Being invited to a black-tie event is very exciting, a great excuse to buy a new dress and look fabulous. But if an invite stipulates a formal dress code, what kind of dress is appropriate? Perhaps you weren’t even aware of the differences between black-tie and white-tie dress and when it’s appropriate to wear a gown over a frock? We explain these formal dress codes for you and highlight the subtle differences between ballgowns and cocktail dresses.

White-tie is the most formal type of dress code and traditionally is only worn after 6pm. For men this means a black or dark blue tailcoat, a white waistcoat and white bow-tie. For women, the dress code is much less uniform, but still has some strict rules. Full length ballgowns (sometimes referred to as evening gowns) should be worn and any dress that is shorter than the ankle is deemed inappropriate.  White-tie is also referred to as ‘full evening dress’ – so you know that this is a very formal occasion and the dress code should follow accordingly. In Britain, you are most likely to require this type of dress for a state dinner, commemoration balls such as those held by Oxford and Cambridge, a formal wedding or a formal banquet.

Ballgowns are often made of very luxurious fabric such as velvet, taffeta or silk and are usually accompanied by long gloves and matching accessories. The ballgown is usually a full-skirted dress and traditionally falls off the shoulders. This type of dress is usually worn with a shawl (called a stole) and paired with a clutch bag and elegant jewellery. Unless you regularly dine with royalty, it is unlikely you will get to wear a ballgown often – but the experience is sure to leave you feeling like a princess straight out of a fairytale! Ballgowns are still very much admired, as demonstrated by the ballgown exhibition due to take place at the V&A museum early next year.

Black-tie events are less formal than white-tie. Men wear black suits, black waistcoats and black bow-ties. For women however, the dress code has changed over time. Historically, women wore ankle or below-the-knee dresses but today knee-length dresses have become acceptable and are often referred to as cocktail dresses. Invites to black-tie events are much more likely, and cocktail dresses become even more popular in December when Christmas parties approach. The modern day cocktail dress represents style and elegance. It focuses much less on length as it did historically, and more on the trimmings and detail. There are a huge variety of cocktail dresses, and because the dress code is much more lenient these days you can concentrate on choosing a style that you like best without the worry of making the right choice.

Whether you opt for a ballgown or cocktail dress, the chances are the price tag won’t be cheap. Such beautiful and elaborate dresses will likely be expensive, but should last a long time. Of course for that one off special occasion it’s sometimes worth splashing out and treating yourself. One way to help you spread the initial cost could be by credit card, especially if you’ve got a card that offers a 0% period on purchases. It’s important to bear in mind though that if you don’t clear the balance within the introductory period, you will be charged interest.

Stay Stylish!

This is a Sponsored Post by Guest Blogger Fran Swaine on behalf of Sainsbury’s Bank.

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