Did you get an invitation to a black-tie wedding? A black-tie or formal dress code requirement might have you wondering exactly what to wear and where to find the perfect formal dress, floor-length gown, or other formal wedding attire. But don't worry, this shopping guide is here to make it easy to get dressed for a formal black-tie wedding.
Our editors select the gowns and dresses we feature. Commissionable affiliate links are used in the images and links to shopping sources.
Image credits and shopping sources: 1. Astrid Gown (Available in Several Colors - Shown in Sienna Rose) from Lady Black Tie 2. Olive Green Satin Mock Neck Gown from Lulus 3. L'Idée Masquerade Gown from Anthropologie 4. Bllue Mikado Embroidered Ballgown by Mac Duggal
Each wedding season we look through all of our favorite sources for wedding guest dresses and pick out the best of the best. Then we organize them by formality, color, season, wedding style, and more to create this collection of wedding guest dresses. We'll go over some of the dress code guidelines for what to wear to a black-tie wedding vs. a formal wedding. And, lastly, we'll show you where to shop for some of the best gowns, dresses, tuxes, and other attire for a black-tie wedding.
Black Tie Dresses for Weddings
We've collected some of the best wedding guest dresses for strictly black-tie weddings in an easy-to-shop format.
Black-tie wedding attire is one of the most confusing dress codes, as it has become mixed up with formal and synonymous with a long dress without further clarification.
Black-tie attire is a formal evening style of dress, but since many weddings take place in the daytime or on summer evenings when it's still light, wearing heavy ball gowns and dark evening dresses isn't always the best choice for prime wedding season.
Black tie doesn't mean that the dress itself needs to be black, and in fact it doesn't need to be a dark color, although deep jewel tones always look great in fall and winter seasons. For spring and summer black-tie weddings, color is often encouraged, so finding a beautiful floor-length print or pastel gown is the way to go.
The key to getting black tie right in any season is having a bit of structure and a formal special-occasion fabric like silk, satin, heavy jacquard, beading, or embellishments, and making sure the dress hits the floor. In the summer and spring months or in warm weather, lighter-weight fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and plisse are fine as well. Just steer clear of dresses that are in cheap fabrics, or long dresses that lack structure, for instance resort vacation maxi dresses that have a lot of cut-outs or plunging necklines. Black tie is supposed to be elegant and refined. For formal dress codes, longer dresses and special-occasion fabrics are still a good idea, but a full-length gown is not necessary.
What's The Difference Between Formal and Black Tie?
It's sometimes hard to distinguish between a formal dress code and a black-tie dress code, especially since terms are used a bit interchangably both in dress code discussions and on retail sites. Keep in mind that a black-tie dress is always a formal style, but not all formal styles are considered black-tie.
A black-tie dress code for dress wearers almost always calls for a floor-length gown, so formal dresses that are ankle length don't make the cut. The shortest length of a black-tie dress should be long enough to hit the tops of your feet, so that the tips of your toes are visible in heels or whatever footwear you're wearing. True black tie is a long, floor-sweeping gown in column, A-line, or ball gown style. Separates are also acceptable, but the skirt should be full length, or the suit must be highly formal for women; a tuxedo is required for men.
For a formal dress code, slightly less formal dresses are long dresses in formal fabrics, but some tea-length and mid-length cocktail dresses, as well as maxi dresses, in more casual cuts and fabrics also qualify as formal. There's no need to wear a floor-sweeping gown; just a longer formal style dress or suit will do. Midi-length cocktail dresses that are heavy on elegance and embellishment are usually appropriate for formal or black-tie optional events, but not for the strictest black-tie styles.
Gowns and Wedding Guest Dresses for Formal Weddings and Black-Tie Dress Codes
If you're heading to a formal wedding where a longer dress is in order, but black tie is not required, these formal gowns and dresses will work nicely. While many of these are also fine for black tie, we've sprinkled in more formal styles that are a touch more casual. When looking for a dress for a formal wedding, lighter fabrics and less-structured maxi dresses qualify as formal attire, when black tie is not required. Ankle-length dresses and high-low styles are perfectly acceptable for formal wear. However, being slightly overdressed is never a bad thing. If you're a male wedding guest or tuxedo wearer, here's where we keep more tuxedos for weddings and women's tuxedos.
Styles of Black Tie and Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
Summer Black Tie Wedding Guest
Summer black tie still means finding a floor-length gown, but choosing lightweight fabrics like chiffon and lace and bringing in light, airy colors. In our view, a lighter, looser silhouette kaftan-like is also fine, although this is a bit of a departure from fall and winter black tie where a more structured look is warranted. It's just a matter of comfort and temperature; no one can wear a heavy satin black ball gown to an outdoor summer wedding and feel comfortable.
Spring Black Tie Wedding
Florals always come to mind for spring dressing, and we think both soften and elevate the look of any long gown.
Fall Black Tie Wedding
As the months get colder, we see the rise in black-tie wedding invitations and longer gowns. Fall is often the first season to see an influx of more formal dressing for special events. Wearing a floor-length dress in a fall tone like burgundy, navy, rust, dark green, or even classic black is a great look for this time of year. We'll update this page, but we also have lots more specific fall formal wedding guest picks for fall weddings here, with many styles that will work for black tie dress codes.
Winter Black Tie Wedding
Winter and the holiday season were just made for dressing in your finest! Velvets, metallics, and the holiday colors of the season like gold, pewter, sapphire blue, green, and burgundy are wonderful choices for winter wedding style! See all of our picks for winter formal dresses, winter wedding guest dresses, or see more velvet wedding guest dresses.
Plus Size Formal Gowns
This gorgeous plus-size gown has plenty of sparkle. We also love this style that works for nearly every season. We have more plus-size wedding guest dress ideas for you to peruse!
Affordable Black Tie Attire
We are firm believers that dressing up shouldn't be cost-prohibitive. We find that places like Lulus and Rent the Runway offer some of the best affordable styles for black-tie weddings! See all of our picks for affordable black-tie dresses.
Rustic Formal Dress
While rustic black tie is a little confusing, since a rustic venue doesn't usually align with a true black-tie dress code, more formal styles of rustic dress can be called for in some settings. After all, even weddings in the countryside or at a barn venue can call for a little bit of formality. If you've been invited to a rustic formal wedding, here's one dress we love. See more picks for rustic wedding guest dresses.
Beach Formal
Just like a rustic wedding, some beach weddings can be a little bit more formal than just sun, sand, and flip-flops. If you've been asked to dress for a black-tie wedding at a beach venue like a beach club or an oceanside resort, but still want a beachy style, try a flowy yet formal dress like this. If you want to continue your search. we have many, many more picks for beach wedding guest dresses.
Black Tie Optional
As we discuss in the dress code recommendations below, a black tie optional means that you don't necessarily need a long gown, but a formal style is still in order. An above-the-ankle maxi like this, a dressy midi or tea-length cocktail dress, or a high-low dress style can be just the thing.
Colorful Black Tie
We're seeing more and more modern weddings that call for festive or colorful black tie. This means a black or navy gown probably isn't the one to pick. Instead, go bold with citrus colors, coral, yellow, hot pink, vibrant blues, and greens. Just thinking about all that color makes us happy! The pictures of the gathered guests are sure to be fantastic!
Pink Formal Gown
Pink can be a great choice for a black tie event. Since so many bridal party colors include pale pink or blush, you may want to select a deep color like bright pink (especially for colorful black tie) or something with a bit more coral tone, or a purple mauve pink for a fall or winter wedding . if you'd like to browse some more, we've collected ideas for more pink dresses for wedding guests.
Red Formal Gown
Red is sometimes considered a questionable color for wedding guests, but in most circles, shades of muted red and burgundy are more than acceptable. Here's one great gown, and we have more red dresses for wedding guests for you to consider.
Coral Black Tie Dress
Coral, rust or orange is another unexpected color that can be gorgeous for a beach wedding, a summertime wedding or in a deeper pumpkin color as the seasons transition to fall. More coral dresses for wedding guests.
Yellow Formal Gown
Yellow, or its metallic cousin, gold, can be stunning in a formal gown. Strapless style looks perfect for a warm-weather formal event. See more yellow dresses for weddings.
Green Black Tie Dress
This satin off-the-shoulder style is a classic silhouette in a gorgeous color. A deep emerald tone like this would be a beautiful choice for a late fall or formal winter wedding. This is the See more of the green dresses for wedding guests that we love.
Light Blue Formal Dress
Pale blue is such an elegant color to wear to a wedding, and even more so in a full-length gown like this. A floral style like this is even more festive, ready to be the backdrop for some polished accessories. See more light blue wedding guest dresses we love.
Dark Blue Formal Dress
This modern satin navy blue style is a beautiful look for a black-tie event. This gown is We feel one can very rarely go wrong with a navy blue wedding guest dress!
Purple Formal Dress
This formal gown has a lovely pattern, and its strapless neckline and ruffles add to its femininity. Pair it with some black heels and a clutch, or golden accessories for an even richer look.
See all of the purple dresses for wedding guests we've selected.
Black Formal Gown
There's nothing basic about black when it comes to formal dressing. It's the standard for many black tie styles of dress. You can't go wrong wearing a sleek black gown, or add some interest with a beautiful neckline as this gown has. See more of the black dresses we love for wedding guests.
Tuxedos
As we mentioned in the dress code requirements, a tuxedo is usually standard for male wedding guests. Female wedding guests can choose them as well. Here's where we have our favorite tuxedos for weddings and tuxedos for women.
Formal Jumpsuits
The key to wearing a jumpsuit to a formal wedding is to make sure it's in a very formal fabric like this satin style. Even though we're showing a variation in terracotta, a black dressy jumpsuit can also be a good idea, since black is always such a formal style. Here are more jumpsuits we recommend to wear to weddings, and more black jumpsuits for special occasions.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
If you haven't already, you may want to read our wedding guest dress code guidelines for more details on how to dress for a black-tie wedding vs. a formal wedding. For convenience, we'll also go over some of our tips here as well:
A black-tie dress code for a wedding is a formal and elegant dress standard. It is typically reserved for evening events, although sometimes in the wedding world, you will encounter weddings that start in the afternoon but have this dress code because of the reception following the wedding. Semi-formal is the most common wedding dress code, and formal is a step above that, with black tie being a special case. If you're unsure about any specifics, see if you can get more information from your hosts via the wedding invite, wedding website or through other members of the wedding party for clarification on the dress code. Be sure to ask early; do not wait to ask your wedding attire questions in the days leading up to the wedding and certainly never on the wedding day itself!
Formal Attire Tips For All Guests
- Dress tastefully. Avoid overly revealing outfits, very casual attire, or flashy styles that are overly attention-grabbing.
- Adhere to the other cues regarding the type of formal attire. If a color scheme or additional elements of black-tie attire are expected, try to embrace the theme, weather, and style of the event while choosing attire that reflects the day's formal tone.
Women's Black Tie Dress Code
- A -floor-length formal gown is called for, rather than a midi or cocktail dress. If you aren't a dress wearer, a formal suit, a women's tuxedo in black or navy, a floor-length long skirt and formal dressy top, or pants with a formal top are also options. When shopping, you want to look for gowns and evening gowns. Sometimes dresses labeled as formal maxi dresses can work; just make sure the fabric is more formal, like chiffon, rayon, silk, or satin, and not a light sundress material or informal stretch jersey.
- Some very formal evening black-tie events may request that the women wear gowns in darker colors such as black, navy, or deep jewel tones. However, we are seeing much more flexibility with personal style and colorful dresses in black-tie dressing. This means that richly hued, colorful, or patterned gowns are not only allowed but often preferred to reflect the celebratory nature of a wedding.
- As always, steer away from anything in the white, ivory, cream, off-white, or pale nude color family. Since you may be wearing a full-length gown, anything off-white may easily resemble a wedding gown and is, therefore, a big no-no.
- If you know what color the bridesmaids or other members of the wedding party are wearing, try to avoid those colors. However, this can be difficult to predict, especially with trends like mismatched bridesmaid dresses in multiple colors.
- Wear some elegant accessories. Choose sophisticated accessories like evening clutches, jewelry, and elegant strappy heels, embellished high heel sandals, or dressed-up low heels or flats if you can't or don't wear heels.
- If you have fine jewelry, now is a great time to wear it, but you can also find affordable faux pearl, rhinestone, CZ, and crystal costume jewelry that will be just as elegant and have a glamorous, elevated yet tasteful effect.
- Hair can be styled in an elegant updo or left down, but certainly try to make it neat and elegant. While not required, the elevated style of dress can be an opportunity to try a style more glamorous or formal than your day-to-day hair.
- Makeup, if you wear it, can also be more glamorous than daytime looks. Smokey eyes, lashes, statement lipstick, and other elements of glam certainly fit in here.
Men's Black Tie Dress Code
- A well-tailored black tuxedo jacket and trousers are recommended, although some formal cuts of black suits and dinner jackets can also work. Ask for the best recommendation of what the current fashionable cut of tuxedo jacket is.
- Again, if you're in a crowd where you know creative black tie is encouraged, then you may fit right in with a tux in a different color or dinner jacket, but most likely you should stay away from novelty patterned tuxes.
- A fresh white dress shirt with a pleated or piqué front is customary
- A black, self-tied bow tie is the traditional choice for the most formal and classic black tie, but some weddings allow for a bit more creativity. If there's some flexibility, you may wish to choose bow ties that have a subtle pattern, texture, or a regular black tie in solid black.
- Polished black leather dress shoes and black socks are appropriate, typically oxfords or patent leather shoes.
- Cufflinks, formal buttons or stud sets, and a black vest, suspenders or cummerbund can be added if it suits your style.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Optional or Formal Wedding
To us, a black-tie optional dress code means that guests may dress in formal attire, as outlined above, or opt for a slightly lower level of formality than described in those guidelines. It's still a formal and elegant look but with a bit more of a relaxed approach. This allows for a bit more of the flexibility with color and individual style we mentioned above while maintaining a level of sophistication and formality appropriate for the occasion. In general, it's best to lean towards a more formal, elegant look when attending a wedding with a black-tie-optional dress code.
For Women
A formal long dress is still the traditional choice here, but you may also choose to dress in formal cocktail attire. The gown should be long, but it doesn't have to meet the floor, and the fabric and silhouette don't have to be as structured. This means a below-the-knee dressy formal cocktail dress or a chic formal jumpsuit, pantsuit, or formal skirt and top for your outfit. This is also a great time to wear fitted, formal maxi dresses that don't have the floor-length style preferred for black tie.
Accessories, makeup, and hair should still be elegant, but elements like sparkly jewelry or all-out glamour are not as emphasized.
For Men
A tuxedo is still a choice, but you may also choose a dark-colored suit, usually navy or black. A black suit is the most common choice for black tie optional. A white formal shirt with a tie is expected. While a black bow tie is traditional, you can opt for a regular necktie that gives a formal look, usually black or in a single dark color.
Where to Shop For Black Tie Wedding Attire
While black tie is the most formal, elegant, and by extension fancy and luxurious style of attire, it need not be cost-prohibitive to get dressed for this type of wedding. There are plenty of stores that will give you that black tie style within your budget.
However, if designer dressing and formal attire are your thing, and you can't wait to show up in a fantastic designer dress, we also have options for how to find the best designer gowns and stand-out formal looks for your next black tie wedding.
Best Online Stores For Special Occasion Gowns and Formal Attire
Here is a list of the stores where we routinely search to find the best formal gowns and black tie attire.
- Nordstrom has everything for wedding guests, including formal gowns and tuxedos. When we last checked, there were hundreds of formal styles, including labels we love like Dress the Population, Sachin + Babi, and Mac Duggal again!
- For a world-class selection of designer evening gowns, of course, Saks is the place to look. Designer styles from some of our favorites like Carolina Herrera, Rene Ruiz, Teri Jon, Mac Duggal, Oscar de la Renta, and more.
- Rent the Runway is a great option if you love the look of some of the formal gown designers from Saks, but just want to rent the look. Rent the Runway has all sorts of top designer names and black-tie dress styles for rent. Not only is it a sustainable approach to getting dressed, but it's also like getting a closet full of black-tie options for an affordable price.
- Lulus is another spot for affordable black-tie gowns, with lots of options usually under $100. It's one of our favorite spots for wedding guest dresses to begin with, and we love the elegant, modern gown
- Sachin & Babi is one of our new favorites for wedding attire. They offer some of the most elegant silhouettes and fabrics, and beautiful rich colors and patterns. There are lots of options for modest black tie as well.
- Mac Duggal is one of our favorite designers for all kinds of special occasion dressing. The level of detail in the beading, the beautiful colors of the gowns, and the formal styles are so eye-catching. A specialty is their long-sleeve gowns that are completely striking and full of sophistication.
- Revolve has the ultimate selection of modern designer wedding guests, and their section of formal dresses is like a dream. If you want to be both well-dressed and have a unique and modern designer gown, Revolve is the first place we'd look!
Past Features
This section is an older part of the post, and the dresses are likely sold out. You may have reached this page from this image, which is why we keep it as a reference
Featured Dress from ASOS
Originally published September 2013, and updated August 2023, and again July 1. 2026
