At a black tie optional event you can even wear a suit, if you wear it right.
An invitation to a black tie optional event allows a bit more flexibility in attire, although it is still considered appropriate to wear very formal attire. Even at a black tie optional event, it's not uncommon for men to be wearing black tie and women to be sporting ball gowns. That being said, it's also appropriate for a woman to wear an evening suit to a black tie optional event. After all, Marlene Dietrich was the first to wear a tux to a formal event and it's been cutting edge ever since. With a few style pointers you can wear a women's suit to a black tie optional party and be the belle of the ball.
Instructions
1. Choose an evening suit in an appropriate fabric. Formal fabrics like satin, silk, gabardine all work. You can even choose a men's style tuxedo.
2. Wear evening shoes that are feminine and dressy like strappy sandals in satin or velvet, or a patent leather spiked heel.
3. Wear bright, flashy costume jewelry to accessorize the suit. Popcorn pearls, vintage gold chains, or even a jeweled tiara will give the suit some extra flair.
4. Choose to wear a sexy camisole or a lace or cashmere tank top under the suit. It's feminine and unexpected.
5. Wear a faux mink stole or a gold wrap over the suit as an added splash of formality.
Tags: black optional, black optional event, evening suit, optional event, optional event