black-tie
Dinner jacket mandatory
Black-tie describes formal evening dress codes requiring tuxedos for men and evening gowns or formal dresses for women: a black-tie gala, black-tie optional.
The term comes from the black bow tie traditionally worn with a tuxedo.
Black-tie events are dressy but one step below white-tie, the most formal category.
Men's formal evening attire
- bowtieSymmetrical knotted neckwear
- cummerbundPleated formal waistband
- tailcoatCutaway evening jacket
- waistcoatSleeveless torso garment
cufflinks · studs · gloves · corsage · boutonniere · suspenders
Festive formal occasion
- ballSpherical plaything or gala
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- fundraiserEvent collecting money
- premiereFirst public performance
reception · soiree · masquerade · cotillion · red-carpet · auction
Purified or cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- tastefulAesthetically appropriate and pleasing
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
luxurious · sumptuous · exquisite · impeccable · formal · distinguished · glamorous · upscale
Rules governing appropriate clothing
- invitationRequest to attend
- RSVPRequest for reply
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- toastmasterBanquet ceremony leader
keynote · escort · dance-card · valet
tuxedo
Men's formal evening attire
- bowtieSymmetrical knotted neckwear
- cummerbundPleated formal waistband
- tailcoatCutaway evening jacket
waistcoat · cufflinks · studs · gloves · corsage · boutonniere · suspenders
gala
Festive formal occasion
- ballSpherical plaything or gala
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- fundraiserEvent collecting money
premiere · reception · soiree · masquerade · cotillion · red-carpet · auction
refined
Purified or cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- tastefulAesthetically appropriate and pleasing
opulent · luxurious · sumptuous · exquisite · impeccable · formal · distinguished · glamorous · upscale · exclusive
dress-code
Rules governing appropriate clothing
- invitationRequest to attend
- RSVPRequest for reply
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
toastmaster · keynote · escort · dance-card · valet
- elegantchic, stylish, refined, tasteful, elegant
- glamourglam, red carpet, glamour, paparazzi, glitter
- etiquettemanners, politeness, etiquette, table manners, courtesy
black-tiecasual
Relaxed and informal
informal · smart casual · business casual · street clothes · dressed down
black-tiebackyard barbecue
Outdoor meal with grilling
low-key · unpretentious · house party · potluck · laid-back
black, blacken, blacklist, blackberry, blackness, bow tie, blackest, blacker, blackish