White Tie

The highest level of formal dress, requiring a black tailcoat, white marcella vest, white wing-collar shirt with studs, white bow tie, and black patent leather shoes.

Also known as: Ultra-Formal. Category: Dress Codes.

In men's style, "white tie" belongs to the Dress Codes family of terminology. For the full A–Z reference of men's fashion and grooming vocabulary, see the Men's Style Glossary.

Related terms

• Black Tie — The most common formal dress code requiring a tuxedo — a black or midnight-blue dinner jacket with satin lapels, matching trousers with a sa…
• Black Tie Optional — A flexible formal dress code where a tuxedo is welcome but not required. A dark, well-fitted suit with a tie is the standard alternative. Al…
• Creative Black Tie — A modern twist on traditional black tie that allows personal expression — colored bow ties, patterned dinner jackets, velvet slippers, or un…
• Boutonnière — A single flower or small cluster worn in the lapel buttonhole, traditionally at weddings and formal events. Common choices include roses, ca…
• Business Formal — Traditional corporate dress code requiring a matched suit (typically navy, charcoal, or gray), a dress shirt, a tie, leather dress shoes, an…
• Business Casual — A relaxed professional dress code that typically means dress trousers or chinos, a collared shirt (tie optional), and leather shoes or clean…