It is generally accepted that “Black Tie” requires formal attire. Take advantage of this opportunity to truly look and feel your very best in a tuxedo. Today, ” Black Tie ” means formal attire, not specifically to wear a black tie. Only tuxedos. The difference between a tuxedo and a suit is that tuxedo's have satin trimmings on them, and suits does not.
Components:
- A short coat with silk facings (usually grosgrain or satin),
- Pants with silk braids matching the lapels
- A black cummerbund or low-cut waistcoat
- A white dress shirt with either a marcella, stiff, or pleated front
- A black silk bow tie
- Black dress socks, usually silk
- Black shoes in patent or highly polished leather, or patent leather.
White Tie Event
Means ultra-formal. You can step into the glittering special occasion looking dashing and proper in a traditional tailcoat. Wear a white wing collar shirt, a white pique vest, white tie, and black trousers accented by the formal satin stripe. Complete your outfit with patent shoes.
Components:
- Black tailcoat with silk (ribbed or satin) facings, horizontally cut-away at the front
- Black trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US or two stripes in Europe; trousers are fish-tail back, thus worn with braces (suspenders) as opposed to a belt.
- White plain stiff-fronted cotton shirt
- White stiff-winged collar
- White bow tie (usually cotton piqué)
- White low-cut waistcoat (usually cotton piqué, matching the bow tie and shirt)
- Black silk stockings
- Black patent leather pumps or shoes
Black Tie Preferred, Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited Event
If the invitation states, Black Tie Preferred, Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited, a traditional tuxedo is the preferred choice of attire for the gentleman. If he decides not to wear a tuxedo, he may wear a dark suit, white dress shirt and conservative tie, which is the next step down from Black Tie Preferred. Anything less formal than this would be unacceptable at this event!
Formal Event
Once we go down the scale of attire, we encounter a great deal of confusion in modern Malaysians. The term formal is not universally understood these days. Technically, it means different things at different times of the day.
Before 6:00 p.m., the term means that the gentleman should wear a dark suit, business shirt (can be plain shirt or stripes) and a tie. After 6pm, you opt for Black Tie Optional attire. But if you dont have the time to change, your normal business attire would do. For Malaysians, out national Batik shirt is also acceptable.
Informal
Again, this term has different meanings depending on the time of day of the event. Before 6:00 p.m, the gentleman may wear a sport coat, either light or dark, depending on the weather and the geographic location of the event, with a casual shirt and no tie. You can also opt to wear a polo tee or a t-shirt under your jacket. You can wear Khaki pants to go with sneakers or loafers.
Casual
This is the most simplest way to dress if your invited to an event. You may wear jeans with t-shirts or collared t-shirt. You can either have your shirt tucked into your pants or not, it doesnt matter. Its about being free & easy.
Dressy Casual or Smart Casual
This way to dress is to look casual yet elegant. No round necks in this event. You can either wear a short sleeves shirt, long sleeves, or a collared t-shirt to go with a khaki pants or your denim jeans. Round neck t-shirt is strictly prohibited. Some clubs or bars in KL specifically emphasize on this dress code. Those with t-shirts, out you go and no entry for you!
