Black tie dress code: what to wear in Australia

Floor-length, with a hem that skims the top of your shoe. Satin, silk, velvet, crepe and heavy chiffon read as evening. A very polished midi is sometimes accepted at black tie optional, never at black tie.

Sleeves, slits and backless are all fine. Check the hem with the shoes you will wear, because a gown that clears flats can trip you in heels.

Black tuxedo or dinner suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black patent or polished leather shoes. A long tie is not black tie, and neither is a business suit.

On Australian invitations, formal and black tie are often used as the same thing, so read the venue and the time. White tie is a step above and rare: a full-length ball gown and a tailcoat. Cocktail is a step below.

A gown is the piece most people wear once. On Ourfit, lenders set their own prices for 4 or 8 days. Check the listed size and length against your height and shoes, and message the lender if you are between sizes. Choose a window that starts a day or two before the event, so a posted gown that needs steaming is not a last-minute problem.