Black Tie Optional Dress Code Explained

[@HarrisPilton789]

This was a very informative video. I had never heard of creative black tie. I like that concept!

[@IcejjfishTbone]

I often use it at my evens because many people just can’t afford black tie clothing. Nor do they go to enough black tie events to justify it

[@rv8-m948]

Thanks for the explanation. Wished I had it years earlier when in confusion I bought a black suit with flashy gray vest and tie. Well at least now I know what I will be buried in.

[@NihilisticHatred]

This guy has gotten so much better in just a couple months. Well dome sir!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thank you kindly! - Preston

[@bobwilson8545]

Really growing into your own on-camera persona Preston, great to see. Looking forward to more content.

[@hannamakela6989]

Some etiquettes for the "dark suit" dress code that might (or might not?) be tantamount to black tie optional state that the ideal necktie color would be something in silver or pearl grey. But that would not be a "dark" tie.

[@ConestogaCreek]

I imagine Sven's pulse quickens anytime he receives a mailed invitation to an event.

[@ihavekalashnikovyoudomath9275]

He's the rare case of having too many clothes. A man with no formal wear is going to go "What am I going to wear?" While Sven has _so many_ options, he loops back around to "What am I going to wear?"

[@LatimusChadimus]

Great video. I have a formal event coming up, no dress code mentioned for the release party (they're soulful musicians) so I'm going black tie with a colored vest to go with my date's outfit

[@Nick-zp3ub]

For these types of events, a velvet tuxedo is essential. I've got a green one with black satin peak lapels, and a dark red one with a pink satin shawl collar

[@MaxWattage]

The only advice missing from this video is regarding the etiquette of what precious metal to wear at what time of day. I was always taught that for accessories like cufflinks, tie-clips, tie-pins etc, silver ones are to be worn for evening wear, and gold ones for daytime wear. I'm from the UK, so I don't know if this sartorial rule is observed in the USA.

[@SundayHarbor]

I do have a question, I am looking to host a New Years party this year and want to have it be “black tie optional/preferred” and have a 1920’s swing to it, but where I live nobody ever puts any effort into dressing up or would know any terminology, how should I word invitations so it doesn’t turn into a costume party, or people show up in khakis and a flannel (that is considered dressing up in my neck of the woods). Thank you for another thorough and informative video!

[@HermanVonPetri]

Finding a way to include the term "formal" on the invitation might strike the right tone. For example, "Black tie formal wear preferred." But, it may help to drop some tactful hints among your social group as to what aesthetic you are hoping for.

[@matthewmillican4506]

Excellent video! I was interested in collar styles that are acceptable for black tie optional events, and found the Gentleman's Gazette's article "Shirt Collar Styles for Men: The Complete Guide." In the article, Jack Collins includes in a footnote beneath a photo that "a pleasing spread collar is the modern day standard for black tie." Since the standard for black tie has been around for 200 years, and this article was published on November 30, 2022, I am assuming that is still the case. If other options are acceptable, what might those be?

[@Padoinky]

This was a great refresher and very helpful - thank you

[@jobmclaren4150]

Very informative video as always. Will you guys do a Stroller Suit video guide?

[@imransuhaimi3522]

Can you do a video on metal strap watch and guide on how to match them with our clothes? Thank you! 😊

[@loveja1234]

For black tie optional, I´ll use a peak-lapel, double breasted black suit, with a dark green or black grenadine tie, a gold collar-pin, gold cufflinks, and black oxfords (maybe a loafer with a gold buckle)

[@lawrencezhang9892]

I recently noticed that you acquired Black Tie Guide and a large portion is still under construction. I've always enjoyed Peter Marshall's writings and noticed some changes in the articles' style. Nevertheless, I really appreciate the great amount of details, especially the illustrations, and insights you added. I'm looking forward to seeing the guide fully revitalized and bring the timeless elegance of black tie to more people. Cheers!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Yes, we are at about 60% percent completion. Give us a few a couple of weeks and the transition will be complete. Etiquette, history classic and buying are pretty much done already. Peter did a great job but the photos are all too small and some things could need an update. Of course it is not a small project but we get it done

[@BoltofGreece]

Great video, I just wish I could dress more like this.

[@pixininja8354]

Brennan McCoy you can just go for it man

[@pixininja8354]

You should wear what you’re comfortable in

[@seanfalkenstein4323]

Anyone know where I find the Song from the Gentleman‘s Gazette? I wanna use it as my morning call :P Danke vielmals für eure Videos :P Gruss aus der Schweiz.

[@ryanskogg5211]

Fantastic video. Perfect explanation of Black tie Optional

[@redrobin1193]

Thanks for the informational videos. I reference them frequently to learn how to dress better.

[@tempestandacomputer6951]

Hosting a dance formal for a college org. Does creative black tie optional make sense? Because that is effectively what we would like!

[@oscarwills7112]

Are dark grey trousers acceptable with a black dinner jacket?

[@m-at-the-w142]

Quick question: for black tie, optional, could I get away with wearing black leather Chelsea boots (if I'm going to wear them with a black suit not tux)?

[@muhdzafri7551]

Thank you for your guides for becoming a gentleman

[@PYT500]

How do you host a black tie event/wedding? Are there requirements?

[@redspice3230]

You put it on the invitations and also abide by the dress code yourself as well. Make it clear to all guests this will be the expected attire.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

So when is the "daytime tuxedo" AKA the Stroller Suit video coming?

[@floro7687]

Royal weddings are rare these days!

[@johanjohansen7572]

Can you make a video about what to wear in christmas?

[@tommyd.743]

A bright red suit with matching hat paired with black boots. White beard is optional.

[@johanjohansen7572]

@@tommyd.743 hehe maybe something more stylish

[@TReis3913]

Excellent video - thank you for the help!

[@chadbailey7038]

Great coverage. Thank you fellas! 😎

[@alastoria_va]

I'm a girl but watching these videos is so aesthetically pleasing for me... Also I'm genderqueer and would genuinely wear a tuxedo

[@iimaniDAVID]

Growing up I was taught that "black tie" was reserved for "upper house servants" who attended to the family's guests (the black tie distinguished staff from family and guests who wore white ties). Is this false?

[@lolvonlolipopp]

White tie and black tie should not be mixed.

[@willowwhisper6575]

In a Downton Abbey episode the Dowager Duchess jokingly states to her son (who is an Earl) that she thought he was a servant because he was wearing black tie instead of white. This episode basically showed the slow transition from what were strictly white tie events to something more relaxed like black tie

[@Ramankumar-wj2by]

Can I wear my black leather ckkuk boot with full suit ???????

[@jivkozafirov1065]

Informative and thorough presentation. Nevertheless the suit of the presenter fits poorly, edges of the shirt are curled in, trousers too wide.

[@jivkozafirov1065]

right side edge is curled inward towards the tie. i cant attach pic here, apparently

[@jivkozafirov1065]

i guess - collar stays

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

Could you cover turtlenecks next video as a one off? I think they're quite classy. Sterling Archer would approve.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Stay tuned! :) - Preston

[@sakakibaryo]

Are dinner jackets acceptable or it counts as creative black tie or other dresscode?

[@gentlemansgazette]

You find the answer to that in our tuxedo and black tie guide www.gentlemansgazette.com/tuxedo-black-tie-guide/?

[@claudiomalcherfilho4356]

Speaking about balck tie events, i beleave that you should makea a video on how knowing that the party you are hosting should be a gala dress.

[@francescobravin4]

Just wondering: would a folk dress be also acceptable instead of a dinner suit? I have the Scottish kilt in mind, but maybe there are other cases

[@eliegbert8121]

I’m not as expert but from what I’ve heard cultural dress is usually allowed as long as it is formal

[@miguelrum7759]

The e-mail Newsletter is free, right ?

[@aquilestadeu]

Awesome presentation, interesting, informative and energetic!

[@theofficialterrycrewsyoutu5885]

This man does a phenomenal Patrick Bateman persona.

[@bugrageyik6182]

Yesterday I came across this channel and now I found the exact type of a guide for gentelmens I have been looking for.Wish I learned this Chanell earlier.Looking forward to see new videos...🎩

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

Is a traditional 3-piece black suit an option?

[@siegfriedo]

What is the difference between "black tie optional" and "black tie preferred"?

[@cm01]

There is no difference. They are the same dress code. Black tie preferred just conveys the same idea in a less ambiguous way.

[@danielonlinemarketing]

What about a contrasting dinner jacket?

[@Shvoelf]

Agent 47 be wildin

[@eltigredetejas2328]

Ayyeee!🤣

[@stephen4347]

There you gentlemen, there is no need to find a Tuxedo that you will only wear 2 times a year max. I will like to see some creative black tie options. I want to dress my tuxedo down for the my start up company x-mas party.

[@zunedog31]

Can a tuxedo be dressed down? I think you'd be better dressing up a suit with conservative accessories, shined black shoes, dark solid tie etc.

[@ter1413]

Dressing down a tux looks ridiculous even if you are in a rock band. Wear a suit.

[@stephen4347]

@@ter1413 I am going to wear a turtleneck with my black tuxedo jacket and trews. I am just finding an excuse to wear it because I look good in it. When I do wear a suit people ask are looking for a new job? Are you going to a wedding? I try to tone it down by wearing blazers and tweed jackets and still get ask what's the occasion. It is hard to be stylish in this environment.

[@stephen4347]

@@zunedog31 Thanks for the advice. I will go with my navy blazers and trews what you guys call plaid pants or black watch tartan.

[@TJYang1123]

Is the tie you wearing burgundy or wine red?

[@RizwanKler]

Black Tie (optional) attire decoded. Preston am I right in understanding that the single breasted tuxedo is more popular & more trendy than a double breasted one? 🎅🎄🎁

[@gentlemansgazette]

Nope. I suggest to check out our Tuxedo and Black Tie Guide here www.gentlemansgazette.com/tuxedo-black-tie-guide/? it is not complete yet, but the etiquette, history, classic and buying section are pretty much complete and they will answer your question in depth

[@lolavan7750]

What about black Chelsea boots?

[@arportillo5227]

Loved this video, thank you.

[@enraikow6109]

This gentleman over here looking like agent 47 after some hair growth treatments

[@clubdemagiedemontreal]

Just arrived (fashionably late?) on your channel. Bravo et merci!

[@urielmartinez6279]

It would be my worst nightmare not to have a black tie ensemble at a black tie event 😱

[@willowwhisper6575]

It would depend if its strictly black tie or black tie preferred. If its the latter you have more options

[@elifreeland5869]

Question: Is a hopsack or twill fabric acceptable for a dinner jacket?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Both can work, hopsack is a less traditional though. The finer the twill the better

[@elifreeland5869]

@@gentlemansgazette Great! Thank you so much!

[@TI_Ted]

thanks. When is a collarless (grandad) shirt ok ?

[@louisparkes8666]

A video about this would be useful

[@36424567254]

probably, whenever a dress shirt is not required. Personally I don't see the point in them, if you want to dress down, a pop-over shirt or polo shirt is better imo. The collar is the most important part of the shirt as it frames the face, especially when not wearing ties, so why remove it? And if for some reason you really don't want a collar, I'd rather wear a henley instead, since we're in casual territory anyway.

[@GiGiGoesShopping]

All the self petting has me hesitant at the hand and finger oil/soil that's being deposited on the items.

[@MarcelGomesPan]

”Black tie creative”. A tuxedo with a pink jabot it is. 🤣

[@blxo1589]

What if I have everything except a tuxedo

[@blxo1589]

I have the tux shirt, black bow tie, cummerbund/vest, but a black suit

[@michaelstratton6701]

Sheldon's brother,is well dressed

[@caraychambers4789]

Dark Suit?

[@yaakovhassoun8965]

why do people enforce dress codes besides for the groomsmen and bridesmaid because they're in the photos...

[@yanisbenchara3006]

Is there an equivalent channel as yours to ladies ?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Not to my knowledge :(

[@Padoinky]

Gentleman's Gazette. Along these lines, you might want to give this expansion idea, a bit of consideration

[@MegaKirby27_Hiphomaniac]

You can look for modesty guidelines for ladies. Modesty is far classier than tight jeans and slogan tops and brings out the natural femininity of a woman.

[@bertrandd3813]

It really should be 'Black Tie Recommended' tbh

[@nateranger783]

Is Preston any good at acting/has tried acting? He seems like he would suit it.

[@bahab3341]

A little advice to the narrator, hes great, but i would consider hand movements like the ones main narrator took on. Btw hes improvement on delivering the info is remarkable. Thanks for the info, as always!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Constructive criticism is always welcome! Thanks for watching. - Preston

[@BBS_Robski]

💗'n the Homburg 👏

[@Delgen1951]

yes what about military, ncos and officers? you know Officer and Gentleman.

[@dejan.b17]

Very nice video Preston! I am also wearing a red tie with white dots today! Looks excatly the same as yours! Have a nice weekend. Greetings from Germany

[@1235anju]

Does this also apply for prom?

[@Bluesnipible]

If you are able to put your pants on correctly you are already dressed better than 50% of the people at your prom.

[@redforest3740]

Wish my father would understand this. He has 0 knowledge on outfits or anything really. I have to learn how to become a man off youtube and I've even been taught more by girls than my own father about how to dress or take care of myself appropriately. I guess I'll be going to an upcoming event looking like a clown since I can't exactly buy my own suit or even afford to rent it. At least I can get away with it since I'm a kid....definitely not repeating it when I'm older and start working though haha.

[@SharonElizabethWhitfield]

Whenever you are invited to a black tie event, always opt for the black tie. If you don’t wear black tie, everyone will assume you are poor and have no class.

[@blaster915]

So, the gist is, when you can be conservative, go conservative. This isn't the time for personality with colour.

[@voltgaming2213]

How to be a gentleman :be gentle in your heart simple and easy

[@buffalotodd5068]

Oh dear, I just looked at my tuxedo for the first time since I got into classic menswear... it has a notch lapel and flap pockets...:facepalm:

[@styzoom]

The alternative option for a black tie party doesn't seem to deviate enough from the dress code for a funeral. Not much fun.

[@075jude]

How about shawl lapel tuxedo with black shirt and a black and gold patterned silk tie ? Does it go well for dinner ?

[@shaunwang2262]

Ideally a white shirt should be worn with a tuxedo. Since tuxedos are already black (midnight blue in some cases), a black shirt just lacks the contrast a white shirt provides. Also, since you have a shawl lapel tuxedo, a necktie would be on the informal side for dinner and for any black tie outfit in general. I advise a plain black silk bowtie that you need to tie by hand. (it is a bit tricky, but once you practise it and get it sharp it's better than pre-tied anyday). If you can't obtain those items though don't worry, wear what you have and be confident in it. Consider getting them for next time. Whilst dressing up as per tradition is always encouraged, the centre of the event is to enjoy yourself at the dinner. All the best!

[@redrobin1193]

MY BOY

[@benvu5757]

Bruder muss los

[@aki3233]

muss loss Krawatte hollen 😂

[@MaximillionK]

This guy is so freaking cute :)

[@paulrobinson3042]

I know you are an American and sympathise. But it is a dinner jacket.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Yes, there are subtle differences in terminology "across the pond." One could say that a dinner jacket, when combined with proper (semi-)formal trousers, forms a tuxedo. On that note, we encourage all who are interested to take a look at our newly-renovated Black Tie Guide--perhaps starting with our definition page, linked below. Thanks for watching! - Preston www.gentlemansgazette.com/tuxedo-black-tie-guide/etiquette/what-is-black-tie/

[@MmeDesgranges]

He's only a foreigner, poor beggar.

[@digggert]

in all seriousness, unless intended as a gag at a motto party, no modern person will ever run across any dress code. Still I love this channel's absurdly specific and obsessive guides :D. I especially enjoy the quality men's wear and brand advice.

[@gentlemansgazette]

In the last three months that I went to two black tie optional events.

[@mattcartwright8272]

I will have to respond to your generalisation with an emphatic, no. Whilst you personally might not have attended a formal dinner, I can assure you they occur all over the world. Plus there are many other life events where there might not be a stated dress code but an implied one that befits the function you're attending such as proms, weddings, christenings, funerals, etc

[@wallace8637]

7:39 I dont know or seen any man bold or open minded enough to wear those shoes.

[@gentlemansgazette]

It is a classic black tie shoe worn by kings a royals and well-dressed gentlemen around the world.

[@Hassannajfi]

Emre Birinci opera pumps are the best option for black tie IMO, those shoes are beautiful

[@wallace8637]

Well I know many kings of europe also wear high heel shoes, I am not saying these shoes are bad but seemed much more on the edge than your usual dress I watch. Tnx for the reply though :)

[@akprime4851]

@@gentlemansgazette A classic black tie shoe worn by Kings and little school girls all over the world.

[@zunedog31]

@@akprime4851 I'm sure you snicker when you see a man wear pink or purple, too. Grow up and gain some prospective.

[@ter1413]

A black suit? You must be kidding!

[@ter1413]

@@tommyd.743 Actually you should not!

[@themanwithnoname7957]

@@tommyd.743 The ONLY thing you NEED a black suit for is for funerals. If you are wearing a "black suit" as formal wear, then you have no clue what formal is. Yes, black tie is by definition a suit, it is in a category that you don't understand. ter1413 is right.

[@ter1413]

@@tommyd.743 A black suit for formal wear? Please look up the definition of formal wear. It ain't a black suit. Black suits are for funerals and burglars! And I don't own a black suit.

[@ter1413]

@@tommyd.743 You selection also doesn't make sense. Olive before blue chalk? Before blue pin? Before grey pin? Before seersucker? Before linen? Before glen plaid? Before a cotton summer suit? Etc.

[@tommyd.743]

@@ter1413 don't recall mentioning solid. Just colour. Of course there should be pattern, black chalk stripe, grey pin stripe, olive widow pane etc. And I'm referring to a business man's wardrobe. Light colors, sport jackets, blazers and the others you mentioned .that's your personal dress. Back in the 70's I was a buyer for a major department store and had a large client list. I understand fashion has changed over the years but the wardrobe of a mature business man has not.

[@MrAzizFace]

The new guy's blazer doesnt fit, and his style is very lack luster! And his shoes give me an eye sore! Im aware style is objective, but this new gentleman can do better, and he does this constantly weird movement with his eyebrows...please stop!

[@mohammedal-bader2323]

Stop shaking your head! Stop that smile!

[@timmyderp205]

Goofy goober

[@borisgyuzelev9596]

You need better shoes

[@gentlemansgazette]

I agree! My wardrobe is a work in progress. :) - Preston

[@channingcheese2]

In summary: dress as boring as possible

[@thanos_8531]

Firrrrrrrrrst x