Black tie is a dress
code for semi-formal evening events, and is worn to
many types of social functions. For a man, the major
component is a black coat, known as dinner jacket (British)
or tuxedo (Canada and the U.S.). A woman's corresponding
evening dress ranges from a conservative cocktail dress
to the long evening gown, determined by current fashion,
local custom, and the occasion's time. The term tuxedo
is itself variously used in different parts of the world.
It always refers to some form of black tie, and sees
most use in North America. There, it is commonly taken
to mean a modern variation on the traditional black
tie, while in Britain, it is sometimes used to refer
to the white jacket alternative.
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