2000s floral dress Vintage 90s - early formal dress, beaded, short, size 6, pattern Vintage condition 2000s Floral Flutter Dress (L)

One senior editor from across the pond had opted for a textured Marcela cotton shirt buttoned to the top, a slim-cut single breasted velvet jacket (with a casual notch lapel) and absolutely no tie whatsover

Otherwise the white dress shirt may make the ivory handkerchief look like a dirty white

"The biggest difference between black-tie and black-tie-optional attire is simply choice," says Jason Jackson, president and COO of Generation Tux

The black-tie dress code is traditionally accompanied by a black bow tie, but some occasions will allow colours, so it is best dealt with on a case-by-case basis

(Even royals and celebrities can be spotted wearing outfits they were papped in before.) Whether you achieve that by arranging your wardrobe by season or by degree of formality, build your own black-tie capsule wardrobe and youre set.