What does "black tie optional" mean?

[JessicaR]

Does it look like this?

You are a great googler!

 

[AKBAFB]

That dress is really cute. I love Betsey Johnson! But, I don't think it's appropriate for a "black tie optional" event. I understand you're in a pinch, but I agree - wear black slacks with a sparkly top or maybe you could swing by Target or something. They have some basic LBD type dresses that could work and aren't too expensive. Good luck!

 

[bsnyder]

Very cute dress but it's definitely not appropriate for Black Tie optional. I think you'd end up feeling very uncomfortable as most guests will be in very dressy attire. The rule of thumb is that it's okay to be overdressed, but not underdressed. Don't know who's thumb makes up this stuff, but it is what it is.

 

[punkin]

OK ladies. Thanks. I'm going to try to squeeze into an old black Tahari work suit. Maybe a pair of high heeled gorgeous shoes (I have a lot of those) will dress it up and no one will look too closely at my paunch.

 

[AKBAFB]

OK ladies. Thanks. I'm going to try to squeeze into an old black Tahari work suit. Maybe a pair of high heeled gorgeous shoes (I have a lot of those) will dress it up and no one will look too closely at my paunch.

Please don't worry about your "paunch"! Most people there will be too worried about their own paunches to even notice yours! Go and have fun!

 

[bsnyder]

OK ladies. Thanks. I'm going to try to squeeze into an old black Tahari work suit. Maybe a pair of high heeled gorgeous shoes (I have a lot of those) will dress it up and no one will look too closely at my paunch.

Add some pearls, and a pretty evening bag, you'll look smashing!

 

[ChrizJen]

You are a great googler!

Thanks!

But as for the dress, I would say that the drawstring makes it look too casual, but I've never been to a black tie/black tie optional event, and I NEVER dress up, so I wouldn't know.

 

[ChrizJen]

The dress IS adorable though!!

 

[Micca]

If you are to impress the women at the event, the advice here is top notch.
If you are dressing to impress men, anything works with the cleavage. Trust me.

 

[megthewonderful]

I was just invited to a black-tie optional wedding too! My DH decided to go ahead and rent a tux and I am going to wear something a bit more formal than I originally planned. I figured we didn't want to be underdressed.

 

[punkin]

I just wanted to post an update. I went to the party in black (it was a little tight in the skirt waistline but the jacket covered it) w/ bright red rhinestoned 3 inch heels. Not one man was wearing a tuxedo. They were all in dark business suits. The women were all over the place. The most formal outfit was an older woman with an ivory gown to just above her ankles and a gorgeous embroidered overcoat. The least dressy was a flower print summer dress which I though was even less dressy than the dress I was going to wear originally.

Thank you for the advice. You guys really helped me make the right decision.

 

[JessicaR]

I bet you looked hot! Hope you had fun.

 

[Cantw8]

If you are to impress the women at the event, the advice here is top notch.
If you are dressing to impress men, anything works with the cleavage. Trust me.

awwww, the voice of reason