Examples:

The dress code for the Broadmoor Waltz Club is “black tie.”  Members and guests (except non-dancing visitors) are requested to follow these guidelines in maintaining the traditional elegance of Waltz Club events.

Gentlemen wear “tuxedos,” that is, a black dinner jacket with silk facings, usually grosgrain or satin, and matching trousers.  Gentlemen may substitute a summer-weight, white dinner jacket for the first and last dances of the season. 

The traditional interpretation of black tie includes a white formal shirt with either standard or wing collar.  The tie should be a black silk bow with matching cummerbund or waistcoat.  A patterned/colored tie and cummerbund or waistcoat coordinated with the lady’s attire are appropriate.

Black socks and highly polished black shoes are appropriate. 

Novelty colored (e.g., red, green, plaid) tie and cummerbund or waistcoat are acceptable for the Christmas dinner and dance. 

Military mess dress uniforms are appropriate.

Gentlemen may substitute a tailcoat for the tuxedo jacket.  “Business” suits are not appropriate.

Ladies wear full length evening gowns with either full or straight skirts.  The gown traditionally has a full length skirt reaching at least to the ankles and is made of a luxurious fabric such as satin, silk, taffeta, or velvet or synthetic equivalents.  The “gown” may be a two piece ensemble.  Bare shoulders are acceptable.

A shawl and opera length gloves are optional at a black tie event but not required.

Skirts hemmed above the ankle are not appropriate.  Skirts slit above the knee are not appropriate.

See also the Black Tie Guide.