32 Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses That Are Guaranteed to Impress
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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, as well as the as well as silhouette: Do you go light and dreamy, with layers of tulle and pleated chiffon? Or moody and sophisticated with luxe velvet and jacquard? When in doubt, a classic A-line or halter style offers just enough formality.
From simple black dresses to glitzy sequins, our edit of best 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. Experiment with the shape, whether it’s Khaite’s strapless column dress or Acne Studios’s trailing fringe scarf. 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 and Jenny Packham are better for earlier ceremonies, while the inky black sequins 16Arlington coated its floor-length piece in are perfect for after-hours glamour.
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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, butter yellow satin option with an abstract print from Costarellos, 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 hammered satin, à la Banana Republic’s chocolate brown cowl neck, or layered pleats like this chartreuse Proenza Schouler option, this silhouette will definitely feel special.
Geometric Prints
Between abstract heart prints and playful polka dots, a pattern is a great way to breathe a little life into a stuffy dress code. A high v-neck, off-the-shoulder, or even caped dress will make this type even more of a show-stopper—good luck trying to pull attention away from Dries Van Noten’s sleeveless embellished crepe gown.
Luxe Long Sleeve
A chill in the air requires a little extra coverage—but no one said long sleeve formal dresses had to be frumpy. Tove and Rabanne’s fitted bodices give shape to a heavier silhouette, but if the sleek look isn’t for you, Chloé makes a boho ball gown that feels oh so ’70s and Taller Marmo’s one-shoulder metallic number is perfect for a winter wedding.
Sleek Silk
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.
Festive Finishes
From feathers to beads to crushed velvet, there are lots of ways to make a statement. Rabanne’s chainmail-inspired midi dress (a good option for shorter gals—no hemming required) looks like a grown-up disco ball and will take you straight from the ceremony to the after party.
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.
