An Expert’s Guide to Black Tie Attire
December 9th, 2025
Black tie attire is the dress code for formal weddings, evening galas, and extra-special nights out. Here’s exactly what to know—and what to wear—according to contributing fashion editor Cynthia Cook Smith.
Meet Our Expert: Cynthia Cook Smith
During her days at Vogue, Cynthia had a front-row seat to everything from fashion shows to The Met Gala, dressing those around her for their special events. However, good style has always been in her blood. Growing up in Pasadena, California, she learned the rules (and the etiquette) of style from her grandmother. Cynthia now styles her clients through an editorial-and-etiquette-focused lens for everything from weddings to their day-to-day lives.
What Is Black Tie Attire?
Black tie attire for women most often means a floor-length gown, though a striking, haute couture–inspired tea-length dress can also work beautifully. Worn to evening weddings, galas, and other formal affairs, your dress—whether long and languid or sharply tailored—should have real presence. Think a bias-cut satin gown, a sleek strapless column, or a silhouette with a touch of volume. Choose one focal point—silhouette, fabric, or detail—and let it shine. Color can shift with the season, but timeless hues like black, navy, silver, or gold always feel right.
Four Rules to Follow
1. Choose fabrics that pick up on candlelight. A textured crepe, satin, silk, or chiffon always impress.
2. Make ONE statement with your accessories. A cuff or chandelier earrings—never both.
3. Plan to dance all night. Opt for satin or silk shoes and a heel height that let you stand gracefully from cocktails through dancing.
4. Always look luxe. Black tie is an occasion to bring out your furs and those other rich textures you’re always looking for an excuse to wear.
What's Black Tie for a Wedding?
The rule is simple: match the formality of the invitation to the spirit of the event. A ballroom wedding at The Plaza calls for a full-length gown in silk faille or crepe, while a tented garden on Nantucket or a villa in Lake Como invites a tea-length dress with architectural volume or a soft train in a floral print—something that moves a bit more.
There’s one etiquette rule that is always the same: Never upstage the bride. Stay away from white, cream, and even pale pastels that could look white in photographs. Avoid red, too, as it considered inappropriate for guests to wear in some traditions.
Black Tie by Location
Coastal
Coastal weddings, on the East Cost or the islands, deserve something floral or whimsical, wear something that makes you feel cool and effortless.
City
Sleek and sophisticated, go for timeless looks in black, silver, or chocolate brown. It’s the ’90s minimal look that always makes a statement.
Tropical
Destination weddings, wherever they are in the world, need looks that are a bit bold, colorful, and vibrant in rich, luxurious textures.
Festive
For a festive wedding, all things are merry and bright. Think silk and satin with finishing touches of fur and diamonds.
Dos and Don’ts
Do choose elevated fabrics. Think silk, velvet, satin, crepe. These textures instantly make an outfit feel more refined and event-appropriate. They also tend to photograph better and move beautifully.
Don’t go overboard with textures. Find one you like and stick with it.
Do wear black—it's timeless, elegant, and always appropriate. Plus, you’ll likely be able to wear it again!
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your outfit. A well-thought-out look always feels (and looks) more confident.
Do tailor your look. A well-fitting outfit changes everything. Even the most beautiful dress can fall flat without the right shape. Most pieces need at least one small adjustment—take the time, it’s always worth it.
Do get your hair done. A French twist or a sleek blow-out is best, but if you’re in a pinch, try a slicked back bun à la Rosie Huntington.
Black Tie Attire for Him
A black tie dress code for men is very straight forward. A tailored midnight blue or black tuxedo with a pique shirt and lapel is best. The addition of cufflinks, a satin bowtie, and a pocket square are a must. In the summer, a velvet slipper with no socks is an appropriate change from the traditional dress shoe.
Just like cocktail dressing, black tie isn’t about a dozen statement pieces. It’s about the right ones. With a classic black heel, satin embellishments, a beaded evening bag, pearl studs, and a statement cuff, you’re set.
Accessories That Always Look Good
Timeless Shoe with Sparkle
Add some glam with a rhinestone covered buckle or strap.
Statement Earrings
When you want the wow, go for diamonds, pearls, and other gems.
Clutch
A bag should hold just the essentials: your keys, a lip tint, and a credit card.
Beaded Evening Bag
Jewelry you carry—compact but elevated.
Statement Cuff
A little gleam at the wrist goes a long way.
Black Satin Heel
Only wear heels in elevated fabrics—satin, velvet, or silk.
Black-tie-ready looks for every style and celebration.
A Metallic Moment
Pairing gold with a rust or chocolate brown adds warmth to the precious metal. Finish the look with your favorite fur coat.
'90s Inspired
Our forever style icon, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, knew a thing or two about black tie dressing. This skirt was designed to look like one from her own wardrobe.
Ballet Pink Beauty
Dove gray and ballet pink blend softness and sophistication in a way that’s just right. Pair with mixed metals.
Classic Column Fit
In a dreamy black taffeta, this dress is a classic, polished look you can wear in any season.
Emerald Enchantment
For more festive occasions, like a black tie Christmas party, our Esme dress in green dupioni brings just the right amount of color and spirit.
A Sparkling Statement
Embellishments like hand-stitched rhinestones bring the whole outfit together No jewelry needed.
Something Sleek
With a slicked back bun, this dress says everything that needs to be said. The tight tailoring and polished design allow for you to hold back on the accessories.
Get the Party Started