Both men and women have multiple options for black tie optional outfits.
													
																	Black tie optional wedding women s attire. 
									
	
		
	
																	Evaluating the dress code. 
																	If you lack a full length gown a special occasion cocktail dress one adorned with sequins and worn with formal shoes for instance would work as well. 
																	If they end up going tuxedo less though they should wear a formal dark suit and tie instead. 
																	While cocktail dresses can be an appropriate option for black tie long dresses tend to be a more elevated choice. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	For a black tie optional wedding men can wear a tuxedo but it s not a requirement. 
																	A black tie optional dress code calls for formal attire. 
																	While attire may be slightly more casual than a black tie affair some overlap in appropriate dress exists when comparing black tie and black tie optional events. 
																	Women have a little more wiggle room when it comes to interpreting black tie optional wear for a wedding or other formal event. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	As far as women are concerned there s not much of a difference between black tie attire and black tie optional attire although mae says it s more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles. 
																	Apart from white tie attire black tie is the most formal of all dress codes. 
																	Women can go the long evening gown route but a dressy suit or shorter cocktail dress is fine too. 
																	It s actually simpler than it sounds. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	Black tie optional wedding attire for women most black tie optional weddings take place after 6 p m so anything you d wear for a daytime function probably wouldn t make the cut here.