How to add some colour to your black-tie event

With the Oscars due to take place in just a few days’ time, it’s fair to say that black tie events are fairly high up in the public consciousness right now. Now of course, the Oscars have a very strict dress code for their event, but if you’re lucky, you might get invited to a black tie event which is relaxed enough to let you experiment a bit with the style. To pull it off successfully, you’ll need to step outside of your comfort zone!

The red carpet look

There are many ways in which you can add a touch of colour to a black-tie event. Check out the celebs on the red carpet at the Baftas, and later this month, the Oscars, and you will spot a huge range of different styles. While the men tend to play it safe with a tuxedo and white dress shirt, the ladies always rock a range of different looks.

The Oscars are always a cause for celebration, and especially so on the fashion front. In 2006, Michelle Williams wowed us with a beautiful mustard yellow Vera Wang dress, and in 2007, Nicole Kidman turned heads in a cherry red Balenciaga gown. By the time 2010 rolled around, it was Zoe Zaldana’s turn to be on the front page. Her ombre tulle Givenchy dress with a crystal embellished bodice was incredible.

This year, we can expect a similar selection of daring and not-so-daring looks. The good news is that you don’t need to be an A-lister to add a splash of colour to your black-tie outfit.

For the men

Now, it’s undeniably tricky for men to step outside the box with a black-tie outfit. Most of the time, for you, it will be black and white all the way. But, if you can’t bear to be a monochrome wallflower, inject a bit of colour in the form of a bright cummerbund. Pick a colour that matches your date’s outfit. You won’t achieve the desired effect if your date wears and scarlet dress and you go for an emerald green cummerbund.

Remember, unless there’s a strict dress code, you don’t have to stick like glue to black and white. Rock up in a funky velvet tuxedo with a cool and colourful bow-tie. This year, at the BAFTA awards in London, ‘Beautiful Boy’ actor Timothée Chalamet wore a Haider Ackermann red and black printed jacket. It was a unique look, which soon made it on to the front pages of the world’s fashion media.

For the ladies

It’s a lot easier for ladies. You can choose a dress in a colour that suits your complexion, but if you want to play it safe with a black evening dress, add a colourful silk wrap paired with matching shoes and bag. You can also pay a nod to tradition and wear some long evening gloves in a colour of your choosing.

Don’t be afraid of experimenting with colour at a black-tie event. But, of course, make sure you check the dress code first!

Here at Acorn Fabrics, we pride ourselves on supplying top quality tailors all over the UK, with a fantastic range of cotton shirting fabrics. If you’re looking to get started on your own black tie outfit, we recommend taking a look around our formal wear fabrics, or give us a call on 01282 698 662!