overcoats and white silk scarves are all permitted. White-tie rules for women are less strict and similar to those for black tie, however the chief requirement is a full-length ball gown or dress.

“Black-tie dress code” is up there with “black ice” in the terror stakes. It rivals “black hole” with its power to confuse and befuddle. As for “black ...

In these sorts of ‘black tie optional’ situations, our recommendation is to tend towards formal dress codes that would be appropriate for a range of serious daytime occasions. A dark suit, worn with ...