Comments on: California Black Tie?

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 01:11:21 +0000

I wonder if this is the formal look that has been appearing at the Oscars for the past few years: tux jacket (can be shawl collar or revers), plain black tropical wool trousers, dress shirt and a discreet light silver or white necktie.

My husband, who owns a tux but requires an Act of Congress and/or constant nagging before he will consent to actually wear it, recently wore this combo at a wedding and I didn’t hear one complaint from him all night!

By: Q

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:13:55 +0000

Representing the brainier part of the native Californian population, I would assume “California black tie” is meant to express something like “California casual,” which in my opinion generally refers to office attire that is professional but somewhat relaxed, such as tailored slacks, a simple shirt or blouse of good quality, professional AND fashionable shoes, a professional handbag, and no real need for a jacket. Alternatively, the concept can refer to trouserlike jeans, often in a darker wash, that are always paired with a blazer or jacket, professional shoes, and terrific jewelry. True “California casual” at the office may be considered to be the suitless suit, a look that is pulled together in order to make the wearer look smart but not stuffy, and certainly not buttoned up to the neck.

Therefore, I would assume “California black tie” is meant to express black tie without stuffiness: an airy, simple cocktail dress with open-toed sandals and a tux/suit without a cummerbund — most likely without a tie, even. So there it may be: a tux and a cocktail dress with no tie, no shoes, no socks, no stockings, no service, shuffling around on a beach and wondering how much the bride paid to get sand in her dress.

Emily Post it is not.

By: gemdiva

gemdiva — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:08:01 +0000

Maybe black tie with lettuce tomatoe & mayo??

By: T

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:51:23 +0000

As another native Angelena, the T is also stumped. The T would guess that perhaps it is a polite way of saying one does not need to dress as formally as the Late Great Mrs. Astor would have.

By: Laura K

Laura K — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:24:40 +0000

Like a California king mattress I suppose a California black tie is merely a little longer than a standard black tie….

By: thepinkeminence

thepinkeminence — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:12:38 +0000

Standard black tie, but no panties.

By: Bridey

Bridey — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:07:53 +0000

I’m a native Angelena, and I have no clue what this might mean. As far as I know, “black tie” means the same thing in California as it does in Iowa or Washington, D.C. (Though deja pseu’s suggestions are charmingly dead-on :)

But I’d suggest, if possible, contacting the people who coined this silly phrase and asking them (politely, of course) what on earth they’re talking about.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:42:40 +0000

Well, I had a Silicon Valley Exec. friend who showed up to wedding in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts and flip flops. We were all appalled. Then again, I don’t think there are any dress codes left in the Silicon Valley.

By: deja pseu

deja pseu — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:42:24 +0000

The Deja, who is native Californian and current LALALand resident is stumped as well. If the invite originated in Hollywood, she would guess this means the appropriate black t-shirt with the adequately cool band logo on the front, and studded black leather accessories. If the invitation is for Santa Monica, she would suggest the black silk yogatard with a rough-cut semi precious stone necklace. Brentwood calls for a Tory Burch top. For Beverly Hills pull out the Prada, but for San Francisco, she would not even hazard a guess. However because this is an outdoor art gala, one probably would not go too terribly wrong with something Eileen Fisher-ish.