GROUPON GUIDE TO COLUMBUS

Dress Code Explained: Black-Tie Optional

BY: Dan Delagrange |Jun 17, 2019

I was pumped. One of my best friends from college was getting married, and the wedding would be in a city I've never visited before. It was also in the middle of winter, giving me a fun break from the dull routine of non-vacation season.

Then I saw it: "black-tie optional" in flowing script at the bottom of the invite. "Uh, perfect," I thought. "I don't own a black tie, so I'll take the not-wearing-a-black-tie-optional route." As smarter people would later enlighten me, that's not what this dress code means. So what does it mean, exactly? Read on to find out.

What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?

In short: fancy.

Black-tie optional means fancy. Typically, it's a dress code for an event that's happening in the evening, where people will be dressed to the nines, and where there will probably be appetizers (that you definitely shouldn't call "apps").

What Should Men Wear?

A tux is optional; you're safe with a suit in a dark or neutral color.

General Guidelines

Guys are encouraged to wear a tux to black-tie-optional events. Don't own a tux or feel like renting one? Me, neither. And that's okay, actually—the black tie is optional, after all. If you have a suit in a dark or neutral color, go with that. Just don't get too casual; khakis and a blazer won't cut it here. I wore a navy-blue suit with a light-blue shirt and simple black dress shoes to my friend's wedding and I fit in just fine.

Style Suggestions

If you're wearing black tie attire, don't feel like you need to go with a run-of-the-mill, James Bond-esque black tuxedo. Dark-gray or navy tuxes add a bit of (acceptable) flair, as do shimmer fabrics and shawl collars.

For those not going the tuxedo route, consider playing with the colors of the pieces you wear—within reason. Layering different shades of blue or gray with your jacket, shirt, and tie gives your outfit some pop. And just because you're not wearing a tuxedo doesn't mean you can't wear a bow tie, pocket square, or cufflinks.

Shop the Look

Three accessories to make your outfit pop:

What Should Women Wear?

You can't miss with a floor-length formal gown or a cocktail dress—if the length is appropriate.

General Guidelines

This particular dress code isn't as cut-and-dry for ladies as it is for dudes. If you have a floor-length formal gown, this is a good time to break it out. But you can also opt for a cocktail dress, so long as—according to some fashion schools of thought—its length isn't too short. If you're still unsure, don't be afraid to ask. See what the host is expecting or what other guests are planning on wearing to get a better idea of what to wear.

Style Suggestions

Again, there's a bit more room for interpretation here. Darker colors are usually a good call, but if you have a floor-length gown in a lighter shade, that's probably fine, too. Remember, this is an upscale event, so maybe stay away from patterns.

For jewelry, don't be shy about glitzing it up: shimmery rings, earrings, and necklaces match the event's sophisticated air. Heels and flats are both perfectly acceptable here, too. Just keep in mind that you'll want to stay comfortable if you'll be on your feet or dancing a good amount.

Shop the Look

Three accessories to make your outfit pop:

1. Statement earrings

Make a statement with dramatic chandelier earrings ($100.99) or shop similar.

2. Bracelets and bangles

Add glimmer with a 14K gold and diamond-accented bangle ($11.99) or shop similar.

3. Open-toed shoes

Glam it up in a pair of Badgley Mischka open-toe pumps ($70) or shop similar.

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