The Details of Black Tie Apparel

Black Tie is a term used to describe a type of apparel worn to formal events. These events may include award ceremonies, formal balls, charity events, presidential events, cocktail parties, school proms and weddings. If you have been invited to this type of affair, dressing appropriately is of utmost importance. There are various aspects that make up a proper ensemble for both men and women. First, let's take a look at the traditional dress code for males attending one of these formal events.

The first part of the tuxedo is the dinner jacket. The most common color is black, with the most common material being wool. Occasionally you will find jackets in a dark navy blue color. This color was introduced by the Prince of Wales who found black to take on a greenish cast under artificial sources of light. There are no pocket flaps, and the lapels are almost always made from fine silk. There are two different styles of lapel -- peaked label and shawl lapel. The coat may have one or two buttons, but must never have three buttons. Many men tuck a decorative hankerchief into the jacket pocket for a touch of color.

The next aspect is the waistcoat vest or cummerbund. Men are to wear one or the other depending on their preference. The waistcoat vest is, as its name suggests, in vest style. The cummerbund wraps around the waist. Another crucial part of the evening dress code for a man are the trousers. They should always match the dinner jacket and do not feature upturned cuffs or belt loops. Then there's the shirt and tie, which pulls the entire ensemble together. The shirt should be white cotton or linen. Cuff links are fastened at the cuffs. The traditional tie is the black bow tie, commonly made from silk or satin.

Black tie apparel for women is a bit more relaxed. There aren't as many rules, and women have a lot more choices. One solid rule is that women must wear long dresses. No pants, no skirts, no short dresses. Evening gowns may feature various styles and textiles. Some evening gowns are sequined for extra dazzle. It is customary for women to accessorize with matching shoes, a matching evening bag, and of course matching jewelry. Sometimes, a man will match his pocket hankerchief or waistcoat vest to the color of his date's gown.

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