Mermaid, maxi, or midi? Images: Alamour The Label
Okay, before we get started, ‘black-tie etiquette for ladies’ is a bit of an antiquated title, don’t you think? Why be ladylike when you can just be yourself, right? Don’t get us wrong—we should all rein it in at a black-tie event. These are not the events at which to let loose, and they’re definitely not the events for teeny-tiny party dresses. That being said, we’re turning up our nose at the idea of ‘ladylike’ behaviour. Everyone should adhere to black-tie etiquette, regardless of their gender. #feminism
Now that we’ve conquered gender stereotypes for the day, let’s channel our energy into looking great. We’re going to reframe ‘etiquette for ladies’ to mean ‘women’s dress code’. So, without further ago, here is a breakdown of the women’s dress code at black-tie events. You’re going to love it!
Table of Contents
Shawty Got Low
Maybe referencing someone in Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur isn’t thematically appropriate, especially considering that the whole club was allegedly looking at her. This girl strays as far away from ‘black-tie etiquette’ as you could imagine, from both a dress code and a behavioural perspective. One thing she has in common with black-tie dress codes, though? She goes low—and so, too, should your dress or gown.
Unless you’re a celebrity or a member of the royal family, black-tie is about as fancy as it’s gonna get for you. This is the time to get the ball gowns (and, arguably, the drinks) a-flowing. Have you always had a hankering for mermaid cuts with trailing trains? Wear them to a black-tie event. Do you prefer a slightly more practical maxi cut, which may kiss the floor rather than spill onto it? Wear it to a black-tie event. Are you more of a midi person who likes to show all kinds of ankle? You can…also wear this to a black-tie event, but if you ask us, you should save this for something with a cocktail dress code. Nevertheless, if a midi is your dress, then—by all means—work it. So long as you keep away from mini dresses, we’re all good.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Blacks
Before we venture any further, we want to clear up confusion regarding the adjective ‘black-tie’. This word isn’t antiquated per se, but it does refer to only one half of the party. Men should attend black-tie events in…well, a black tie. Seeing as this is a man’s centrepiece, the remainder of his attire will revolve around this…or follow ‘suit’, so to speak.
Black: acceptable. White: acceptable. The brightest, most colourful gown in your wardrobe: also acceptable! Choose whichever shade you want, from black to white, or anything in between. Images: Alamour The Label
We girls, on the other hand, should take ‘black-tie’ at face value. Unless you’ll be wearing a women’s suit—which is totally a thing, by the way—you should pay no attention to the literal meaning. For starters, you won’t be wearing a tie with a dress. Secondly, a black-tie dress can be literally any colour. Is black an option? One hundred per cent. But don’t feel hemmed in by this! Wear your prettiest, most colourful ball gown, if you want. ‘Black-tie’ refers to the men’s dress code only and it’s actually a woman’s cue to dress à la Golden Globes.
How You ’Do-in’?
You’ll be getting this question from many Joey Tribbianis if you do your ’do right. And, luckily, the black-tie hairdo ain’t hard to do. All you’ve gotta do is an updo! Whether partial or in full, your updo will do nicely with a hair accessory—particularly of the pearly variety. Such an addition would look peachy with pearly accessories, such as earrings or everyone’s favourite pearl necklace. This goes double if you actually are wearing black to a black-tie event. Um, pearls and a black dress? Hel-lo, Audrey Hepburn.
Loose hair with sharp definition: what more could you want from an oxymoron? Image: Alamour The Label
If the updo is not doing it for you, loose hair is always an option—so long as it’s not too loose. What do we mean by that? Well, obviously you still need to style your hair. That’s a given! Just ensure that your hair is sharpened and sculpted to consist of high-definition waves.
And the Bling?
Ah, bling’s the thing! … Well, it’s more a garnish to the main rather than the thing. Take your gown or dress and your fabulous mess—er, hair—and allow your jewellery to complement and contrast your appearance with finishing touches. It can be difficult to know whether to match or contrast colours.
Black with pearl drop earrings? Um, gorg! Image: Alamour The Label
We’ll repeat this aforementioned pearl of wisdom: pearls are your pals. They go with almost anything and look especially great with a classic black dress. Prefer diamonds to pearls? No problem. Diamonds have similar neutrality that can go with almost any look.
However you style it, ensure that the jewels don’t outshine the remainder of your outfit. If you’re wearing something with sequins, you’re not gonna need as much bling (because sequins are virtually bling themselves). If you’re wearing something neutral or without embellishments, this may be your cue to jazz it up with more elaborate pieces. Always remember that if you’re not colour-matching your dress, you should be contrasting it.
That’s It!
Apart from a few extras like shoes and makeup, this compilation has at least touched on everything you need to know about the women’s black-tie dress code. From the top of your updo to the tip of your everpresent, ever-trailing mermaid train, we hope you now know what black-tie attire entails. (Hint: if someone says ‘etiquette for ladies’, think of it in terms of how to dress rather than how to behave.)
Our final tip? Enjoy it! You’ve been invited to a black-tie event, and that within itself calls for champers. This is your chance to give your own take on ‘black-tie’. How will you turn heads, and how will you make this look your own? Let’s get to it! Tie up your hair, let down your gown, and let’s give them the best black-tie etiquette they’ve ever seen.