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Black Tie? White Tie? Black tie preferred? Semi Formal?
Some dress codes can be a little cryptic unless you are a fully fledged socialite. Therefore, we will try to unravel the mystery of what to wear and when to wear it.
|Black Tie|White Tie|Black Tie Preferred|Black Tie Optional|Semi Formal|Formal Daytime|Informal|
What To Wear and When To Wear It
Invitations to formal affairs will indicate what type of formal attire is expected to be worn. Each indicates a strict dress code, requiring the traditional outfit:
Black Tie
Black Tie events require dressing formally. This is the opportunity
to look and feel your very best in a tuxedo. Today, "Black
Tie" means to dress formally, not specifically to wear a black tie.
MALE
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Traditional |
Standard |
Tropical |
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FEMALE
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White Tie
You can step into the glittering evening looking dashing and proper in a
traditional tailcoat. Wear a white pique wing collar shirt, a white
pique vest, white tie, and black trousers accented by the formal satin
stripe. However, white tie is rarely seen these days.
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Black Tie Preferred
Indicates that the host prefers guests to wear formal evening attire.
Black or White Dinner Jacket or a dark contemporary style Tuxedo are
acceptable. Non-formal Dress Suits are also acceptable, but not preferred
by the host.
Black Tie Optional
Not as strong a statement for formal attire as "Black Tie" or
"Black Tie Preferred". However formal dress is still wholly
appropriate and acceptable.
Formal
Daytime (before 6 p.m.)
Applies to males only. Most hosts will usually specify "Morning
Suit" if required, otherwise a good black suit or tuxedo is appropriate.
The "Morning Suit" is great for major race days such as the
Melbourne Cup.
- Black or grey tail coat
- Grey and black striped pants
- White cotton shirt
- Grey waistcoat
- Grey silk tie
- Black shoes
- Black or grey top hat
Semi-Formal
In strict and very proper social circles, "Semi-Formal" means
"Black Tie." However, generally if a host wants his guests
to wear Black Tuxedos, he will specify "Black Tie" on the
invitation.
Hint - As a general rule, if a lady wears a floor-length gown, it is appropriate for her escort to wear formal attire. If you are ever unsure about how to dress, call the host or hostess for guidance in dressing for the occasion.
Appropriate for more casual parties and restaurant dining, however jeans and a t-shirt are still not practical. Well tailored trousers complimented with a solid colour shirt (can be white) are appropriate. Search the wardrobe for your favourite Garfield or Tassie Devil tie, and you're ready to go. Women may wear a cocktail dress or smart casual wear.
However, if in doubt the Formal Wear listings in our business directory will be able to assist with all formal wear requirements.
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