Fashions come and go, but the classic "penguin suit" is always in style.
Black tie attire is considered semi-formal, one step down from the white-tie-and-tails of true formal attire. The custom of strict black-and white evening attire for gentlemen was popularized in the late 1700s by an Englishman, George "Beau" Brummel, a fashion arbiter of his day. This enabled the men to look severely elegant, spend less on clothes (one black suit could go to many parties) and form a neutral backdrop for the ladies' more colorful garb. Ladies have more range in form, color and style, but one cannot go wrong by following the classic format.
Gentlemen
The tuxedo or dinner suit is an all-purpose outfit for any black-tie function. It should be worn with a soft, pleated-front white shirt with a cummerbund or vest, a black bow tie, black polished calf laced shoes or patent leather pumps and black silk or thin nylon socks (knee-length, of course). Forego any other colors, excepting only midnight blue, which appears "blacker than black" in artificial light. Wear a white dinner jacket only in the tropics or on a cruise ship.
Ladies
The later and more elegant the party, the longer the dress should be. Cocktails at 6:00 calls for knee length or slightly above (no microminis, please), cocktails followed by dinner something longer, and dancing to follow for full length. Simple dressy pants are usually acceptable (always long and preferably flowing -- never skin-tight) when paired with an ornate top. Black is not the only color for evening, but deeper tones and jewel colors create a richer appearance. Shoes, hosiery, handbag and wrap should coordinate, but they need not match
Accessories
The classic jewelry for gentlemen is onyx and gold cufflinks and studs (although black pearls are effective) and a slim, lightweight dress watch, if any. Ladies may sport more flash, but subtlety is in better taste than glitz.
Outerwear
In cold weather, gentlemen may wear a dark knee-length overcoat with a fringed white silk scarf inside the neck, and a homburg hat. Ladies may wear a fur, velvet or other formal fabric coat, cape or stole.
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