What to wear to a black-tie wedding for ladies

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When a wedding invitation arrives with the words "black tie" printed at the bottom, it seems obvious that tuxedos are required dress for men. However, women might wonder what the proper attire for a black tie wedding would be. The issue can become even more complicated if the invitation reads "creative black tie," "black tie optional" or simply "formal." Relying on the time-tested advice of manners maven Emily Post can help in choosing an appropriate outfit.

1. Black Tie

   • A wedding invitation that reads "black tie" offers the option of wearing a long dress or a fancy cocktail dress. Some black-tie weddings take place in the evenings, and these events traditionally call for a long dress rather than a knee-length dress. Although Emily Post doesn't recommend dress colors for a black tie wedding, she does suggest that "your dressiest little black dress" would be appropriate. Other style guides suggest sticking to subdued or neutral colors for a black-tie affair.

   Creative Black Tie

   • Emily Post adds this category to her dressing etiquette advice because so many modern weddings are meant to be formal while also allowing guests a bit more leeway in their attire. "Creative black tie" suggests that the base of your outfit conform to the black tie guidelines but encourages you to add "fun or unique accessories." These alterations and additions could include an eye-catching belt, shawl, clutch purse or scarf. You might opt for a standout pair of shoes or a statement piece of jewelry.

   Black Tie Optional

   • Along with the suggested formal, floor-length gown, little black dress or "dressy cocktail dress" options, Emily Post suggests considering "dressy separates" for a wedding invitation noted as "black tie optional." Dressy separates could constitute any number of garments from a full, floor length skirt, silk blouse and cashmere sweater to a velvet camisole and a pair of satin dress pants or a dressy suit. An invitation including the words "black tie suggested" or "black tie Invited" calls for the same type of attire.

   Formal

   • A formal wedding is traditionally one that calls for white tie and tails. At these affairs, etiquette requires a formal, full-length gown. Today, however, this designation isn't always clear. A bride who designates her wedding as "formal" might indicate that men should dress in tuxedos and women in fancy cocktail attire, which would actually make the wedding a "black tie" affair. A brief consultation with the bride or mother of the bride will clear this confusion. A wedding invitation designating the dress code as "beach formal" does not correlate with traditional formal expectations and merely asks that you wear a fancy sundress or dressy summer pants and top.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Emily Post, wedding invitation, black dress, black optional, cocktail dress, fancy cocktail, little black