Okay, so, the other day, I had this fancy event to go to, and the invitation said “white tie.” I’m like, “White tie? What’s that?” I usually just throw on a suit and call it a day, but this sounded serious. So, I started digging around to figure out what this whole “white tie” thing was about.
First off, I learned that white tie is, like, the top tier of formal wear. It’s even fancier than black tie, which I thought was as fancy as it got. Turns out, I was wrong. I started by reading some articles and blog posts online. They all said the same thing: white tie means you gotta go all out.
So, I got down to business. Here’s what I gathered you need for a white tie getup:
- A black tailcoat: Not just any black jacket. This one’s got tails that go down to the back of your knees. It felt kinda weird at first, but I guess that’s the point.
- Black trousers: These are high-waisted and usually have a satin or grosgrain stripe down the side. I had to get mine adjusted because who wears their pants that high?
- A white piqué waistcoat: This is basically a fancy vest. It’s low-cut, so you can show off your shirt. I went to a few stores to find one that fit just right.
- A white piqué wing-collared shirt: This shirt has a stiff, starched front and a winged collar. I felt like a character from a period drama trying to put on the shirt studs. It took a lot of patience.
- A white bow tie: It has to match the waistcoat. I practiced tying it for like an hour. It’s harder than it looks! I watched some videos online, and after many failed attempts, I finally got it.
- Black patent leather shoes: Super shiny, formal shoes. I had to polish mine until I could see my reflection. The shoes really completed the look.
- Accessories: This includes things like cufflinks, shirt studs, and maybe a pocket watch if you’re feeling extra fancy. I borrowed some from a friend who’s into this stuff.
Getting all this stuff together was a real mission. I had to go to different stores, get some things tailored, and even borrow a few items. But let me tell you, when I finally put it all on, I felt like a million bucks. I mean, I looked sharp. I practiced my posture in front of the mirror because, with an outfit like this, you gotta own it.
The event itself was something else. Everyone was dressed to the nines. The women were in these beautiful ball gowns, and the men were all in their white tie gear. I felt like I fit right in, even though I was a bit nervous at first. I even got a few compliments on my outfit, which was pretty cool.
So, that’s my white tie adventure. It was a lot of work, but honestly, it was kind of fun. I learned a lot, and I got to experience a level of formality that I never thought I’d be a part of. Would I do it again? Maybe. It’s not something you do every day, but it’s definitely a memorable experience. I took a lot of photos to remember the night.
