MyStyleTry

Dress code

Black tie optional: what to wear

A tuxedo is welcome but a dark suit and tie is fine; for women, a long gown or an elegant cocktail dress.

When you'll see it: Evening weddings and formal parties where the hosts will wear black tie but don't expect every guest to.

Decoded

What to wear, and what not to

Wear

  • ✓A floor-length dress, an elegant cocktail dress or dressy separates
  • ✓Heels or elegant flats
  • ✓Statement jewellery

Avoid

  • ✕Day dresses in casual cotton
  • ✕Sneakers
  • ✕Anything white at a wedding

Outfits

Black tie optional outfits

Outfits at black tie optional level of formality.

Tap a colour dot on a card to swap that piece; only colours that still work are offered.

Business · Tonal

Black with black is a classic, unbroken line; vary textures (leather, knit, satin) so it doesn't flatten.

Business · All-neutral

Two neutrals with clear contrast: black and white always sit well together.

Business · All-neutral

Navy and white is the crispest pairing there is: maximum contrast, zero risk.

Business · Layered

White is a neutral, so it lets burgundy be the accent without clashing.

Business · One accent colour

Black is a neutral, so it lets burgundy be the accent without clashing.

Questions

Quick answers

What should a man wear to black tie optional?

A tuxedo if you own one; otherwise a dark, well-fitted suit, white shirt, dark tie and black oxfords.

Can women wear a short dress to black tie optional?

Yes, an elegant cocktail-length dress is fine; floor length is also welcome.

Keep going

Other dress codes

Verdicts and outfits come from published colour and dress-code rules, not paid placement; garment images are AI-generated illustrations of generic pieces. How we decide