7.27.3 Dress Code Guide | Black Tie Dress Code - Reiss Spain

BLACK TIE

Black Tie is one of the most formal dress codes required today, and the dress code that needs to be the most strictly adhered to. From formal dinners and events to charity galas and evening weddings, the utmost level of elegance and refinement is expected. For women that means floor-sweeping dresses and full hair and makeup, and for men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are expected. For both the fit needs to tailored and structured, darker colours and more luxurious fabrics are preferred, and the overall look needs to be rich, elegant and immaculate.



FOR WOMEN:

  • Floor length dresses or jumpsuits in satin, jersey, crepe or velvet in black, navy, metallic or jewel tones
  • Statement accessories and jewellery in metallic tones or complementary shades to the dress
  • Elegantly heeled shoes or sandals, from kitten heels to high stilettos in metallic or complementary shades

FOR MEN:

  • A classic tailored tuxedo or dinner jacket in black, midnight navy or jewel tones
  • A white cotton dress or dinner shirt with black bow tie and coordinating cufflinks
  • Polished black patent lace-up or dress shoes

What Not to Wear: Avoid any casual styles, ill-fitting tailoring or dresses, anything too worn or dishevelled and loud or clashing colours and prints.

COCKTAIL

Glamorous and sophisticated, Cocktail attire is usually worn for evening parties, receptions and more intimate after-dark soirées. Whilst still a formal dress code, it is more relaxed and playful, whilst still looking polished. For women hemlines can rise, silhouettes can be more sculptural and elevated tailoring and jumpsuits are perfectly acceptable. Men can be more expressive with their tailoring and what they wear underneath – a black merino roll neck under a velvet dinner jacket is a perfect style solution.



FOR WOMEN:

  • Midi or mini dresses, trouser suits, co-ord sets or jumpsuits in an after-dark palette of black, navy, chocolate or jewel tones
  • Opulent fabrics such as silk, satin, lace and velvet with beading, sequins or metallic accents
  • A statement clutch bag and jewellery with heeled strappy sandals or court shoes

FOR MEN:

  • A tailored suit or dinner jacket with trousers in darker colours and refined fabrics
  • A crisp shirt and tie that complements the tailoring, or a smart shirt or merino roll neck
  • Leather or patent loafers or dress shoes

What Not to Wear: The trick is to avoid dressing too casually – so no denim, sportswear or off-duty knitwear, or too formally in floor-length dresses or black-tie dinner suits.

SMART CASUAL

Smart Casual dress codes have in recent years moved on from dress-down Fridays to become the everyday style for many businesses and offices. Blending relaxed comfort with a polished finish is the key to nailing this dress code, so opt for a neutral palette and clean, modern lines as the basis.



FOR WOMEN:

FOR MEN:

  • Tailored trousers or chinos with a smart shirt or polo
  • An unstructured lightweight blazer
  • Leather or suede loafers or Chelsea boots, or smart and pristine trainers

What Not to Wear: Gym wear, distressed or very washed-out denim, flip flops, worn-out trainers or anything too casual. Equally formal suits or accessories and evening styles should be avoided.

RESORT WEAR

Whichever warm-weather destinations your travels take you to, the right Resort Wear is the key to looking sophisticated but relaxed on holiday. Designed for beach days, sightseeing and beyond, Resort Wear is your modern vacation wardrobe and is a dress code you can have fun with. Women’s kaftans and tunics with coordinating swimwear are perfect options, especially when detailed with artisanal elements like fringes or embroidery. Opt for colourful beach dresses and cover-ups that will take you from beach to bar and flowing maxi dresses for daytime strolls and sunset cocktails. Linen shirts and matching trousers in white or sun-bleached shades lend a riviera feel to menswear.



FOR WOMEN:

FOR MEN:

  • Linen or Cuban collar shirts are a go-to resort style, easily paired with swim shorts before and after a dip
  • Drawstring trousers or tailored shorts or in neutral or bright colours
  • Espadrilles or lightweight loafers in soft leather or suede
  • Tropical prints and elevated slogan T-shirts

What Not to Wear: Avoid heavy fabrics, dark or clashing colours and anything that feels restrictive or uncomfortable.

DRESS CODE SUMMARY

Dress Code Women Men
Black Tie Floor-length dresses, elegant accessories and heels Tuxedo, dinner shirt, bow tie, formal shoes
Cocktail Statement dresses and accessories Tailored suit, refined shirt
Smart Casual Relaxed tailoring, elevated basics Chinos, polo shirt, relaxed blazer
Business Casual Tailored separates and dresses Tailored suit or blazer with trousers and a smart shirt
Resort Wear Relaxed co-ords, linen dresses Linen resort shirts and shorts
Beach Formal Warm-weather occasionwear in lightweight fabrics Linen suits, cotton shirts
Garden Party Floral midi dresses or soft tailoring Lightweight tailoring, chinos
Wedding Guest Occasion dresses or jumpsuits, elegant accessories Tailored suits with smart shirts and accessories
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