https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:38:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864294 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 02:23:54 +0000 Sal 1864294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given the short notice I would not buy something.....but wear my best cocktail dress and maybe get my hair blowdried professionally if I could get an appointment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I suspect there will be a large range in what people are wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864289 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:56:41 +0000 CocoLion 1864289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe you need to try Rent the Runway (for next time).</p> <p>Since you are short on time, a cocktail dress will be just fine. &nbsp;Do you have special jewelry and shoes and accessories? &nbsp;Those might be easier to find if you need to dress things up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864284 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:44:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1864284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How does “nautical” translate into style/fashion? I’m a sucker for a sailor suit/dress/top every time, but I doubt everyone runs around in biddies. (Do they?) If it’s mostly color, you’ve got that lovely blue and white dress for next summer’s wedding, don’t you? It’s not as sexy as some cocktail dresses, but you said conservative, and it is great on you. But you’d need a topper with sleeves for the weather.</p> <p>I don’t know if I know your style well enough to pick things for you, but here are a couple. <a href="https://www.nicolemiller.com/tucked-sheath-dress-1" rel="nofollow">https://www.nicolemiller.com/tucked-sheath-dress-1</a> <a href="https://www.nicolemiller.com/slvless-mini-dress-w-sil" rel="nofollow">https://www.nicolemiller.com/s.....ress-w-sil</a><br /> <a href="https://www.nicolemiller.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Sequin+leaves" rel="nofollow">https://www.nicolemiller.com/c.....uin+leaves</a></p> <p>Or if you have any desire to try a dressy jumpsuit at all, this would probably be a good occasion to indulge that wish.<br /> <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-crushed-velvet-jumpsuit/4744162?keyword=Jumpsuit&#038;filtercategoryid=6010224&#038;origin=leftnav&#038;cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-&#038;top=24&#038;size=%272%3Aregular6~~5%27&#038;page=2" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=2</a> <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-metallic-faux-wrap-jumpsuit/4751786?keyword=Jumpsuit&#038;filtercategoryid=6010224&#038;origin=leftnav&#038;cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-&#038;top=24&#038;size=%272%3Aregular6~~5%27&#038;page=4" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=4</a> <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/ali-jay-cape-sleeve-jumpsuit/4726904?keyword=Jumpsuit&#038;filtercategoryid=6010224&#038;origin=leftnav&#038;cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-&#038;top=24&#038;size=%272%3Aregular6~~5%27&#038;page=5" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=5</a> <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-metallic-faux-wrap-jumpsuit/4655877?keyword=Jumpsuit&#038;filtercategoryid=6010224&#038;origin=leftnav&#038;cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-&#038;top=24&#038;size=%272%3Aregular6~~5%27&#038;page=6" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=6</a><br /> The wrap one comes in all black too. </p> <p>ETA: both Nicole Miller links just go to the homepage, boo! One is the “sequin leaves” dress. The other is the “Midnight Garden Lauren” dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864283 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:42:46 +0000 Rambling Ann 1864283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tell DH he isn't getting a new tux ;-)</p> <p>Rule 1: buy the tux&nbsp;<br />Rule 2: stay fit to not have to replace the tux</p> <p>Hope he can put it to use in 2021 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864273 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 01:19:30 +0000 Janet 1864273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know, right???! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864266 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:57:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1864266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Monday? Yikes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864249 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:15:15 +0000 rachylou 1864249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, as ‘Not Optional.’ But that the dress doesn’t have to be a floor length gown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864246 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:11:04 +0000 Janet 1864246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, wise words, everyone! Hubs and I talked about it briefly today and we are both skeptical that we will be able to fit into our best (tux and gown, respectively). I guess we’ve both gained a little padding in the last nine years, sigh. </p> <p>I took a quick cruise through Nordstrom today and saw absolutely nothing that appealed to me. Lots of short lacy shifts and a few long beaded things and poufy taffeta skirts that don’t look like me at all. Cross your fingers for us that our old duds fit. Finding something new before Monday would be a very tall order! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864244 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:06:38 +0000 Aida 1864244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote take advantage of the opportunity and dress up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864236 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 23:24:10 +0000 Carla 1864236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because I have it, I would wear my black ball skirt. Trot out the best of your cocktail dresses. If the inauguration is in the midst of the holiday season I wonder if folks might choose to elevate their style? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864225 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:14:18 +0000 citygirldc 1864225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't it better to be dressed up than dressed down at this type of event?&nbsp; Just saying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864185 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 18:25:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1864185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go with the dress code /aesthetics of the municipality where your friend has just been elected mayor (woot woot!)</p> <p>Whatever you decide, I'm looking forward to seeing your choices. I'm sure they'll be as beautiful as everything else you put on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864183 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 18:05:46 +0000 Anonymous 1864183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the last "black tie optional" event I attended, my DH wore a dark suit with tie, and I wore a full length dark gray dress that has sequins all over the bodice. The only accessories I used were a pair of sterling silver with CZ hoop earrings and a silver sequined clutch. It was a fundraising event at Emory University, Atlanta. Hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864181 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:26:00 +0000 Angie 1864181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FUN.</b><div><br />Dark suit with tie. Cocktail wear. Formal.&nbsp;</p> <p>OR tux and gown. Very formal.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864178 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 16:59:58 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1864178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote for full length gown all the way.&nbsp; Not too many opportunities to wear those so I'd take it.&nbsp; I doubt you'd be the only one.&nbsp; There are varying levels of formality within full length gowns and I am certain you can find one that isn't too glitzy.</p> <p>It's a ball.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864171 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 16:13:46 +0000 Diana 1864171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dark suit with tie for men, cocktail dress for women. </p> <p>As with all of this type of dress code it’s much more cut and dry for the men. Black tie optional for men basically means they don’t *have* to wear a tuxedo but would not be out of place if they did. I don’t really think there’s an exact equivalent for women. Maybe in the most conservative of circles black tie would require a long gown but I don’t think that’s largely true any more. I have worn shorter dresses to many a black tie function and felt perfectly appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864163 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:25:11 +0000 Janet 1864163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RA, it’s tricky around here. Being in the triangle of three cities with very different styles/cultures always feels a little confusing when dressing for events (Baltimore - quirky and unpretentious; DC - more professional/polished and formal; Annapolis - casual but conservative/nautical). </p> <p>I default to following my own aesthetic but in a way that respects the prevailing level of formality. I hate being underdressed for anything (and that is VERY rare), but I also don’t want to be the dressiest in a room when it comes to an event honoring someone else, if that makes any sense. </p> <p>I have a nice beaded cocktail dress from years ago that may be another option, but I don’t know if it will fit right now. </p> <p>Somehow I think my long red gown from the 2008 inaugural ball we attended would be overkill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864160 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:16:36 +0000 Rambling Ann 1864160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What do folks in your area wear to openings for ballet, opera, etc.? Best guess is that level of formality, not more. After all, most of the men will shop their closets, unlikely to rent a tux for the occasion. But suit and cocktail will probably put you square in the middle of the crowd.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>You could also do Texas ranch glitz if you felt like standing out. Jeans, boots, tux jacket and bolo for DH. It's a party, after all and it sounds like fun.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864159 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:14:22 +0000 Janet 1864159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Toban, I’m definitely considering that! I think it’s dressy enough.</p> <p>I need to stop eating for the next few days so I don’t feel too sausage-casing in it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864157 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:12:27 +0000 Toban 1864157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your Fuzzi dress? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cblack-tie-optional%e2%80%9d#post-1864156 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:09:28 +0000 Janet 1864156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somewhat short notice, but my husband and I will be attending the inauguration ball for our friend who won the election for mayor of Annapolis. The invite says “black tie optional.” I’m guessing that hubs should wear his best suit and I should wear something cocktail-party-ish? I’ve attended inaugural balls before, but those were Presidential events and more formal. I doubt there will be many full-length ball gowns in attendance, but you never know. What do you think? How would you interpret the “black tie optional” dress code? </p>