How to Use black-tie in a Sentence

black-tie

1 of 2 adjective
  • The black-tie remit still left plenty of room to play.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t let hot and sticky weather get in the way of a black-tie statement.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 31 May 2023
  • Have a dress that's too much for brunch but too casual for a black-tie event?
    — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Prince Harry wore a classic black tux to the black-tie event.
    — Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2024
  • And what’s more camp than wearing a windbreaker to a black-tie event?
    — Victoria Hunt, Robb Report, 1 May 2023
  • Guests are invited to dress in black-tie attire.
    — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Most recently, my mom wore these heels to a black-tie wedding for eight hours.
    — Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For an airy yet dramatic vibe, perfect for a black-tie affair.
    — Caroline Griswold, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Late last month, the pair stepped out in black-tie style for a visit to the White House.
    — Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 12 May 2023
  • That black-tie gown that still fits and was expensive enough to warrant saving for a rainy day?
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • This classic chignon is perfect for the most dressy of weddings—we're talking black-tie or white-tie.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2023
  • Those times are, after all, just as much worth dressing up for as any black-tie event or boardroom meetings.
    — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
  • John Travolta ditched basic black-tie rules.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • Think black-tie to beach and every niche theme or destination in between.
    — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
  • My go-to answer stems from a black-tie dinner my wife gave me for my 70 th birthday at our home.
    — Amy Dickinson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024
  • My go-to answer stems from a black-tie dinner my wife gave me for my 70th birthday at our home.
    — Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024
  • All tables and seats for this black-tie gala are sold out, however, there is a waitlist for tickets.
    — Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Getting dressed for any event can be daunting but, a black-tie event can be even more stressful to find something that works.
    — Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 12 Oct. 2023
  • One wedding guest put her own unique spin on a black-tie dress code by wearing a homemade hamburger bracelet.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
  • These events have costume themes or black-tie dress codes, so make sure to check the venue’s requirements and book a place ahead of time.
    — Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • The pair stepped out at the 98th Academy Awards in black-tie looks.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Her grandmother, Tina Knowles, was a guest of honor at the black-tie event.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • And the always dapper Jeff Goldblum topped a black-tie tux with a cropped black style.
    — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
  • The remark drew applause and laughter from the black-tie audience.
    — Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Perfect for black-tie events or weddings, this is the accent piece that turns any hairstyle from simple to chic.
    — Lily Wohlner, Allure, 6 Jan. 2026
  • He was dressed in shorts, T-shirt and boots and his black-tie clobber was in a car miles away in Marseilles.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 25 May 2025
  • The couple, who have been married for 30 years, walked the red carpet in stunning black-tie looks.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Comedian Jim Gaffigan will be the host for the black-tie event.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024
  • Remember to Slow Down Après-ski is not a black-tie affair.
    — Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The black-tie wedding was held at an Italian-style villa that featured panoramic views.
    — Kayla Grant, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

black tie

2 of 2 noun
  • Trump donned a black tie for the event.
    — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Reeves paired a striped brown suit with a black tie.
    — Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Add a black tie to bring back that touch of ruggedness.
    — Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Firth wore a classic black suit with a white shirt and black tie.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 6 June 2026
  • For more guidance on the black tie dress code, see our guide here.
    — Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Your partner is right about what passes for black tie these days.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
  • For those black tie events, that was like our wedding every time.
    — Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Brady paired the watch with a dark-colored coat, button-down shirt and a black tie.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Barnes stood with dancerly poise in a crisp white shirt, a black tie, and cushy black sneakers.
    — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • This could mean black tie and formal, or more casual and laid back.
    — Katie Henwood, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
  • What is the difference between white tie and black tie?
    — Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
  • For the evening, the actor went classic in a simple black and white suit and black tie.
    — Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • And while not all of the line was formal, black tie was among the statements for the season.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Don your black tie or cocktail dress and head to Vintage on Race.
    — Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Dec. 2025
  • The black and white gown featured a sheer bodice with long sleeves in white and a collar with a skinny black tie.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Tickets priced at $300 per person, black tie.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Abbott opted for a black velvet jacket, white shirt, black tie and black pants.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
  • Attendees in black tie and evening gowns ducked under their tables.
    — Luke Barr, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Cocktail Hour Who said leggings can’t be black tie?
    — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Next time you get invited to a black tie event go for a chic bodysuit styled with a dramatic maxi skirt.
    — Clare Holden, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The actor, 50, wore a single-breasted gray suit, a white shirt, black tie and black shoes.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
  • The resurgence of black tie signals a new era of menswear where tradition bends, and Black style leads.
    — Larry Stansbury, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Theroux looked dapper in a velvet black suit, white button-down shirt, black tie, and black leather boots.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Her ability to reinvent black tie and and make any look the coolest thing is certainly part of the answer.
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The vibe was equal parts black tie and, thanks to crew socks and slouchy silhouette, all-American boy.
    — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Bongiovi wore a red, velvet suit with a skinny black tie to the premiere and the after-party.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Wedding guest dressing can feel daunting, whether the dress code calls for black tie or something more casual.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 30 May 2026
  • For men, black tie permits a suit or a tuxedo, while white tie demands the black tailcoat and white bowtie brief as explained above.
    — Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Spike Lee isn't the only Knicks fanatic who even sports the team colors to black tie events.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
  • His getup was classic, but cool, layering a black leather jacket by the brand over a white button-up shirt with a black tie.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black-tie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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