White Tie, also known as cravate blanche, refers to the most formal type of classic evening wear and is known as the formal dress code for grand social occasions. 

At its center is the black tailcoat with its characteristic silhouette: cut short in the front and with typical tails in the back. The black tailcoat is worn with matching black trousers featuring double silk stripes down the sides. It is combined with a white piqué wing-collar shirt, a low-cut white piqué waistcoat, and the characteristic white piqué bow tie. Black patent leather shoes and black over-the-calf socks complete the classic look. For particularly traditional occasions, the look is complemented by a black collapsible top hat.

The tailcoat is traditionally worn for highly formal evening events. For similarly formal daytime occasions, the morning coat, also known as a "cut," is the classic alternative.