0 clothes, including for men a black bow tie, worn for very formal social occasions:
1 relating to a very formal social occasion where men wear a black bow tie, or to the clothes worn for this occasion:
The annual black-tie awards banquet will be held in New York City this year.
Abbott believed that too many charitable organizations were raising money through formal black tie events.
When he attends the royal gala next week, will he be wearing black tie?
A design incorporating jacket and trousers worn with a white shirt and collar and black tie is included.
If we want people to dress for dinner we say "black tie"; if we want people not to dress for dinner we say "dress optional".
Attenders wear evening attire, which is specified on the invitation as "black tie" or "white tie" (the most formal).
