Your attire is part of
the experience. Dress your
finest. Make your entrance.
The Mayhem Ball is a black tie affair celebrating Mr Mayhem's 30th Birthday. Your attire is not a suggestion — it is a requirement. Every guest is expected to arrive in formal evening wear befitting the occasion.
This is a night of elegance, celebration, and ceremony. Your presence is the gift. Your style is the statement. Guests who do not meet the dress code will not be admitted — no exceptions, no refunds.
Black tuxedo or dark formal suit (black, midnight navy, deep charcoal). White or black dress shirt — French cuffs preferred. Black bow tie or necktie. Patent leather oxfords or polished formal shoes. Optional: cummerbund, vest, pocket square, cufflinks.
Floor-length evening gown or elegant cocktail dress. Formal jumpsuits or tailored pantsuits in luxe fabrics (silk, satin, velvet). Heels, formal flats, or embellished evening shoes. Statement jewelry and accessories encouraged.
Black is classic and always welcome. Rich jewel tones — emerald, burgundy, sapphire, gold — are encouraged. This is a celebration. Dress to be remembered. Express yourself within the formal framework.
Black tie events are experiencing a renaissance. According to the Fashion Institute of Technology, formal event attendance in the U.S. has increased 34% since 2023, with younger generations driving a return to elegance and intentional dressing. Whether this is your first gala or your fiftieth, this guide will ensure you arrive with confidence, style, and the respect the occasion demands.
Black tie is the second-highest dress code in Western fashion — just below white tie. It originated in the 1880s when the Prince of Wales commissioned Henry Poole & Co. to create a shorter, more comfortable alternative to tailcoats. Today, it represents the gold standard for evening elegance.
At its core, black tie is about intentionality. Every element of your outfit should communicate that you've thought about this moment. The fabric, the fit, the accessories — nothing is accidental. This is why events like The Mayhem Ball enforce the dress code: because when everyone commits to the standard, the entire experience elevates.
The modern interpretation of black tie has evolved. While traditionalists insist on peak-lapel tuxedos and patent leather oxfords, contemporary black tie embraces personal expression within the formal framework. Think of it as a canvas: the structure is defined, but your artistry makes it yours.
Start with the fit. A perfectly tailored suit transforms everything. Off-the-rack is fine — but invest $50-80 in alterations. The jacket should hug your shoulders without pulling, the trousers should break once at the shoe, and the shirt collar should sit clean against your neck.
"Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it. Elegance is when everyone notices but nobody can explain why."
— The Mayhem Ball Style GuideBlack tie for women offers extraordinary creative freedom. Unlike menswear — where the formula is relatively fixed — women's formal wear is a spectrum from classic to avant-garde. The Mayhem Ball celebrates this range.
The Mayhem Ball acknowledges that formal fashion has evolved. The rigid boundaries of traditional black tie are giving way to a more expressive, personality-driven approach. Premium sneakers with suits — once considered sacrilege — have been embraced by fashion houses, red carpets, and the world's most stylish events.
The rule is simple: your sneakers must be clean, premium, and intentional. This is not permission to wear your gym shoes. Think of it as the difference between a Rolex and a Casio — both tell time, but one belongs at a gala.
Pro tip: if you're going the sneaker route, elevate everything else. A perfectly tailored suit, a crisp shirt, quality accessories — the sneakers become a deliberate style choice, not a lazy shortcut.
A $200 suit tailored to your body will always outperform a $2,000 suit off the rack. Invest in alterations — it's the single highest-ROI move in menswear. Same goes for women: a dress that fits perfectly in the shoulders and waist will photograph 10× better.
People form first impressions in 3 seconds. At a gala, those 3 seconds happen at the entrance. Plan your arrival outfit with the same intentionality as a performer walking onstage. Your silhouette, your posture, your accessories — all visible in that first glance.
The most stylish people at any event follow this rule: pick one statement piece and let everything else support it. A bold watch, a dramatic neckline, an unexpected color — then keep the rest clean and minimal. Less is always more in formal wear.
Formal events live under dramatic lighting. Cheap polyester reflects light harshly and looks flat in photos. Invest in natural or high-quality synthetic fabrics — wool, silk, satin, velvet, crepe. They drape better, photograph better, and feel better all night.
May in Atlanta averages 80°F with humidity. Choose breathable fabrics: lightweight wool, tropical-weight suiting, silk blends. For women: chiffon and crepe breathe beautifully. Bring a light layer for the venue's AC — you'll be comfortable indoors and out.
Galas are photographed constantly. Matte fabrics photograph cleanly; heavy shine can blow out in flash. Jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, sapphire) pop on camera. Pure white can wash out. If you're wearing black, add a textural element — velvet lapels, a satin clutch — so you don't disappear into the backdrop.
"Your outfit is not a costume. It's a communication. It tells the room who you are before you speak a single word. At The Mayhem Ball, we expect that communication to be loud, clear, and unforgettable."
— Mr Mayhem, HostYou don't need to spend a fortune to look extraordinary. Here's how to build a head-turning formal look at every price point:
Color communicates before words do. At a formal event, your color choice is a declaration:
Yes — premium, clean sneakers are permitted at The Mayhem Ball. Think Common Projects, Balenciaga, Lanvin, or Alexander McQueen in black, white, or cream. They must be pristine and intentional. Athletic sneakers (Nike, Adidas running shoes, Jordans) are not allowed regardless of price. If you go the sneaker route, make sure the rest of your outfit is impeccable.
Start with fit — a well-tailored outfit always wins. For men: a dark suit or tuxedo, crisp dress shirt, quality shoes, and a timepiece. For women: a floor-length gown, cocktail dress, or formal pantsuit in luxe fabric. Invest in one statement accessory. Keep grooming sharp. The golden rule: when in doubt, overdress. It's always better to be the best-dressed person in the room than the most underdressed.
Rent one. Services like The Black Tux, Generation Tux, and Menguin deliver modern-fit tuxedos starting around $100-$160. Women can use Rent the Runway to access designer gowns for a fraction of retail. You can also find excellent formal options at Zara, H&M Premium, or ASOS — just invest in alterations ($50-80) to make it fit perfectly.
Black is always safe and always sophisticated. Beyond black, rich jewel tones are encouraged at The Mayhem Ball: emerald green, burgundy, sapphire blue, gold, and deep purple. Avoid neon, overly bright colors, or casual patterns. The goal is sophistication with personality — dress to be remembered, not to blend in.
Absolutely. A well-tailored pantsuit in silk, satin, or velvet is a power move. Think YSL Le Smoking energy — sharp, confident, undeniably elegant. Pair with statement heels or embellished flats, bold accessories, and a structured clutch. Some of the most iconic red carpet moments in history have been women in suits.
Atlanta in late May averages 78-84°F (26-29°C) with moderate humidity. Choose breathable fabrics: lightweight wool or tropical-weight suiting for men, chiffon or crepe for women. The venue will be air-conditioned, so bring a light layer (blazer, wrap, or shawl) for the transition between indoors and out.
Entry will be denied at the door. No exceptions, no refunds. The dress code is strictly enforced to maintain the atmosphere and experience for all guests. If you're unsure about your outfit, err on the side of overdressing — or reach out to @mrmayhemking on Instagram for guidance before the event.
For men: a quality timepiece is the #1 accessory. Follow with cufflinks, a silk pocket square, and polished shoes. For women: statement earrings or a bold necklace create the most visual impact. An elegant clutch ties the look together. The rule: choose one statement piece and let everything else support it. Restraint is the ultimate luxury.
Jeans, cargo pants, or casual trousers. Athletic sneakers, sandals, or casual shoes (premium designer sneakers with a tailored suit are permitted — see guide above). T-shirts, hoodies, or athletic wear. Shorts of any kind. Overly casual or streetwear attire.
Entry will be denied to guests not meeting the dress code
No refunds will be issued for dress code violations