White tie dress code: what it means and what to wear
The most formal evening dress code: tailcoat for men, a full-length ball gown for women.
- When
- Evening only (after 6 pm)
- Trousers for women
- No
- Tie
- Yes
- Jeans
- No
- Sneakers
- No
On the invitation: „White tie“, „Full evening dress“, „Frakas“, „Cravate blanche“
When it's worn
State dinners, royal balls, the Nobel banquet, some opera and charity balls. Always in the evening.
Colours
Men: black and white only. Women: any colour, except white at weddings and loud prints.
For women
A floor-length ball gown + long gloves + fine jewellery.
- A floor-length gown – silk, satin, taffeta, velvet
- Opera-length gloves, taken off to eat
- A stole or silk wrap over the shoulders
Shoes: Closed heels or elegant evening shoes matching the gown.
Example – the classic: A midnight-blue silk taffeta ball gown, white opera gloves, diamond earrings and a small silver clutch.
Full guide: for women →For men
Black tailcoat + white piqué waistcoat + white bow tie + high-waisted trousers with two braid stripes.
- A black tailcoat (short in front, tails behind)
- A white stiff-fronted shirt with a wing collar
- A white piqué waistcoat and white bow tie
- Trousers with two silk stripes, worn with braces
Shoes: Black patent oxfords or patent court shoes.
Example – by the book: A black wool tailcoat, white piqué waistcoat, stiff-fronted wing-collar shirt, white bow tie and patent oxfords.
Full guide: for men →In summer
The code doesn't change with the season; in summer women can choose lighter silks and chiffon.
In winter
In winter: velvet, heavy satin, a long evening coat or a faux-fur stole.
Where it comes from
White tie descends from 19th-century evening dress, when the tailcoat was a gentleman's everyday evening wear. In the 20th century the more comfortable dinner jacket replaced it, so today it appears only on rare occasions – the Nobel banquet in Stockholm, the Vienna Opera Ball, state banquets.
Common mistakes
- Cocktail-length dresses
- Trouser suits (unless the hosts allow)
- A tuxedo – that's black tie
- A black bow tie
Morning dress
The most formal daytime dress: a morning coat for men, an elegant dress and hat for women.
All dress codes
Frequently asked
01What does White tie mean?
The most formal evening dress code: tailcoat for men, a full-length ball gown for women.
02What's the difference between white tie and black tie?
White tie means a tailcoat, white waistcoat and white bow tie; black tie means a tuxedo with a black bow tie. White tie is more formal and far rarer.
03White tie: can women wear trousers?
Traditionally no – this code expects a long gown.
04White tie: is a tie required?
Yes – a tie or bow tie is required here.
05White tie: are jeans OK?
No – jeans are too casual for this code; choose tailored trousers.
06White tie: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.