Both men and women have multiple options for black tie optional outfits.
Black tie optional wedding women s attire.
Black tie optional wedding attire for women most black tie optional weddings take place after 6 p m so anything you d wear for a daytime function probably wouldn t make the cut here.
Women can go the long evening gown route but a dressy suit or shorter cocktail dress is fine too.
Apart from white tie attire black tie is the most formal of all dress codes.
For women the code typically calls for a floor length dress or gown.
If you lack a full length gown a special occasion cocktail dress one adorned with sequins and worn with formal shoes for instance would work as well.
Floor length gowns are always permissible and the most formal outfit.
It s actually simpler than it sounds.
A black tie optional dress code calls for formal attire.
If they end up going tuxedo less though they should wear a formal dark suit and tie instead.
For a black tie optional wedding men can wear a tuxedo but it s not a requirement.
Evaluating the dress code.
While cocktail dresses can be an appropriate option for black tie long dresses tend to be a more elevated choice.
Women have a little more wiggle room when it comes to interpreting black tie optional wear for a wedding or other formal event.