Events have different kinds of dress codes. More formal ones tend to include the All Black Tie look. With a tricky dress code such as this, you should always read between the lines. While tuxedos aren't mandatory, depending on the type of event, they're most likely recommended. Recall everything you know about the event, including the look of the invitation, as clues to its formality. Has this event been featured in society pages? Do the companies or other guests belong to a high political or social stature? Who invited you?

With that said, if you insist on going sans tuxedo, you can still look polished to perfection. Your best bet is to wear a black suit, a fresh white dress shirt, a black tie, black dress socks and high-shine black dress shoes.