white-tie affair
noun phrase

- an event that stipulates full formal dress for men

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When it comes to formal evening wear, there are two recognized dress codes for men, black-tie and white-tie, with black-tie being the less formal of the two. In short, black tie consists of the traditional tuxedo, usually a white shirt and a black bow tie.

The white tie dress code is more complicated, but it generally involves evening tailcoats (black), a white shirt with a high stiff collar, a white waistcoat and white bow tie.

White-tie originated as the most formal type of civilian apparel and has retained that exclusivity for over two centuries. When it transitioned from formal evening dress to special evening dress after the Second World War, its definition became fixed.

White-tie affairs are generally reserved for the most illustrious of social events, such as dinners attended by heads of state.

(adapted from The Black Tie Guide)

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Practice OWAD in a conversation today, say something like:

"I'm not sure how comfortable most people feel these days about attending WHITE TIE AFFAIRS."