Black Tie

Black tie is a dress code for evening events and social functions derived from Anglo-American costume conventions of the 19th century. Worn only for events after six p.m., black tie is less formal than white tie but more formal than informal or business dress. It is also more formal than recent intermediate codes of “creative,” “alternate” or “optional” black tie.

For men, the elements of black tie are a suit, of black or midnight blue wool, in which the jacket lapels and trouser braid are of silk or other contrasting material, a white dress shirt, a black bow-tie, an evening waistcoat or cummerbund, and black dress shoes. Women's dress for black tie occasions has varied greatly through the years; traditionally it was dinner (ankle) or tea (below mid-calf) length sleeveless dress, often accompanied by a wrap or stole, gloves, and evening shoes. Today, cocktail (knee) length dresses are considered equally appropriate in most places.

Read more about Black Tie:  History, The Elements of Black Tie, Black-tie Social Occasions

Famous quotes containing the words black and/or tie:

    Invention flags, his brain goes muddy,
    And black despair succeeds brown study.
    William Congreve (1670–1729)

    Despotism may govern without faith, but liberty cannot.... How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie is not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed? And what can be done with a people who are their own masters if they are not submissive to the Deity?
    Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859)