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So you’ve been invited to a black-tie wedding. Before descending into a formalwear-induced anxiety spiral, consider the benefits. For one, this is your chance to go all-out with a statement evening look you’d never otherwise get the chance to wear. (Plus, the people-watching is guaranteed to be incredible.) The main thing to keep in mind is the definition of the dress-code—effectively, “black tie” is code for floor-length hemlines, so leave the midi dress at home in favor of something ankle-sweeping. From there, you’ll find there’s a lot of variation within the black-tie wedding guest dress options.
Vogue’s Favorite Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
If you’re stuck on where to start, consider the setting. A black-tie event in an upscale city venue requires a different sort of formal dress than a black-tie event in a beachy locale. Think about fabrics and the season—do you go light and dreamy, with layers of tulle and pleated chiffon? Or moody and sophisticated with luxe velvet and jacquard?—as well as silhouette. When in doubt, a classic A-line or halter style offers just enough formality.
From simple black dresses to glitzy sequins, these 28 black-tie wedding guest dresses are sure to make a splash.
Black Magic
It’s in the name: If you’re not sure what to wear for this dress code, black is generally a safe bet. Have a little fun with the shape, whether it’s Khaite’s off-the-shoulder column dress or Rotate’s drop-waist jacquard number. Since the palette is so restrained, use your accessories to bring a little personality to your look.
Shimmer and Shine
Go ahead and take inspiration from the champagne toast with your black-tie wedding guest dress. Lighter versions from the likes of Self-Portrait, Taller Marmo, and Ulla Johnson are ideal for earlier ceremonies, while the inky black sequins 16Arlington coated its floor-length piece in are perfect for after-hours glamour.
In Bloom
Need proof that floral dresses aren’t just for springtime garden weddings? Behold, if you will, the following: a moody version from Staud (complete with a mockneck for the autumnal chill), a long-sleeved caftan from la Double J, and saturated blooms in cascading ruffles courtesy of Carolina Herrera.
Dramatic Draping
There’s something especially artistic about a drapey dress—perhaps literally, in the case of Gianbattista Valli’s petal pink design, which looks like something you’d find in the Acropolis. Whether it’s through asymmetric ruffles, à la Victoria Beckham’s peachy frock, or a layered neckline like this Banana Republic option, this silhouette will definitely feel special.
Geometric Prints
Between abstract botanicals and playful polka dots, a pattern is a great way to breathe a little life into a stuffy dress code. A one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, or even strapless dress will make this type even more of a show-stopper—good luck trying to pull attention away from Ulla Johnson’s draped scarf gown.
Minimalism with a Twist
Simple on the surface, each of these gowns has a fun element that sets it apart—from scarf dresses to Esse’s semi-sheer maxi dress, it turns out there’s a lot you can do with a simple design. For black-tie weddings on the more eclectic side (a destination venue might be a good candidate for this), why not try a little flair?
Silky Smooth
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a satin dress. Elegant and effortlessly polished, these slinky gowns have simple silhouettes that lend themselves well to all sorts of accessorizing. Zara’s flowy black slip dress calls for minimalism with sculptural silver jewelry; something colorful, like Lapointe’s burgundy design or Galvin’s silver-blue halterneck, is an opportunity to play with a gold-tone clutch or small feathery purse.
How to Approach a Black-Tie Dress Code
Can I wear colors other than black to a black-tie wedding?
Yes! This dress code has more to do with length and style than color—and while wearing a black gown is certainly a shortcut to looking put-together, sometimes your host will actually prefer color. A summer destination wedding is the perfect occasion for bright hues, for instance, while a fall event calls for a moody, autumnal palette.
Can I wear a jumpsuit instead of a dress?
All in all, it depends on the jumpsuit. Something in an elevated fabric, like silk or crepe, with sharp tailoring is probably alright (though to be safe, you can always double check with the couple). And when in doubt, the staunchly anti-gown guest can opt for a polished suit in similarly upscale materials for a sophisticated twist on the dress code.
Should I choose my black-tie dress depending on the venue or season?
When in doubt, take context clues from the invite. The season, venue, and even time of ceremony are all helpful indicators of what kind of dress to pick—you wouldn’t wear a velvet floor-length gown to a morning ceremony in July, just as a pastel tea-length midi in floral crepe might be a poor choice for a snowy winter fête.