Wedding Trend #2 : The Return of the Black Tie

The next trend you will see cropping back up in 2014 is the formal attire classification “Black Tie”. You will see in most invitation cards couples state their preferred attire options for their guests, from smart casual to summer chic

Black tie is the 2^nd most formal dress code for any event (with “white tie” being the most formal). Who doesn’t like to dress up and paint the town red, a wedding is a great excuse to get all dolled up and to showcase all your latest jewelry.

Formal attire has always been associated with grand affairs and in this case- weddings. But it actually shocked me to find out that not everyone knows the definition of black tie. No, its not that you actually wear a black tie! (And most people actually think that it literally means black tie).

Wikipedia definition: Black tie is a dress code for evening events and social functions derived from British and American costume conventions of the 19th century. Worn only for events after 6 p.m., black tie is less formal than white tie but more formal than informal or business dress. It is also more formal than recent intermediate codes of “creative,” “alternate” or “optional” black tie.

For men, the elements of black tie are a suit, of black or midnight blue wool, in which the jacket lapels and trouser braid are of silk or other contrasting material, a white dress shirt, a black bow-tie, an evening waistcoat or cummerbund, and black dress shoes. Women's dress for black tie occasions has varied greatly through the years; traditionally it was dinner (ankle) or tea (below mid-calf) length sleeveless evening gown, often accompanied by a wrap or stole, gloves, and evening shoes. 

In other words for men; a tux is what we mean by black tie and for ladies; a long or mid calf length evening gown.

Black tie weddings will be celebrated and encouraged this coming year, but don’t forget for every dress code comes a time and a place. If you are having a beach wedding, please don't put your guests through a sauna by making them come in a tux.

Go forth confidently and dress accordingly.

** My wedding dress code for the beach was “Photography Friendly” and for the KL carnival “Come As You Are”. But that's just me being I!