White-Tie Attire for Wedding Guests

Attending a white-tie wedding? Get ready to dress to the nines as white-tie attire is the most formal category of wedding attire. If you're the one hosting a white-tie wedding, it's time to show out in a big way, and if you're a guest, you'll be expected to adhere to the traditions that come with the dress code. That said, if you want to make the most of white-tie attire, embrace it because opportunities to dress this way don't come around often. Bespoke suitmaker Alan Hershowitz of Alan David tells The Knot that there are entire generations who haven't had the chance to participate in white-tie just yet. "[It's] gaining in popularity. The younger generation has not seen a white-tie cycle, so they seem a bit confused by it and what it entails." he says. Fear not–we've got the answers to all of your white-tie questions.

In this article:

• What is White-Tie Attire?
• White-Tie vs. Black-Tie Events
• White-Tie Dress Code Details
• White-Tie Wedding Outfits You Can Shop Now

What is White-Tie Attire?

Wondering what is a white-tie event? White tie is the most formal dress code, also called "full dress" or "full evening." It originates in the 19th century British aristocracy and while the styles and garments have been modernized in the time since, the formality and staple pieces remain the same. For guys, that's going to mean a black tailcoat and an accompanying waistcoat, always in white. You'll wear these with traditional tuxedo pieces including a tuxedo shirt and a bow tie. Your pants will match your jacket and you'll need to wear tuxedo shoes with the outfit.

For those wearing dresses, this is the time to go with a full-length ball gown or dress, most commonly an A-line or sheath silhouette. Opera-length gloves can also be appropriate but traditionally only with sleeveless dresses. In terms of accessories, dress shoes are required and this is the time to bring out your most stunning jewelry. Remember, this is the most formal of dress codes.

White-Tie vs. Black-Tie Events

White-tie and black-tie (or formal events) are both on the fancier, more rigid end of the dress code scale. White tie edges out black tie as the more formal of the two, but there are enough similarities between them that, understandably, you might get them mixed up. For those planning on wearing suits, white and black-tie weddings both call for very particular forms of black suits. The differences arise in the details. White-tie requires a black single-breasted tailcoat with silk lapels, always worn unbuttoned. The trousers are to match the black tailcoat with two lines of braid down the outside of the trouser legs. Hershowitz also advises that true white-tie suiting is determined by fabric as well. "White-tie should use very specific black English fabrics. Barathea is the best woven fabric to use due to its structure and sheen." he says. You'll also need to wear a specific white dress shirt, which will be fastened with studs rather than buttons and features a detachable wing collar. The accessories are also specific. You'll need a thin white bow tie and a white waistcoat.

Black-tie requires a tuxedo, but the details of how you should wear and style it are a bit less rigid (but only a bit–it's still highly formal). You don't need a waistcoat and you can choose between a bow tie or a regular one (though in both cases they need to be black). Black tie also doesn't necessarily mean a black tux–you can experiment with a range of colors for this dress code. With white-tie this isn't the case–your tailcoat needs to be black, and your waistcoat white.

For those wearing dresses, both forms of dress call for floor-length dresses. The difference is that with black-tie attire that's the primary guideline–long dresses and floor-length dresses are also appropriate. With white-tie, evening dresses or ball gowns are required. For white tie, you're also going to accessorize more formally, busting out your finest jewelry and dress shoes. White gloves are also common, though not required.

White-Tie Dress Code Details

White tie, being as formal as it is, is all about the details. It's rooted in tradition and that tradition should be adhered to when dressing for it. For the best tips on what to wear and what to avoid, just follow these guidelines.

Men's White-Tie Attire

What to wear: For men, white-tie attire is going to require a black tailcoat as well as a waistcoat. You'll also need a full set of accessories, which includes a white bow tie and tuxedo shoes. If you want to go all out, wear this with a top hat, though it isn't required to pull off the look.

Hershowitz notes that the fit of white-tie menswear garments is as important as the pieces you include in the outfit. "The trousers are worn higher up on the waist, thus they need higher-rise trousers." He advises. "Additionally, the waistcoat must cover the trouser waistband but not dip below the bottom of the jacket opening. The worst look is when the vest droops too low and you can see it sticking out from the bottom of the jacket."

What to avoid: Outside of the obvious (leave the tuxedo t-shirt at home for this one), what you're really going to want to avoid with white-tie attire is clothing that falls under black-tie attire. This is not the time for suits or tuxedos–stick to the rules.

Where to shop: Jos. A. Bank, Charles Tyrwhitt, Ralph Lauren

Women's White-Tie Attire

What to wear: For women's white-tie attire, you're going to want to go with a full-length dress. In terms of silhouette, A-line or sheath is generally a safe bet. Ball gowns are also in line with the tradition of full-dress attire. When it comes to accessories, go all-out with fine jewelry (this is the time to show off some gemstones). If you plan on going the suiting route, you'll need to adhere to all of the aforementioned standards of dress for men: coattails, a waistcoat, and all of the necessary accessories.

What to avoid: In terms of what women should avoid wearing to white-tie weddings, dresses that aren't floor-length are a big no. Anything with a mini or midi skirt isn't going to be appropriate. Cocktail dresses or anything you'd wear to a semi-formal or dressy-casual wedding won't work either.

Where to shop: Neiman Marcus, Sachin & Babi, JJ's House

White-Tie Wedding Outfits You Can Shop Now

Need to shop for a white-tie event? We've got you covered. Below are some of our favorite white-tie selections for men and women alike. Stick to these looks and you'll pull off white-tie attire with ease.

Charles Tyrwhitt Morning Suit Black Herringbone

Photo: Charles Tyrwhitt

A good tailcoat is the first step in pulling off men's white-tie attire. Charles Tyrwhitt's take on the dress code staple is rock-solid and will get you set to wear white-tie with style and finesse.

Xscape Ruched Scuba Ruffle Gown

Photo: Nordstrom

With mid-length sleeves and elegant side ruffles, this green ruffle gown from Xscape is an excellent choice for guests looking to dress the part for a white-tie wedding.

Jos. A. Bank Evening Dinner Jacket With Tails

Photo: Jos. A. Bank

If you're working with a more limited budget, Jos. A. Bank remains an excellent option for formalwear. Their take on the white-tie dinner jacket comes with a cropped waist and generous tails, really leaning into old-school white-tie vibes, and for a price that's tough to beat.

Sachin & Babi Bonnie Satin One-Shoulder Gown

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Sachin & Babi's whole collection is full of white-tie-ready gowns, but we're particularly fond of this one-shoulder stunner. It's available in several colors but this silver edition is our favorite.

Oliver Brown White Tie Evening Tails

Photo: Oliver Brown

If you're looking to invest a little bit more in your white-tie ensemble, go with Oliver Brown. With quality construction and generous tail proportions, their signature evening tails are a white-tie look you'll be looking for any excuse to take out of the closet for years to come.

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Sleeveless Crepe and Chiffon Cape Column Gown

Photo: Neiman Marcus

We love a cape moment and white-tie allows you to embrace yours. This one from Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon adheres to the formality of white-tie while providing a flowy cape finish sure to steal the show.

He Spoke Style Bespoke White-Tie Tailcoat Tuxedo

Photo: He Spoke Style

If you want a white-tie suit that'll last you a lifetime, go bespoke. It's an investment for sure, but one you won't regret. Brands, like He Spoke Style, will craft you a one-of-a-kind suit made to your exact specifications and measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.

Adrianna Papel Crepe Long Sleeve Tuxedo Trumpet Gown

Photo: Nordstrom

Can't decide between wearing a gown or a suit to a white-tie wedding? Split the difference with Adrianna Papel's lovely tuxedo gown. Accessorize this one with some big jewels and sharp shoes for an unforgettable white-tie moment.