits | What shoes should I wear? | The best black tie bags | The difference between white tie and black tie | Why do dress codes matter? | How should you navigate a black tie dress code? | What not to wear to a black tie event.
So, what does a black tie dress code mean?
Feminists look away, because the word ‘black tie’ describes exactly what the men should wear –and is (conveniently) less specific for women. It became popular in the 1930s after the royal family started wearing dinner jackets instead of the traditional white tie dress code, and it literally translates to a black dinner jacket, white or cream shirt with a bow tie and black trousers.
Women don’t have to wear a long dress (etiquette specialists Debrett's say knee-length cocktail frocks are fine) but you should definitely go more fancy than what you’d wear on a regular night out. Because the dress code was invented as a guide for men (we know, we know, it’s 2025…) women tend to echo the sombre tones of their outfits and wear black or dark dresses, but, again, there’s no expectation to wear black unless you want to. If pastels are your thing, go for it.
That being said, we recommend checking in with the bride or groom if it's a black tie wedding guest dress you're looking for, as you might want to avoid choosing a shade in the same colour as the bridesmaid's dresses. In general, however, black-tie doesn't mean black, and colour is usually welcome as long as the silhouette feels formal enough (floor-length dresses would be a safe bet).
The best black tie dresses
What if I don’t do dresses?
Not a problem. A jumpsuit is a modern alternative to the one-and-done ease of a dress, but you could also wear a tuxedo suit/women's trouser suit, over bare skin or with a silky camisole underneath. Don’t underestimate the power of separates — extra points if they're sparkly!
What shoes should I wear?
This is completely up to you, but, it really depends on the rest of your outfit and the venue. Will you be sinking into a lawn if you wear stilettos or sliding over slippery polished parquet in patent courts? A heeled sandal will never go amiss; metallics are a neutral and anything diamanté, sparkly or jewelled will be perfect. Keep in mind that satin shoes, while absolutely stunning, are subject to spillages – if the champagne is likely to be overflowing, it's best steer clear of them and avoid irreversible stains. If the dress features long sleeves or a high neck, an open-toe sandal style could help add a bit of “skin” to the look.
The best black tie bags
When it comes to what bag is best for black tie outfits, there are a few shapes that'll serve you well while you work the crowd and/or dance the night away – but, again, there are no strict rules. You probably don't want to be carrying anything too big and bulky, as it'll swamp your outfit and be a nuisance to carry around, so you'll only end up handing it to the coat check anyway. We recommend a sleek clutch bag that'll complement your look, not distract, or a minaudière (which roughly translates to a small rigid bag that's used to hold a few cosmetics). In a black, silver or metallic shade, you can almost guarantee it will go with everything.
PSA: because black tie dress codes are pretty rare, you won’t get as much wear out of your outfit as you would if you were buying a white t-shirt or jeans, for example, so renting your look would be a clever and sustainable choice. Check out our guide to the best rental sites here. If you do buy something but won't get the chance to wear it again, consider becoming a lender yourself. There's everything you need to know, here.
What is the difference between white tie and black tie?
You’re likely to only see white tie dress code in period dramas, unless you’re attending a royal event, state ball or a party thrown by Elton John… For white tie, women are definitely expected to wear a long dress or ball gown. Long gloves and tiaras are positively encouraged.
Why do dress codes matter?
Our daily lives and day-to-day ‘fits are so relaxed, it’s a rarity to have an occasion to really dress up for. But instead of panicking about the black tie dress code, see it as a useful pointer to make sure you don’t turn up under-dressed, over-dressed or in an outfit that is totally inappropriate.
It’s also respectful to the party organiser. If they’ve gone to all the trouble of throwing a fancy do – and they want you there with them – adhering to the dress code is a way to show your appreciation to the hosts. If possible you should ask them what they're wearing, or, at the very least, scope out what their expectations are.
Start by looking at the invite for clues as to how smart the event will be… you can gauge how casual a party is going to feel by noting if you’re invited to the pub via text or a stiff piece of card with a swirly font that ‘requests the pleasure of your company’ at a stately home. Once you have an idea of what the vibe is, always start by thinking about your own personal style in relation to the event.
If you’re going to the party with a date or a group of friends, definitely discuss the dress code beforehand and plan to dress similarly, if possible. Obviously it will make the photos look dreamy on your feed but if you’re similarly dressed to your friends, you will also feel more appropriate. There is safety in numbers, when it comes to black tie dress codes.
If you're in need of some sartorial inspo, Pinterest is a great place for some ideas – but retailers often also divvy up their sections by occasion so you a have a handy in-built guide.
What not to wear to a black tie event?
Because black tie is a ‘dressed up’ dress code, think about the fabric that you’re going to wear and make sure it’s suitably luxe. In winter, velvet or taffeta is a great choice, and for summer, silks, satins, lace and chiffon are ideal. Sequins also work at any time of year. We love linen for summer daytime dressing, but it can look too casual for a black tie dress code – as does cotton and denim, despite Britney Spear’s iconic red carpet denim gown from 2001. Again, chatting with the host will give you helpful pointers as to their interpretation of the dress code… to see if you're on the right track (and to avoid unplanned twinning).
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