White tie is a dress code that is also known as cravate blanche and evening dress. White tie should only be worn after sundown (18:00) or if there is no other way you may wear it before sundown with a black vest. You need a black tailcoat that is cut in a way that resembles a double breasted jacket. The tailcoat is never closed. You also need black pants with a satin strip, a white French cuffed shirt with a patricide collar (winged folded points), a white vest and a white self tie bow tie. Black long socks are to be worn with the black varnish shoes. You do not wear a belt or a watch, which is similar to the black tie dress code etiquette. A white pocket square or boutonnière could be worn.

Personally I am not very into white tie as a dress code. It is very formal and the white tie etiquette needs to be executed carefully. White tie is common for formal military events, balls, operas and formal dinners.

Where is President Obama’s waistcoat?