The Modern Black Tie Toolkit

What is Black Tie?

The short answer? It’s formal eveningwear. The long, historical answer? Western black tie dress codes originated in the 1800s during the Regency era. Sitting in the Dress Circle while attending the theatre or opera called for a formal outfit, but these ensembles were worlds away from the classic tuxes and gowns we think of today. Men’s outfits were much more flamboyant, think the exaggerated tails and luxurious brocade fabrics of frock coats, while women would wear full ball gowns, corseted at the waist and volumised by a bustle and petticoats under the skirt. In 1865, Britain, the first dinner jacket without tails is credited to the then Prince of Wales, King Edward VII, which is closer to what we associate with black tie dressing as we know it now. Today, the requirements have loosened in comparison to centuries past - much fewer frills across the men's suits and a more streamlined silhouette for women. There are still rules, but it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Men are expected to wear a complete tuxedo or a smart suit in dark colours, or a white dinner jacket, whereas women generally wear a floor-length dress or jumpsuit, or, more recently, and less expected, a tux.