Overview
A black-tie and blue-jeans event is exactly what it sounds like. The men sport formal attire up top, with a pair of jeans below; for the ladies, however, this type of event poses more interesting and sometimes stressful wardrobe challenges. Keep calm, though. Black-tie and blue-jeans events are supposed to be fun, making traditional formal affairs like galas and fundraisers less stuffy. Although basic tips exist, your personal style is the deciding factor in the look you rock that night.
Dressy Up Top
The men will be dressed up in their tuxedo shirts, bow ties and coats with tails, so don a dressy top also, to fit the part. A black top that ties around the neck without showing too much skin in the back is an excellent choice, as it gives you a sexy but sophisticated look. If you want to be less revealing, go for a black top with sequins, for example, to add a little pizazz. Choose a feminine look such as lace and silk accents, to keep it girly without putting your style over the top. Pair your black top with a pair of form-fitting jeans -- but nothing too tight or low on the waist. Accessorize this look with a simple silver necklace or colorful scarf or wrap tied around your neck. Don't go crazy with the accessories though or you'll end up making your look a bit too casual.
Casual Below
If you go with black jeans, you may be the odd woman out here – as most guests will opt for regular blue denim. Still, choose a pair of jeans rich in ink tones; they lend themselves more to a dressy top and keep you from looking too casual. Stay far away from really light colors like acid-washed jeans. Skinny jeans with tapered ankles provide a more casual look that pairs well with heels. A form-fitting pair of jeans that aren't skin-tight are more appropriate for a more formal BTBJ event.
Shoes
Unlike the boys, you’ve got a lot of choices in shoes, and the decision is really all yours. If you want to dress up your look with a more formal top and dark, tapered jeans, go for a killer pair of heels in black or red. A bold pair of cowboy boots is totally in order as well when paired with looser, more casual jeans in lighter, but not too-light tones, to give you a fun, carefree look. Flats can also work for a semi-casual look with skinny jeans or form-fitting jeans – but like your top, go for flats at least a little bit dressy instead of ultra-casual, and choose leather or microfiber material. Those plastic flats you wear to the supermarket just aren’t going to cut it.
Outerwear
If you’ve got a mink stole or faux-fur coat that your grandmother left you and you just never get a chance to wear it, you’ve just found one. A mink stole or faux-fur coat will pair well with a dark top, tapered jeans and a pair of heels. If you prefer a more casual style, a blazer with a few accessories like a silver or leather-banded watch will look sophisticated but not stuffy. Of course, you don’t want to wear that yellow raincoat though. You still need to keep your look formal on the outside, but you can still have fun. Pashmina wraps and scarves are all perfect for a BTBJ event, and they walk the line between casual and dressy, and will rarely look out of place.
Makeup
Treat your makeup like you're attending a formal event -- and choose natural colors that play up your best features like your eyes or cheekbones, and don’t go too heavy on the dark stuff or get too wild with the colors. There’s nothing wrong with vibrant red lipstick for a BTBJ event, and smoky eye shadow adds a suitably sexy touch to your look, just don't put them all on. If you choose to wear red lipstick, for example, go with a beige or more neutral eye-shadow color. Skip the crazy colors like yellow and green. They might be okay for a date or night out with the girls, but they’re not appropriate for a more formal event.
