What to wear to a black tie event

Gentlemen, if what to wear to a black tie event has you in a conundrum, you’re not alone. It’s one of our most frequently asked questions and one we’re always happy to answer: a black tie event is a special occasion and a time to really raise the stakes in the wardrobe department.

A black tie dress code is typically expected at very formal weddings and gala balls that take place after 7pm, however your host will set the expectation by including a dress code on your invitation. In Newcastle we have two charity balls on the horizon – the Mark Hughes Foundation Ball and the Hunter Medical Research Institute Ball – both are black tie events.

For men, a black tie dress code means wearing a dinner suit, which is usually a black suit differentiated by a satin lapel. This is also often referred to as a tuxedo, which is an American term.

From top to toe, here’s a breakdown on how to nail a black tie dress code.

Dinner Jacket

A dinner jacket differs from a business suit jacket as it has a satin lapel. If your dress code stipulates white tie then you will need to wear dress tails.

Traditionally dinner jackets are in black with satin lapels, however, you can break from this and have your dinner suit made in another colour, such as blue or burgundy with the black satin lapel to make a statement.

If you are a royal watcher you will have caught Prince Harry at his recent wedding reception, stepping out in a black velvet dinner jacket with peak lapels. Dinner jackets traditionally come with a shawl lapel, however peak lapels are also a stylish choice.

Trousers

The dinner jacket should be worn with matching trousers, which often have a satin stripe (however this is optional). Traditionally, trousers will be worn with a cummberbund, which is a sash of material – usually satin or silk – worn around the top of the trousers. Today, cummberbunds are not as popular as yesteryear.

Often formal dinner trousers don’t have belt loops so are not worn with a belt, they have adjustable waist to tighten or can be worn with braces.

Josh in a classic dinner suit (available for purchase or hire)

Shirt

To accompany your dinner suit you should wear a Marsala shirt or a white pleated front dress shirt with a wing collar (to accommodate a bowtie).  While a Marsala or wing collar shirt is preferable, it is acceptable to wear a standard collar. It is popular for dinner suit shirts to have studs instead of buttons. Team your white dinner shirt with a white pocket square to complete your look.

Waistcoat and Bowtie

An evening waistcoat is optional, however adds a nice touch to your outfit. Black tie does stipulate the need for a bowtie (in black). Ask us for a lesson in store on how to tie your bowtie, but if you would prefer, we have ready to wear options. Accessories with personal cufflinks.

Shoes

To complete the look, pair with black oxford shoes and socks. Don’t get sloppy here and make sure your shoes are spit polished and in good condition.

Josh in evening tails for a more formal white tie event (available for hire)

At Rundle Tailoring we cater for all budgets and offer dinner suits to purchase or hire.

We sell New England and Studio Italia classic shawl dinner suits and offer Australian made, pure wool hire dinner suits. For those looking to take it to the next level, morning tails and dress tails for white tie occasions are available for hire or made to measure.

We also stock a full range of vests, bowties, pocket squares, braces and cufflinks to complete the look.