Black tie optional for men
For black tie optional, a dark suit in charcoal or navy with a white shirt, a dark silk tie and black oxfords is fully correct. A tuxedo is welcome if you own one, but you don’t need one.
Get a black tie optional outfit for your event
What to wear
Example photo: Wanas Rosa / PexelsCharcoal suit, dark tie
- JacketCharcoal suit jacket
- TrousersMatching charcoal trousers
- ShirtCrisp white dress shirt
- NeckwearSolid black or charcoal silk tie
- ShoesBlack cap-toe oxfords
- ExtrasWhite pocket square, folded flat
Example photo: Gursher Gill / PexelsBurgundy velvet jacket
- JacketBurgundy velvet dinner jacket
- TrousersBlack tuxedo or dark wool trousers
- ShirtBlack dress shirt (or white, with a black bow tie)
- NeckwearNone with a black shirt; black bow tie with a white one
- ShoesBlack patent or velvet loafers
- ExtrasSimple watch
In spring and summer: bold blue suit. See it
By season
| Season | The safe bet | The flex | Cloth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Charcoal suit, dark tie | Bold blue suit | Mid-weight wool or wool-linen, 9–10 oz |
| Summer | Charcoal suit, dark tie | Bold blue suit | Tropical wool, linen or cotton, 7–9 oz |
| Fall | Charcoal suit, dark tie | Burgundy velvet jacket | Worsted wool or light flannel, 10–12 oz |
| Winter | Charcoal suit, dark tie | Burgundy velvet jacket | Flannel or heavy worsted, 11–13 oz |
What it costs
Typical prices for the whole safe-bet look, from budget stores to investment pieces:
- Budget$195–$395
- Mid-range$620–$1,130
- Investment$1,520–$2,800
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Shop each piece at real stores in the app.
Accessories
Dark socks long enough that no skin shows when you sit, a white pocket square, a leather belt that matches your black shoes, and a simple watch. Cufflinks are a nice touch with a French-cuff shirt.
Day or evening
This dress code is mostly used for evening events, so stay dark: charcoal, navy or black. For an afternoon event, navy or charcoal with a white or pale blue shirt works well.
By venue
Ballrooms and indoor venues call for classic dark wool. Outdoors in summer, choose a lighter-weight wool in navy, or a bold color like cobalt if you want to stand out. Barns and rustic venues are still formal at this level, so keep the suit dark.
Wedding, party or work
At weddings, black tie optional usually means much of the wedding party is in tuxes, and a dark suit and tie puts you a respectful step below. At galas and benefits, lean toward the tux if you own one.
Skip these
- Pale or loudly patterned suits
- Skipping the tie with a standard suit
- Casual rubber-soled shoes
- Brown shoes after dark
Common questions
Do I need a tux for black tie optional?
No. A dark, well-fitted suit with a tie is fully correct. A tuxedo is welcome if you own one, but it isn’t expected.
Is "formal" the same as black tie optional?
Most hosts use them the same way: a dark suit and tie at minimum, with a tux welcome. If the invite says "formal" for an evening wedding, dress as you would for black tie optional.
What color suit for black tie optional?
Charcoal and navy are the safest choices. Black works for an evening event, though some find it a little funereal. Save light grey, tan and bold patterns for less formal events.
Can I wear a bow tie with a suit?
Yes. A black bow tie with a dark suit is a smart middle ground, though a long silk tie is more common.
What do "black tie invited" and "black tie preferred" mean?
"Black tie invited" means the same as optional: tux welcome, dark suit fine. "Black tie preferred" leans harder toward a tux, so wear one if you can.
Have an invite?
Paste it into Dress the Part and get the dress code decoded, an outfit for your season and setting, and where to buy each piece at any budget.