What Kids Should Wear to a Black Tie Event

What Boys Should Wear

• The most traditional garb for a male to wear to a black tie event is a tuxedo, and that includes little boys. This includes the black tuxedo, as well as a crisp, bright white button down shirt and a bow tie. If you don't want to rent a tuxedo for your son, then outfit him in a dark suit with a white dress shirt, bow tie and dress shoes, as the minimum requirement. Talk to the hosts of the event to see what they expect. Many hosts are a bit more lenient when it comes to children, so your son might be able to skip the bow tie or the jacket once any pictures have been taken.

What Not to Wear

• Don't bring your son to a black tie event wearing a suit that is any color other than black. Button down shirts in a color other than white also don't fit into the black tie requirements. In some cases, a long tie is acceptable at a black tie event, but bolo ties are never permitted. Of course any casual wear, such as slacks and polo shirts are not black tie approved. Never bring a boy to a black tie event wearing jeans, a T-shirt or sneakers, either.

What Girls Should Wear

• Black tie events are intended as elegant and sparkly events, and it is fairly easy to dress a little girl to meet these requirements. A fancy dress with tights and shiny dress shoes are acceptable. The color may or may not matter, however. Always ask the hosts if the color of your little girl's dress matters, especially if she has a part in the event, such as being the flower girl. Frilly dresses in dark colors that your daughter would wear for celebrations such as Christmas are usually acceptable at black tie events. Accessories, such as jewelry and headbands, can lend an air of elegance, as well.

What Not to Wear

• Little girls should not appear at a black tie event wearing sundresses or skirts and blouses. Girls should never attend a black tie event wearing slacks of any kind, including jeans, capri pants or shorts. In most cases, bare legs wouldn't be approved of, either. Tights are usually a must at a black tie event. Sneakers and casual sandals aren't permitted, either.