Crossword Genius

Possibly lack bite as formal dress (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

black tie

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'formal dress' is the definition.
'black tie' can be an answer for 'dress' (black tie is a kind of dress). I'm not certain of the 'formal' bit.

'possibly lack bite' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'lack'+'bite'='lackbite'
'lackbite' is an anagram of 'BLACK-TIE'.

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for black tie that I've seen before include "Accompaniment of 11" , "Formal evening wear for men" , "Formal attire" , "It's worn with a dinner jacket" , "expensive party-going habit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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