Definition

1. Noun:
   • Formal evening attire for men: A specific, very formal style of men's clothing traditionally worn for evening events. The term refers to the complete ensemble, which characteristically includes a black tailcoat jacket, matching trousers, a white bow tie, a white waistcoat (vest), and often a white dress shirt with specific features like a wing collar.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The invitation specified "white tie and tails," so he rented the full ensemble for the gala.
  • In the 19th century, white tie and tails was the standard formal evening wear for gentlemen.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "white tie and tails" is often used metonymically to describe an event with a very strict formal dress code.
  • The diplomatic reception was a white tie and tails affair.
• It is considered the most formal level of Western dress code, above "black tie."

Variants and Related Words

• White tie (noun): Often used synonymously with "white tie and tails" to describe the dress code or the attire itself. It specifically highlights the required white bow tie.
  • The ball requires white tie.
• Tailcoat (noun): The key garment of the ensemble, a coat with a short front and long, divided tails at the back.
  • His tailcoat was impeccably tailored.
• Full evening dress (noun phrase): A formal synonym for the complete outfit.

Synonyms

• Full evening dress: The formal term for this attire.
• White tie: A common shorthand for the dress code and the outfit.
• Evening tails: A less common variant emphasizing the tailcoat.

Related Phrases

• Black tie: A less formal evening dress code involving a black bow tie and a dinner jacket (tuxedo), not a tailcoat.
  • The wedding is black tie, not white tie and tails.

Noun

1. formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men