Black Tie Tuxedo

A “black tie” reception is confusing enough, but then they had to complicate things a little further by creating other terms like “black tie invited” or “black tie optional”. Forget sarcasm. They don’t mean that if you come in a black tie tuxedo, you’re invited, but if you don’t, then your presence is optional. Well, yes, they’re rational if you think literal, but this is not how these two are defined.

First, let’s define “black tie”. If the invite says this, it merely wants you to wear a tuxedo. This is generally the dress code term for formal affairs. Some people often call this a black tie tuxedo, which may sound redundant to others. This dress code involves a dinner jacket in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The jacket, with its matching trousers, is known as tuxedo in Canada and the US as a tuxedo, and as smoking in Japan and Europe. It is sometime lightheartedly referred to as penguin suit in reference to the bird’s colors.

Today, black tie tuxedo is required in several different functions with the female attire ranging from long gowns to cocktails dresses, all depending on the local practices, and the time of the function.

Even if you haven’t ever been to a formal gathering, it is still highly advisable that you invest in a black tie tuxedo. You wouldn’t know, the next invite you get may just ask you to don your penguin suit. Black tie tuxedo would mean a black cummerbund and a lake tie. Of course a black dinner jacket would be a good choice as well. Black tie tuxedos can be worn in practically any type of formal affair all throughout the year. A white tuxedo may be the epitome of elegance but wearing one is restricted to the warm parts of the year.

Wearing a tux follows a certain sequence. Not that you’d look completely different if you stray from it, but you might feel more comfortable and confident once you get the hang of it. Socks and underwear are supposed to be worn first before putting on your shirt and pants. Wear the cummerbund and slip on the jacket then, put on your tie and shoes last. 

Now, black tie tuxedos are not something that you would want to avoid wearing. In fact, be glad for the chance of being able to experience real elegance and timeless fashion sense.