DEAR ABBY: You erred when you told "Needs to Know" that there is no difference between "black tie" and "formal." For men, at least, there is a difference.
"Black tie" indicates that the men should wear tuxedos. "Formal" means that white tie and tails are indicated.
We don't see much formal attire in this country anymore, but that's what President Kennedy wore at his inauguration. -- DAVID CASH, SAN FRANCISCO
DEAR DAVID: More than a few readers pointed out that my answer was incorrect -- that although black tie and white tie are both "formal," white tie is MORE formal. Thank you for clarifying this.