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What to Wear to a Charity Ball | Decoding the Black Tie Dress Code

The Black Tie Dress Code

Posted • June 27 • Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire


If you've been invited to a charity ball, the odds are good that you'll be asked to wear black tie. But what does that mean, exactly? Worry not! This blog post will decode the black tie dress code for you, so you can show up in style. We'll cover everything from formal dresses to ball gowns, so you can feel confident about what to wear. So read on to get a little guidance as we show you what others are wearing and get ready to look your best!


What is a Black Tie Event?


It is not unusual for confusion to be caused around the term 'black tie'. Black tie events are essentially events where a formal dress code is required. But what is a black tie event? Black tie implies importance of the occasion. So any awards ceremonies, weddings and balls typically have a black tie dress code as they denote importance.

 

What is a Black Tie Dress Code?


Now, you are probably thinking, what do I wear to a black tie event? What is a black tie dress code? You probably have many panicked questions that are starting to come to the surface, but we are here to unpack the black tie dress code for you.

Do you have to wear Black to Black Tie?


Being invited to a black tie event, does not mean you have to wear black!

For black tie, floor-length gowns and tuxedos are traditionally what are worn, but times are changing and it is not as strict as it used to be. A black tie dress code does mean you are going to have to get dressed up but we will make the process so much easier by showing you all the black tie dresses for hire to make sure you are looking glamorous and having a good time doing it!

 

How to Style a Black Dress for a Party


If you are wanting to wear black to a black tie event we have a bunch of styling tips to get your look sorted! A little black dress is an all-time classic, you can never go wrong. Not being able to wear black to weddings or formal occasions is very much old school, times have changed and we now cannot get enough of the LBD's.

Sparkly black dresses

For a black tie party, we recommend choosing a black dress with a bit of sparkle or shimmer to add some extra wow factor to your look. As a dress like this would be the statement piece, we'd recommend accessorising with minimal jewellery and neutral-toned shoes and bag.

Statement Accessories

A little black dress that is minimal and made from a simple satin or jersey fabric, matches perfectly with statement accessories to compliment the dress. Whether that be acessories in a fun and bold colour or metallic and sparkly we love seeing all the looks you put together to make it your own!

Stoles or Scarves

Another way to elevate a black dress for a black tie party would be to add a fur stole or scarf. Whether it be a neutral colour or not, simple or patterned, it adds a touch of elegancy and luxury to the look.

What to Wear to a Black Tie Gala Event


Now that you know what a black tie dress code entails, the next step is figuring out what type of dress to wear! We recommend full length dresses or ball gowns for black tie balls. From sequins, satin and velvet to ball gown, we show you plenty of dresses that are suitable for black tie.

Black Tie Dresses for Hire


Don't own a gown and don't particularly want to buy a one-off for the ball you are attending? Dress for a Night has plenty of black tie dresses for hire for a fraction of the price that leave you feeling glamorous and as though you have nailed the black tie dress code!

Black Tie Ball Gowns

The Tinaholly Lucille Gown

The Tinaholly Lucille Gown is a full skirt gown which makes you feel like a real princess! Although it is a strapless style it has a padded bust for extra support and has side pockets and a slit in the leg for ultimate comfort! We love this dress for black tie events especially charity balls as it exudes luxury and elegance!

The Lucille Gown is for hire in colours navy and red.

@emmasaetta is wearing the Lucille Gown in red.  


The Jadore Audrey Gown

The Jadore Audrey Gown is a beautiful evening gown that nails the black tie dress code. With the stunning waterfall hemline and detailed fabric, this dress will add a whole lot of wow factor to your next black tie ball. This dress features the full skirt to again make you feel like a real princess - this dress makes the black tie dress code so much fun!

@kasskashian is wearing the Audrey Gown.


Black Tie Sequin Dresses  

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve is an all-time favourite at Dress for a Night. This wrap gown features flattering tucks and shoulder pads that gives an hourglass silhouette. This dazzling dress will have all eyes on you at your next charity ball or black tie event. This super comfortable gown is the perfect dress for black tie as the sparkle from the sequins will make any look more formal.

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown for hire is available in teal, black, navy and silver.

@britneychahin wears the Selena Long Sleeve Gown in Black.
 


The Nookie Veda Gown

The Nookie Veda Gown is a striking asymetrical gown made from a luxurious stretch sequin for ultimate comfort. Along with the figure hugging material that flatters the figure, the Veda Gown features a shoulder pad that gives an hourglass silhouette. This chic dress is one of our favourites, especially for black tie events such as charity balls. The Veda Gown comes in a range of colours which is perfect for if your ball has a dress theme. We love this dress and we know it will have you looking and feeling glamorous!

The Nookie Veda Gown for hire is available in navy, black and gold.


Black Tie Classics

The Lexi Samira Dress

The Lexi Samira Dress is another all-time favourite at Dress for a Night. The Samira Dress is a sexy floor-length gown made from a stretch satin fabric that catches the light perfectly on the folds. This dress is such a timeless piece and is perfect for black tie events such as charity balls as you can create a really chic look. The girls below have accessorised so differently to make the look their own. This dress is perfect for if you don't know what to wear to a black tie gala event.

The Lexi Samira Dress for hire is available in orion blue, black, burgundy, and white.

@emilyvenz wears the Samira Dress in White
@nathaliesadermakeup wears the Samira Dress in Burgundy
@__lilybrown wears the Samira Dress in Orion Blue


The Nookie Rumi Gown

The Nookie Rumi Gown is an elegant one shoulder gown crafted in a lush stretch velvet. This sexy and sleek design is perfect for black tie balls and events as it is super comfortable and leaves you feeling glam! You can also build up your accessories if you want to make your look more formal.

The Nookie Rumi Gown for rent is available in teal, red and black.


The Pasduchas Composure Gown

The Pasduchas Composure Gown exudes sophistication and elegance. This dress features a draped neckline which is very comfortable and makes the dress a super modest piece. The dress gives an extremely flattering silhouette and as a bonus, is really comfortable! This dress is perfect for black tie events and balls as it is a classic, timeless piece that can be dressed up with jewellery, heels and a clutch.

The Composure Gown for rent is available in navy, wine, black and white.


Finding your Perfect Black Tie Dress with Dress for a Night

Now that we've covered what a black tie dress code is and what to wear to a black tie event, it comes down to which one to choose from all the options! All these beautiful dresses are available to hire for a fraction of the retail price because who wants to buy a dress for a one-time invitation to a charity ball? With our super easy hiring system, you'll save money and wardrobe space and never have to worry about outfit repeating!

We can't wait to see the looks you create with all these classic dresses!

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