What color to wear for black tie attire?

You could always just ask the bride and groom what they prefer! Theme colors are tricky so in this context I can't tell if they're requesting you wear those colors, or to avoid those colors.

Wear any color except white. No one is supposed to be mentioning colors in the invite for any reason.

I would just ask again!! You won’t sound silly!! Just say “so would you like the guests to wear the theme colors?” They might not even know that people are confused! I’m sure if you aren’t sure then there is other people not sure as well. I am pretty certain they are asking you to wear one of those colors though!

It seems like they're asking for guests to wear those colors, but I'd definitely ask. That's not a silly question when it's not clear at all

I would ask again bc you don’t seem silly— their wording does. I’m confused by it, and more confused by his response! I feel like most people will be . Some will read it as do wear these, some will read it as don’t wear these! So I think they’ll get a mismatch with how it’s worded currently. I’d almost think it’s their way of saying “white is fair game bc no bride” but I would not dare to presume that and show up in white without asking! Haha. I’d say “okay so do we wear theme colors or not?”

I think they want you to dress in those colors. Sigh. I hate when people do that.

That's very odd. I've been to around 35 black tie weddings and I've never been encouraged let alone asked to wear a certain color. I would definitely clarify with the bride and groom

I would simply ask again. “Just to clarify, are you encouraging guests to wear the themed colors or would you prefer we stayed away from those colors? If the former, would you prefer no white, or do you not have a preference?” Asking clarifying questions is never silly...something I wish more people would do in general!

You should ask to clarify. That's a weird request though because black tie implies a level of attire, not a specific color to be worn.

I definitely think you're confused for a good reason...what the heck are they talking about?? Don't feel bad about asking again, I'm sure they have had lots of questions about it because it's super weird and unclear. I've never heard of anything like that before and I would personally just literally ask what color they want you to wear lol!