white tie

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white tie

A gentleman adjusts his white tie in front of a mirror.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A very formal code of dress for evening social events: "white tie" refers to the most formal level of men's evening attire, traditionally requiring a tailcoat, a white bow tie, and other specific garments.
    • The white bow tie itself: "white tie" can also refer specifically to the white bow tie worn as a component of this formal dress code.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Dress Code):

    • The invitation specified that the event was white tie. (The invitation specified that the event required the most formal evening dress.)
    • He had to rent a full white tie outfit for the diplomatic reception. (He had to rent a complete set of the most formal evening clothes for the diplomatic reception.)

  • Noun (The Bow Tie):

    • He carefully fastened his white tie before the ceremony. (He carefully fastened his white bow tie before the ceremony.)
    • The classic elements are a black tailcoat and a crisp white tie. (The classic elements are a black tailcoat and a crisp white bow tie.)
Advanced Usage
  • "white-tie" (Adjective): Describing an event that requires this formal dress.
    • It was a white-tie gala attended by ambassadors and dignitaries. (It was a gala requiring full formal evening dress, attended by ambassadors and dignitaries.)
Variants and Related Words

  • White tie and tails: A common phrase describing the full ensemble, emphasizing the tailcoat.

    • The orchestra members wore white tie and tails. (The orchestra members wore the full formal evening dress with tailcoats.)

  • Black tie: A less formal, but still formal, evening dress code, which typically requires a black bow tie and a dinner jacket (tuxedo).

    • The fundraiser is black tie optional, but the wedding is strictly white tie. (The fundraiser allows for the less formal dinner jacket, but the wedding requires the most formal tailcoat.)
Synonyms
  • Full evening dress: The complete formal attire.
  • Full dress: A term for very formal attire.
Related Phrases
  • To dress in white tie: To wear this specific formal attire.
    • All the gentlemen were expected to dress in white tie. (All the gentlemen were expected to wear the most formal evening dress.)
Notes on Meaning

The term "white tie" primarily denotes a dress code. Its use to mean the actual white bow tie is a secondary, metonymic meaning derived from the key component of the attire. It represents the highest level of formality for evening events.

white tie

A gentleman adjusts his white tie in front of a mirror.

Noun
  1. formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men
  2. bow tie worn as part of a man's formal evening dress

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