The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 3 letter word BLACK TIE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
L
A
C
K
T
I
E
More clues leading to the result BLACK TIE
- Formal attire not to have any connection with bishop
- Boycott obligation for formal dress
- Bond supports sombre dress code
- Formal or unofficial relationship
- British want Bond in formal attire
- Colourless band that is associated with a DJ
- Sort of occasion that may see Belgium miss match?
- Boycott start of term — that is formal
- Funeral item that may require a DJ?
- “Sail upwind, Captain!” cried Spooner, in monochrome garment of knotted cloth
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Sort of occasion" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sort of occasion = black tie.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BLACK TIE mean?
BLACK TIE adjective- Moderately formal; usually requiring a dinner jacket (tuxedo) for men.