Black tie optional is often misunderstood or confusing and this article explains black tie optional simply

Black tie isn't about perfection. It's about intention.

The McCormick Place convention center in Chicago is huge. The convention center floor is the size of over forty football fields. The Chicago Auto show is the largest exhibition each year at McCormick Place, usually held in February. It seemed appropriate to me that my return to big, in-person parties was kicked off in 2023 by the First Look for Charity gala at the Chicago auto show. Nearly 9,000 people attended the black-tie event, and over $2.5 million was raised for 18 char

You don't have to be wealthy to go to a black-tie gala, you just have to find the right event, and celebrate life!