We Decoded the Confusing Black-Tie Attire Dress Code

Love or loathe a black-tie attire dress code; they spark a lot of opinions. Some welcome the chance to dress to the nines, a reprieve from the monotony of weekday wardrobes. Then there are the others who recoil at the thought of being told what to wear or shelling out hard-earned cash on an impractical outfit destined to sit and collect dust in the back of their closet.

In a world where dress codes and going-out outfits are becoming increasingly blurred—where no pants and naked dresses are the norm nowadays—the question looms: what does it really mean to abide by black-tie formalities? And, perhaps more importantly, what happens if you get it wrong? The stakes feel high—showing up underdressed can feel like a nightmare straight out of high school (cue that embarrassing Mean Girls scene), leaving you cringing through the canapés and champagne you hoped would salvage the night. On the flip side, overdressing might turn heads—but not exactly how you intended.

The result is a unique kind of fashion limbo, where the anxiety of getting it wrong overshadows the allure of a well-stocked open bar. But black-tie dressing doesn’t have to feel like cruel and unusual punishment. The right dressing approach can promise a night of indulgent fun—and maybe even sticking around long enough to skip that signature Irish goodbye of yours.

Luxe fabrics with an indulgent hand-feel, like plush velvets and soft satins, are often associated with dressy attire. Opting for a sultry material makes it easier to get away with modern, sophisticated separates—like a blazer and great tailored trousers or a dress that’s a bit shorter than the conservative (and sometimes outdated) floor-length attire that comes with a black-tie dress code.

Styling the glove trend into black-tie attire is a fun nod to vintage glamour. To avoid veering into costume territory, opt for lighter, modern interpretations—think delicate embroidery, sheer fabrics, or wrist-length options that can infuse a sense of whimsy without veering into Marie Antionette territory. Whether paired with a full-out ball gown or something more casual, gloves can be the perfect finishing touch, adding texture and personality to your overall look.

You're not beholden to towering high heels, even with a black-tie dress code. Thanks to the growing number of very chic evening-appropriate ballet flats and kitten heels, there's a heel height for everyone. Plus, nothing exudes effortless cool like pairing an elegant evening look with a sleek, flat, or barely-there naked shoe style. If your outfit is more of a clean slate, embrace a glitzy moment with metallics, embellishments, or a hint of shine. Even bonafide minimalists know the power of an understated sparkle.

Hats took center stage as a standout accessory during the Fall 2024 fashion month circuit, offering a chic way to infuse formality and personal style into any outfit. From trending hats reminiscent of Jackie O.'s iconic style to veiled caps with a modern edge, there’s a hat to suit nearly every occasion. If caps aren’t your style, consider a luxurious velvet bow or an elegant hair clip to elevate your look to black-tie dress code standards.

Selecting the perfect fabrics and details is half the art of curating a black-tie look. High-shine is a great contemporary take on formalwear, much like party-ready velvets and satins. Nowadays, almost everyone does a sequined iteration of the classics, from cocktail dresses to sophisticated separates covered in shimmering sequins and buoyant palettes.

An oversized bag in durable materials like suede or leather is perfect for the office, but black-tie events call for something more refined. Opt for a ladylike silhouette—a chic clutch, petite crossbody, or elegant minaudière—that keeps your essentials close without sacrificing the look.