Black tie events are uniquely formal, and the host of these affairs has gone to considerable lengths to ensure the elegance of the gathering. As a guest, you must honor the host’s request to dress according to black tie etiquette, aiming to impress all of those in attendance with your style, elegance and grace. Anything less than black tie will be perceived as a slight against the host, and is a major faux pas. Accessorizing for these events can also be very difficult, as it is easy to negate the fashionable dress you are wearing by including jewelry that is not appropriately elegant. Simple accessories such as diamond stud earrings or gem jewelry are often appropriate in these instances, and stay far within the bounds of good taste.

Understated Beauty Speaks Volumes

In order to stay in the good graces of the host and all of the guests, it is important not to dress too elaborately. Showing off is considered to be in poor taste for events of this nature, and understated elegance is always appreciated. In order to ensure that you achieve this look, stay away from anything that may be considered “trendy,” instead focusing on timeless classics that never go out of style. This will help to guarantee that you are not criticized for indulging in “creative black tie.”

Consider the Occasion

Obviously, there is nothing casual about a black tie event. Everything that you wear, including all of your accessories, should reflect an extremely high level of formality. This is the way that you honor the host for going to all of the trouble to organize such a classy and elegant event for the guests to enjoy. It is a simple task, and not at all time-consuming. In fact, it is often easier to dress for a black tie event than for other events that have more opaque fashion requirements.

Value Elegance Above All Else

At the event, it should be your goal to be remembered for not being exceptionally memorable. It may seem somewhat contradictory, but anything exceeding a quiet grace is unbecoming of guests at a black tie event. The guests that are memorable are remembered for their dressing in a flamboyant and unsavory manner, or for being loud and dominating conversations. You want to remain in the memory of the host and the other guests as someone who seemed charming, yet unassuming.

Express Humility Regarding Your Appearance

You should always accept compliments, but you must do so with humility. When you are complimented you should express a certain amount of surprise along with a simple “thank you.” You should not go into any details about where you purchased anything that you are wearing, and you should certainly not discuss the costs involved. Politely decline to discuss it if you are asked, but you should not really expect questions of this nature as they themselves are not appropriate for any formal event.

Black tie affairs are elegant and enjoyable events for the host and all of their guests. As a guest, you are expected to abide by the etiquette set forth by the host, and should go to great lengths to ensure that you honor the host with both your appearance and your behavior. Doing so will help to guarantee that you are a welcome guest again in the future.