“Black tie optional” - YouLookFab Forum

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“Black tie optional”

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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?

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Toban

Veteran

Your Fuzzi dress?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Toban, I’m definitely considering that! I think it’s dressy enough.

I need to stop eating for the next few days so I don’t feel too sausage-casing in it.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

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.

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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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).

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.

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.

Somehow I think my long red gown from the 2008 inaugural ball we attended would be overkill.

Diana

Veteran

Dark suit with tie for men, cocktail dress for women.

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.

BlondeAmbition

I vote for full length gown all the way. Not too many opportunities to wear those so I'd take it. I doubt you'd be the only one. There are varying levels of formality within full length gowns and I am certain you can find one that isn't too glitzy.

It's a ball.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FUN.

Dark suit with tie. Cocktail wear. Formal.

OR tux and gown. Very formal.

Anonymous

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.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Go with the dress code /aesthetics of the municipality where your friend has just been elected mayor (woot woot!)

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.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Isn't it better to be dressed up than dressed down at this type of event? Just saying.

Carla

Veteran

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?

Aida

Veteran

I vote take advantage of the opportunity and dress up

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

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!

rachylou

Veteran

Lol, as ‘Not Optional.’ But that the dress doesn’t have to be a floor length gown.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Monday? Yikes!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I know, right???!

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

Tell DH he isn't getting a new tux

Rule 1: buy the tux
Rule 2: stay fit to not have to replace the tux

Hope he can put it to use in 2021

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

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.

I don’t know if I know your style well enough to pick things for you, but here are a couple. https://www.nicolemiller.com/tucked-sheath-dress-1 https://www.nicolemiller.com/s.....ress-w-sil
https://www.nicolemiller.com/c.....uin+leaves

Or if you have any desire to try a dressy jumpsuit at all, this would probably be a good occasion to indulge that wish.
https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=2 https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=4 https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=5 https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....038;page=6
The wrap one comes in all black too.

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.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Maybe you need to try Rent the Runway (for next time).

Since you are short on time, a cocktail dress will be just fine. Do you have special jewelry and shoes and accessories? Those might be easier to find if you need to dress things up.

Sal

Veteran

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.

I suspect there will be a large range in what people are wearing.