Creative black tie for men: what to wear
A tuxedo with a twist: velvet or coloured jacket, patterned bow tie, a roll neck instead of a shirt.
Fashion and art events, themed parties, creative-industry galas.
- When
- Evening
- Tie
- Depends
- Jeans
- No
- Sneakers
- No
Three outfit ideas
Velvet
A bottle-green velvet dinner jacket, black trousers, a black roll neck and velvet slippers.
Pattern
A black tuxedo with a patterned silk bow tie and pocket square, colourful socks.
Monochrome
All black: a dinner jacket, a black shirt with no tie, black patent loafers.
What to wear
- A velvet dinner jacket (burgundy, bottle green, navy)
- A black roll neck or a coloured bow tie
Shoes
Velvet slippers or patent shoes.
Accessories
Interesting cufflinks, a lapel pin.
What to avoid
- Sneakers and jeans
Colours
Jewel tones, metallics, prints.
In summer
In summer: a white or pastel dinner jacket, chiffon and feather details.
In winter
In winter: velvet in jewel tones, metallic fabrics.
Details that make the difference
- Jacket sleeves should show 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff.
- Trousers without turn-ups and with a minimal break; for formal codes held up by braces, not a belt.
- Socks: black, fine and over the calf – no skin should show when you sit.
- Never fasten the bottom button of a jacket; a one-button dinner jacket is fastened when standing.
About creative black tie
Black tie with personality: velvet or coloured dinner jackets, unusual fabrics and accessories. Creative black tie spread in the 21st century at fashion and art events where the classic tuxedo felt too rigid. The base stays formal, but personality is expected.
Black tie for men
A black or midnight-blue tuxedo + white dress shirt + black bow tie + patent shoes.
Cocktail attire for men
A dark suit + dress shirt + tie (increasingly optional) + leather shoes.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Creative black tie: is a tie required?
Optional, but safer with one – it's easier to take off than to put on.
02Creative black tie: are jeans OK?
No – jeans are too casual for this code; choose tailored trousers.
03Creative black tie: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.
04What does creative black tie mean for men?
The tuxedo base stays, but you can change the jacket's colour or fabric, the bow tie or the shirt – say, a velvet jacket with a black roll neck.