White tie (also known as "full evening dress") is the absolute pinnacle of formal dress codes in Western fashion. It is significantly more formal than black tie and is typically reserved for state dinners, royal events, Nobel Prize ceremonies, or high-society balls.
If you receive an invitation specifying "White Tie," it implies a very strict uniform for the evening.
For Men
The ensemble is precise, and deviations are generally seen as faux pas.
Coat: A black evening tailcoat (never a standard tuxedo jacket). It is worn unbuttoned and features peaked lapels.
Shirt: A white stiff-fronted shirt (often piqué cotton) with a wing collar and French cuffs.
Waistcoat: A white piqué low-cut waistcoat (vest). It must not hang below the front of the tailcoat.
Neckwear: A white piqué bow tie, hand-tied.
Trousers: Black high-waisted trousers with two stripes of braid (galon) down the outside leg.
Footwear: Black patent leather pumps or highly polished oxfords with black silk socks.
For Women
The focus is on grandeur and traditional elegance.
Dress: A full-length evening gown. Unlike black tie, where a cocktail dress might pass, white tie requires a floor-length silhouette, often with a full skirt.
Gloves: Historically, long evening gloves (opera length) were required, though they are now considered optional but highly traditional.
Jewelry: This is the time for the "real" jewelry—tiaras (if appropriate for the setting), heirloom necklaces, and fine gems.
Key Distinctions
| Feature | Black Tie | White Tie |
| Jacket | Tuxedo / Dinner Jacket | Tailcoat |
| Bow Tie | Black (Silk/Satin) | White (Piqué Cotton) |
| Waistcoat | Usually Black or Cummerbund | Always White |
| Shirt Collar | Turn-down or Wing | Always Wing |
Note: White tie events almost always occur after 6:00 PM. If a formal event takes place during the day, the equivalent level of formality is "Morning Dress" (which involves a grey or black morning coat and striped trousers).
