Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Requiring very formal evening wear for men, specifically a black tailcoat and a white bow tie: Describes an event, occasion, or dress code that is the most formal level of evening attire.

Usage

• The term "white-tie" is used exclusively as an adjective to specify the required dress code for an event. It is typically hyphenated.
• It modifies nouns like "event," "affair," "dinner," or "occasion."

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The embassy ball is a white-tie event.
  • Invitations to the state dinner specified white-tie attire.
  • He rented a tailcoat for the white-tie wedding.

Advanced Usage

• "white-tie optional" or "white-tie invited": Sometimes used on invitations to indicate that white-tie is preferred but not strictly mandatory, allowing for slightly less formal black-tie attire.
  • The charity gala is white-tie optional.

Variants and Related Words

• White tie (noun phrase): Can refer to the dress code itself or the specific white bow tie worn as part of the outfit.

  • The invitation said the dress code was white tie.
  • He carefully tied his white tie.

• Black-tie (adjective): A slightly less formal but still very formal evening dress code, requiring a black tuxedo and a black bow tie for men.

Synonyms

• Full evening dress: A formal synonym for the white-tie attire requirement.
• Ultra-formal: Describes the extreme formality of such events.

Antonyms

• Casual: Denoting a relaxed, informal dress code.
• Black-tie: While still formal, it is a less strict dress code than white-tie.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "white-tie" derives from the key component of the men's attire: the white bow tie (as opposed to the black bow tie worn for "black-tie" events).
• It implies a corresponding level of formality in women's attire, typically full-length evening gowns.
• This dress code is associated with state dinners, very formal balls, royal events, and prestigious award ceremonies.

Adjective

1. requiring white ties and tailcoats for men
   • a white-tie occasion