Wearing white tie to a black tie event?

Abraham · Jan 18, 2016

I typically go to 2-3 black tie events per year. People seem to adhere to the dress code in maybe one of them -- usually weddings.

Several months ago I bought a gorgeous BB white tie outfit (trousers, tails and vest) at a local thrift shop that supports hospice. With the exception of having the inseam let out about a 1/4", it's a perfect fit. It's such a gorgeous outfit that I bought a shirt and tie to complete the outfit in the hopes of wearing it someday.

A while back I received an invitation to another black tie event. The sort where a majority of the guys would be wearing anything from proper black tie to "modified" black tie (tux with regular white shirt and 4-in-hand tie, etc.) to business suits to t-shirts. Rather than rent a tux I decided to wear my white tie outfit. Of those that actually noticed (and not many seemed to) the white tie outfit was really well received.

My question is this: For those events where I'm sure most won't adhere to the "black tie" request, is it OK to simply wear my white tie outfit? Thanks...

Mr. Pickett · Jan 18, 2016

I suspect you looked very dashing.

It's a shame to hear that to a black-tie requested event, people would wear t-shirts.

If I was hosting a true black tie event, I would see no problem with somebody turning up in white tie.

Edward · Jan 18, 2016

If it's open enough that peole are turning up in "creative" black tie, I see no harm. Provided you're not outdressing the host, which really is bad form.

Abraham · Jan 19, 2016

Mr. Pickett said:
I suspect you looked very dashing.

It's a shame to hear that to a black-tie requested event, people would wear t-shirts.

If I was hosting a true black tie event, I would see no problem with somebody turning up in white tie.

I'm sure some of the t-shirts cost 3 figures...

Abraham · Jan 19, 2016

Edward said:
If it's open enough that peole are turning up in "creative" black tie, I see no harm. Provided you're not outdressing the host, which really is bad form.

That's a good point. I would never do this for a wedding or if someone specific was being honored. The WIDE variety of outfits worn at black tie events around here is astonishing...

Vampyre Master · Jan 21, 2016

well i would say if you are invited to a black tie then yes white tie can be worn but never the other way round.

avedwards · Jun 9, 2016

Edward said:
If it's open enough that peole are turning up in "creative" black tie, I see no harm. Provided you're not outdressing the host, which really is bad form.

I would second Edward's comment and add that if the event is one where black tie is likely to be worn correctly by the majority of the attendees and the black tie dress code is expected to be adhered to very strictly (for example diplomatic or state functions) then wearing white tie may not be appropriate. However, if you are attending a party or "less formal" black tie event where the dress code is more a vague guideline then by all means wear full white tie.

GBR · Jan 9, 2017

Black tie means ....black tie. It would be crass to wear white tie. You will simply look like a fool and be mistaken for the butler.

captzak · Jan 18, 2017

GBR said:
Black tie means ....black tie. It would be crass to wear white tie. You will simply look like a fool and be mistaken for the butler.

It would still look better than most people showing up in sloppy, ill fitting suits, rented tuxedos, and the many other incorrect interpretations of "Black Tie".

Edward · Jan 19, 2017

I suspect it may also depend on what "black tie" means to the organisers - i.e. do they really mean 'balck tie', or does that temr equate to them as "formal"? Couple of years ago we had a celebratory dinner for our Law School's 50th anniversary. The invitation said "Black tie or lounge suit". I'd never have considered white tie for that, whereas had it said "Black tie or Fabulous", white tie would have been an option..... (Ironically, I'm better sorted for white tie in my wardrobe these days.)

Dirk Wainscotting · Feb 2, 2017

The term 'black tie' is arbitrary for many people now. I also went to a dinner at a 'dinner club' around the Christmas period and the invitation had 'black tie' on it. I met a fellow there who was wearing a morning coat and a striped tie (black/silver), so basically morning dress. He said to me: 'I wore this because I don't have a black tie'. I thought he meant black tie as in a dinner jacket, but he actually meant 'a black tie'.

The world really has left it all behind.

wgnovak · Mar 4, 2017

I wear black tie at black tie occasions but it would appear from what you say that you are attending an event in the states that is not black tie but some type of unusual aberration if those that attend are wearing anything from formal black tie to very informal attire. If that is the case you might even be “formal’ in white tie sans shirt.

Dirk Wainscotting · Mar 4, 2017

wgnovak said:
If that is the case you might even be “formal’ in white tie sans shirt.

I don't think it's that kind of party...but who knows from this distance?

3PieceSuitGuy · Mar 15, 2017

I just recently - last weekend - MC'd a black tie preferred event. I was one of the organisers and essentially hosting it so I wore my White Tie ensemble. I wore it so I'd stand out and people could find me easily if they needed information or assistance. It worked very well and I felt amazing wearing it.

I think it's ok to wear white tie to a black tie do as MC or host, however these days most people would never know whether or not it's against the rules if you weren't host/MC.

I wouldn't wear them to a black tie wedding etc as I'd out dress the groom, but otherwise any opportunity to wear full dress is a great opportunity!!

Seb Lucas · Mar 15, 2017

Wow, I'm 50 and I've never had reason to attend a black tie do. I don't even know what black tie means. I go to a lot of openings and launches, often with academics journalists and politicians but I've never never worn a tie to anything so this is all very unusual to me. I generally wear all black and no one has ever complained.

Tiki Tom · Mar 15, 2017

This is 2017. I've gone to the State Opera here in Vienna and have seen audience members in t-shirts. Fewer and fewer people care about dress codes anymore.
I'm probably just getting old, but I always aim for what is requested on the invitation ...and usually show up overdressed anyway, if only because most of my colleagues opt for the "creative" solution, thinking it is somehow hipper than traditional formal wear. (And don't get me started about clip-on bow ties!) Wear white tie and I suspect most people won't catch the distinction. So, go ahead. You will look great.

I may have to delete this post. I sound an awful lot like a grumpy old man yelling "get off my lawn!"

Edward · Mar 15, 2017

Oh, yes.... there's always something hilarious about people thinknig they're being really clever and rebellious by turning up somewhere they know is "dress up" wearing jeans. Like the fifteen year olds who think they're the first to rebel by smoking...

Hal · Mar 16, 2017

Seb Lucas said:
Wow, I'm 50...I go to a lot of openings and launches, often with academics journalists and politicians but I've never never worn a tie to anything...I generally wear all black and no one has ever complained.

Never worn a tie? Really? Even in this casual age I find that incredible. Only you can judge whether you are over- or under-dressed; but because we live in a casual age people are more likely to comment (or indeed complain) in the former case. A pity!

Seb Lucas · Mar 16, 2017

Hal said:
Never worn a tie? Really? Even in this casual age I find that incredible. Only you can judge whether you are over- or under-dressed; but because we live in a casual age people are more likely to comment (or indeed complain) in the former case. A pity!

I asked my partner who reminded me I wore one I borrowed about 9 years ago for her father's wedding. Generally I operate in less conservative circles.

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