White Tie
White Tie is original formal dress code which represents the most elegant style.
Now today it is chosen rarely, usually for a wedding or very formal party.
Required element is classic black tailcoat with silk lapels and long tail.
Trousers with two silk stripes should not have cuffs. The next additional element is rigid white shirt with detached collar made of natural cotton.
Piqué waistcoat and bow tie are neccesarily white.
The only one well-fitting shoes are court shoes. Additional items may be white gloves, a top hat, white scarf and button suspenders.
Black Tie
Black Tie is less formal than White Tie and it can represent a perfect compromise between suit and a tailcoat.
The main element is a tuxedo – basically black or optionally dark navy blue. A tuxedo shape is not as restrictive
as White Tie but the most preferable version is single-breasted and shawl lapels. Lapels are covered with shiny satin or silk in the same colour as the main fabric.
Trousers got one satin/silk stripe. A tuxedo is worn with a white dress shirt with standing or turndown collar
and link cuffs. A waistcoat may be replaced by cummerbund which is generally much more formal.
Obligatory is black bow tie and leather oxford shoes. Black Tie, unlike conservative White Tie style provides for a higher flexibility about shapes and accesories.