Comments on: Q&A: What is Black Tie Optional?

By: carla

carla — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:40:31 +0000

I have an evening awards ceremony to go to next month (April). There will be a lot of big names/artist there and I have no idea what to wear. The invitation says “black tie optional” but what does that really mean? Should I go ‘cocktail’ or more ‘evening gown’? Also, my hair is short and kinky/curly and I am not sure how to dress it up for such an event. PLEASE HELP!

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:17:57 +0000

Black Tie Optional refers only to men. It tells us that the event is somewhat formal but the “black tie” refers to whether a man should wear a tuxedo or not. It suggests a more formal event but not strictly “black tie/tuxedo” required. Women may wear anything they like, keeping in mind that the event is (again) somewhat formal.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:34:04 +0000

Hi Michelle,

Since it is chilly in NY, you can wear stockings. In fact, you may freeze otherwise!

And yes, your stockings can be black. Black stockings make outfits a little more formal, so keep that in mind as you put your outfit together. Another thing you might consider is patterned stockings–so much more visually interesting than the basic solid black.

Have fun!

Trisha

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:57:38 +0000

Black Tie Optional… The event is a Business school event, date not wearing Tux, so I am going cocktail but it is chilly in NY. So, do you wear stockings? can they be black?>

By: Luke

Luke — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 12:20:59 +0000

Can a man wear a simple black suit with formal shirt and bow to black tie event. I have one tomorrow and although i could rent a suit i have a great well fitting black suit and it pains me to pay for a generic, well worn hired one.

Does the button style matter? i have black plastic buttons, where most tux’s have covered buttons.

Its a big(ish) work do, with a few of my bosses and their bosses and i dont want to be embarrassed..

By: Trisha

Trisha — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:35:40 +0000

I can better speak to West Coast trends, since we’re based in California. Black Tie events tend to turn out lots of black and dark colored dresses around the San Francisco area. However, that’s not necessarily the case elsewhere in the country. While dark colors are more traditional, you do also see brighter colors. Goes to show that it’s OK to break the fashion “rules.”

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:48:23 +0000

I’m from London (though recently relocated to Turkey) and “black tie optional” never has any bearing on the colour of the woman’s dress for us Brits - I was definitely of the opinion expressed by Kerry (which makes me feel very clever since she’s an image consultant) that men wear the black, women wear whatever looks elegant and fabulous!

So is the NYC / East Coast trend REALLY black only for ladies too? And isn’t that a bit boring?! Or is there some risk that Stateside ladies get a bit day-glo if not restricted to black? (Not that I have anything against black evening gowns, just seems a shame to stick to only one colour).

By: Trisha

Trisha — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:20:10 +0000

I don’t think that’s fair, Maddi. Brown is a lovely color, and it looks great on many people.

By: Maddi

Maddi — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:09:36 +0000

Brown is WRONG. It NEVER looks good, no matter what color are skin is.

Do you think I am too young to be modeling?

Thanks!

maddi
http://www.maddison-model.com

By: Trisha

Trisha — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 20:29:19 +0000

Great insight, Kerry! Thanks for sharing.