Congratulations on your recent invitation to a black tie event – it is sure to be an exciting and momentous occasion. No matter what you’re celebrating, or who, it is imperative you look and feel your best. Black tie events require all men attending to step onto the red carpet dressed appropriately and, dare we say it, dashingly. It is almost always the case that black tie events are the most formal events most of us will ever attend, and with this expectation comes some important choices; most important of them being, what do men wear to a black tie event?
We all know that feeling of standing in a formalwear shop, staring down the endless choices, and being unable to know which is right. Can I wear brown? Does my suit jacket need to match my pants? What is the right bowtie to wear, or is it a tie? Let the team at Briggins take away any and all uncertainty, as we are here to help break down everything you need to know about dressing for your next black tie event. From beginners to black tie event veterans, there is something for everyone. Be the best dressed man in the room, and the most comfortable, with guidance from Briggins – the Melbourne mens suit professionals.
The Quintessential Black Tie Suit – Let’s Break it Down
What makes up a suit? And what makes it a black tie ready suit? The black tie dress code for men may cause some to break out in a sweat, but at Briggins we know our way around a tuxedo or two.
Black tie events call for the utmost formality beyond a standard suit that you might wear to a business event or casual wedding. Black tie events call for something more luxurious, more formal, more ceremonial. Let’s break down the individual elements to help paint a picture of what a black tie suit could look like.
Suit Jacket
Arguably the centrepiece of the suit, your suit jacket is your showpiece. Tuxedo-style jackets with silk or satin lapels are most commonly recommended and will blend in at any black tie event. When it comes to colour choices, most commonly suit jackets for black tie events are darker, such as midnight blue or black; however, some other shades of blue are coming into popularity. The suit jacket must be made of a high-quality material so that it keeps you comfortable and holds a wonderful silhouette. You can customise your collar, lapel, jacket colour and material to suit your style while remaining black tie appropriate, and at Briggins, our expert in-house tailor is on standby to do just that. For example, if you want to wear velvet, we can design and handcraft a custom-made jacket for you that is the velvet material of your choice and ticks all the black tie boxes.
Trousers
Typically, a matching trouser is traditional for black tie. Traditionally trouser should have had a black silk braid, or other line, down the side seam, nowadays it’s fine to opt in for plain black tousers. Belt loops and trouser cuffs are out of the question – much too casual for the calibre of event you’re attending. Instead, opt for a pair of trousers that are fitted, tapered and be sure to press them before the big night. If you’re nervous about not wearing a belt, be assured that tailor made pants will fit comfortably without needing to be kept up, and are flattering without the need for a belt. Opt for side adjusters on pants as belt loops are considered to be more casual.
Shirt
When it comes to the world of black tie events, there is really only one rule (and unlike fight club, this is a rule we can talk about). White shirts are a must for black tie formal attire. Your shirt, beyond being white, should have french cuffs and a Marcella front. Both standard and wingtip collars are acceptable, however wing collars work best for bow ties. Don’t forget – a white shirt for black tie always.
Bowtie
Okay, there might be a second rule for black tie events. Bowties. Embrace the black tie in all its glory and wear a bowtie to complete your look. Not only will you look formal and dapper, how many other occasions are there to wear a bowtie? Leave your slim ties at home, and bring the bowtie to the party – you won’t regret it.
Accessories
For shoes, black patent leather is the way to go. If black leather lace-ups are your next best option, make sure they’re looking spick and span by shining them up. A plain white pocket square will round out the look, alongside your best watch and standout cufflinks.
In a nutshell, black tie attire is a black, or midnight blue, suit made of the highest quality materials and designed to impress. Each and every element is to be smooth, and your style needs to be seamless from your watch to your shoes.
Understanding What a Black Tie Event is
The world of black tie events has a rich and evolved history. To arrive where we are today, in the modern interpretation of black tie formalwear, we have to look back at the expected dress for men throughout the world wars. What was once expected daily wear is now reserved for formal events as we dress much more casually than our great grandfathers once did. Now, in our post war society, black tie attire is reserved for the finest of events – award ceremonies, major milestones, fancy weddings and so forth.
Pay your fullest respect to the event and its organisers by dressing to the nines and embracing formality – you’ll look and feel better for it. Plus, you’ll grab some great snapshots and make lasting memories which is what black tie events are, at their core, all about.
What Is the Expectation for a black tie dress code, really?
“I’m going to a black tie wedding – please help!” We hear your cries, and understand the confusion. Especially for black tie optional – what a spanner in the works this dress code often is. It is expected that for black tie dress codes you always dress your best – whether it is optional or not. Go all out and wear your finest – this is what black tie calls for. Avoid the awkwardness of too casual a dress and opt for luxury materials, luxury cuts, and the best aftershave you have.
You may be reading all this and thinking to yourself, can’t I just wear my navy suit to a black tie event? In short, the answer is probably no. However, not all hope is lost. We understand that buying a whole new suit for one occasion isn’t for everyone, and there are ways to turn your navy suit into a black tie ready look.
All you need is a vest.
Gentlemen, there is nothing classier and more formal than a 3 piece suit – and once you’ve worn one yourself, you’ll understand. Add a navy vest to your two-piece navy suit and you’ll be off to the races. While technically even a 3 piece navy suit isn’t black tie to a tee, it should be formal enough in almost all circumstances. Don’t forget – we are Australian after all!
Beyond the dress code expectations, there are also some behavioural expectations when it comes to black tie events. Being on your best behaviour will suit best, and this doesn’t include calling out jokes during speeches or tossing wedding cake around food fight style.
Black Tie Ready Custom Made Suits – Hand Crafted by Briggins
At Briggins, our handcrafted custom suits are made to the highest quality for all occasions. Our team can create black tie ready suits that will blow your socks off – or, a classy, understated black tie suit that meets the mark and doesn’t overdo it. Whichever version of the black tie attire you enjoy, we can create it. All our suits are custom made to fit you precisely, made in your chosen fabrics and designed to flatter and build confidence. It may sound too good to be true, but one look at all the happy Melbourne men who chose Briggins will be enough to prove that Briggins is the best tailor made suit showroom in Melbourne.
We prioritise a comfortable, relaxed environment for all the men who step into our store. No matter how much experience you have with black tie formalwear, simply mention you’re heading to a black tie event and our expert team will lead you in the right direction. Work together with us to find a suit that you love, that ticks all the black tie boxes, and walk in the door to your next event feeling like you just walked away from an explosion (a really insane one, exploding in slow motion).
Make choosing what to wear to your next black tie event a breeze with a visit to the Briggins showroom. Come in and challenge the team to a game of table tennis, or book in for our team to visit you at work! We do office visits in the greater Melbourne area for the busy Melbourne man – allowing you to experience the joy of a custom made suit, without disrupting your busy schedule.
Embrace style and charm, and enjoy some banter and beers, with a custom made suit experience at Briggins. Book a consultation online now or contact us with your black tie suit questions!
