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| Source: Afromum |
Tola was a ‘street boy’ whose flair for marketing
and relationship management served him well as a fast rising business
professional. One of his company’s major customers, sent him an invite for
their 10th anniversary commemoration dinner. Tola was excited to be considered
worthy of attending such a V-VIP event. His efforts were actually being
recognised in the right quarters.
and relationship management served him well as a fast rising business
professional. One of his company’s major customers, sent him an invite for
their 10th anniversary commemoration dinner. Tola was excited to be considered
worthy of attending such a V-VIP event. His efforts were actually being
recognised in the right quarters.
However, there was a slight cause for concern. The
invite read “this is a black tie event”, and he wasn’t too sure how to
interpret it. He had attended many high-profile events and “Owambe” local
parties in which the native “aso ebi” dress codes were specified. He was a
smart dresser; most times relying on his instincts to swing-off any ensemble,
so he never lost sleep thinking of any dress code requirements. But he had
never attended this kind of event before, and knew if he were to make a good
impression on his big customers and bosses that night, he had to show up looking
prim and proper.
invite read “this is a black tie event”, and he wasn’t too sure how to
interpret it. He had attended many high-profile events and “Owambe” local
parties in which the native “aso ebi” dress codes were specified. He was a
smart dresser; most times relying on his instincts to swing-off any ensemble,
so he never lost sleep thinking of any dress code requirements. But he had
never attended this kind of event before, and knew if he were to make a good
impression on his big customers and bosses that night, he had to show up looking
prim and proper.
Source: Daily Mail
On many occasions, people find themselves in the
same predicament as Tola when they get invited to black tie events. The
question usually is, “Am I expected to wear a black tie?”, but it’s not just about
wearing a black tie. There are specific dress items that must be combined to conform
to the black tie dress code.
same predicament as Tola when they get invited to black tie events. The
question usually is, “Am I expected to wear a black tie?”, but it’s not just about
wearing a black tie. There are specific dress items that must be combined to conform
to the black tie dress code.
Specifically, when an invite says “black tie” a
man is expected to show up in a midnight blue, black or even white dinner
jacket with a bowtie, preferably silk, worn over a dress shirt – a formal white
shirt with double cuffs. Shoes are also expected to be formal – black pumps or
plain-toed oxfords in patent or calf leather. Trousers should be cut for braces
and of same material as jacket, except for white jackets which should go with
black pants. Accessories should include: silk pocket square and an optional
black formal waistcoat or black cummerbund.
man is expected to show up in a midnight blue, black or even white dinner
jacket with a bowtie, preferably silk, worn over a dress shirt – a formal white
shirt with double cuffs. Shoes are also expected to be formal – black pumps or
plain-toed oxfords in patent or calf leather. Trousers should be cut for braces
and of same material as jacket, except for white jackets which should go with
black pants. Accessories should include: silk pocket square and an optional
black formal waistcoat or black cummerbund.
For ladies, two essential dress pieces to consider
are the evening shoes and cocktail (knee-length) or dinner (ankle-length)
dress. As much as the fine points of the black tie dress code
apply mainly to men, it’s still important to understand that the lady must
ensure her dressing is appropriate for the occasion.
are the evening shoes and cocktail (knee-length) or dinner (ankle-length)
dress. As much as the fine points of the black tie dress code
apply mainly to men, it’s still important to understand that the lady must
ensure her dressing is appropriate for the occasion.
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| Source: Pinterest |
On a final note, it helps to acquaint yourself
with the intricacies of this formal wear, even if you hardly ever get invited
to any black tie events. If you get invited to an event, and your host requests
such a dress code, etiquette demands that you; if you must show up at the event,
must respect the dress code.
with the intricacies of this formal wear, even if you hardly ever get invited
to any black tie events. If you get invited to an event, and your host requests
such a dress code, etiquette demands that you; if you must show up at the event,
must respect the dress code.
By Nonso Nduanya
