What is Black Tie?
Black tie was traditionally seen as exceptionally smart formal wear to be worn at formal functions and dinners. This dress code can trace its origins back to the high society of the 19th century as it was in 1865 that the then Prince of Wales who later became Edward VII, wore what is considered to be the first dinner jacket. It was then seen as a fashionable, formal alternative to the traditional tailcoat.
The signature black tie look has evolved over the years into a style classic, made iconic by the sophisticated tailoring of James Bond, the old school glamour of Hollywood movie stars and the style of red-carpet events. The look is about following the rules and staying true to timeless, elegant style.
When would you wear it?
A firmly held tradition for very special occasions and social events, Black tie is frequently seen as the correct formal attire for glamorous parties, cocktail evenings, dinners and balls and now is even being worn at weddings.
Let us guide you in choosing what to wear whatever the occasion. There is the traditional Black-Tie look that must be worn when stated on formal invitations and the still smart but informal Black Tie 'optional' which allows you to experiment more with colour and textures whilst still looking sharp and tailored!
Rules of Formal Black Tie
If you receive an invitation stating that formal Black Tie must be worn, there is no cutting corners! The rules are that traditional black tie tailoring consists of the following: a black tailored jacket, black trousers, white dress shirt and a self tie black bowtie. If added, a pocket square must be white and minimally folded. Exude old school elegance with our classic accessories, for that signature black tie aesthetic.
What to wear:
Antique Rogue Black Velvet Dinner Jacket
Bringing real elegance to evening wear Antique Rogue’s velvet dinner jackets combine legendary British tailoring with distinctive styling. Party perfect, this slim fit jacket looks sharp when paired with a crisp white shirt and black bowtie for the ultimate black tie look.
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Seidensticker Wingtip Dress Shirt
Look the part with this 100% cotton wingtip collar shirt. Shaped fit with double cuffs. Made and packaged in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, this is the perfect shirt to team with the jacket and a smart pair of cufflinks.
Black silk self tie Bow tie.
The devil is in the detail and this luxurious Black silk bow tie fits neck sizes 15"-18" and would look exceptionally smart when paired with the wing tip collar shirt.
Black braces
Made in the UK, these stylish adjustable Y black braces with metal sliders can be worn with either the metal clips or button tabs provided. Leather button tabs enable braces to be worn with trousers with buttons attached such as classic fish tail backed trousers seen in Peaky Blinders!
Essential accessories:
Cufflink and Dress Stud set black with gold trim
Cufflinks are a great opportunity to add some flair to your ensemble whilst maintaining that dapper, high society look. These black and gilt cufflinks and dress shirt studs are presented in their own smart gift box.
White Pocket Square
An ever-popular accessory to dress up for formal black tie, this elegant silk white pocket square is just perfect to add an extra dash of style to the black velvet dinner jacket.
Tootal Scarf Black with Gold Polka Dot
Founded in 1799, Tootal is an iconic British heritage brand. Made from luxurious double sided 100% silk in a classic black and gold pattern with tassels both ends, this scarf is a versatile accessory that adds a confident and laid back style statement to your evening wear.
'Informal' Black Tie
For the more informal or black tie optional but still a dress to impress event, you can be more creative with the traditional black tie look and bend the rules... experiment with different colours and materials to either update the classic style, depending on your own style references.
For men with eclectic style, don't be afraid of a little colour. Velvet jackets in rich burgundy and deep blues teamed with complimentary accessories are a great way to look smart with extra added flourish!
What to wear:
Ted Baker Burgundy Velvet Jacket
Ted Baker is a British heritage brand synonymous with effortless style, quality and sartorial elegance. Their velvet jackets always go that extra mile with superb detailing and finishing touches. This attention to detail is evident from the inside out on this gorgeous slim fit jacket that really makes a style statement.
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Seidensticker White Dress Shirt
A great shirt to dress from business wear this 100% cotton contemporary Kent collar shirt is shaped fit with double cuffs. Made and packaged in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, this smart shirt when teamed with the jacket, burgundy bow tie and braces will be a standout look for your wardrobe.
Burgundy Velvet Bowtie
In a sumptuous rich burgundy colour, this ready tie velvet bow tie adds a dash of rich colour for a sharp sophisticated evening vibe.
Braces Burgundy & Paisley
These smart burgundy and paisley will really stand out against the crisp white of the dress shirt and compliment the burgundy velvet bow tie. These 35mm braces are clip on with a brushed nickel clip finish.
Accessories:
Black silk pocket square
An ever popular accessory to dress up a jacket with, this elegant silk black silk pocket square is the perfect finishing touch to add an extra dash of style to the burgundy velvet jacket.
Cufflink set gold/mother of pearl
Add some flair to your outfit and team your dress shirt with the timeless elegance of these mother of pearl and gilt cufflink and stud set. Presented in their own smart box making them superb for gifting too.
Tootal Scarf Orange Medallion Print
Founded in 1799, Tootal is an iconic British heritage brand. Made from luxurious double sided 100% silk in an elegant burgundy and gold pattern with tassels both ends, this scarf is a versatile accessory that exudes old school charm and makes a confident and dapper style statement to your evening wear.
