What is a black and white affair?

A black and white affair is usually an event where guests only wear black and white attire. Common types of events that are usually described as black and white affairs include annual galas and charity events.

Black and white affairs are often mistaken for black tie affairs. For a black tie affair, women are expected to wear full-length dresses, and men must wear tuxedos. For a black and white affair, a guest can wear almost any type of formal wear, as long as it is only black, white or a combination of both. Tuxedos are acceptable, but not necessarily required. For women, the dresses and skirts are worn at any length, preferably below the knee.