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Updated Dec 06, 202325 Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses That Exude Elegance
Your search for the finest formal gowns ends here.
If you've RSVP'd to a black-tie wedding, get ready to dress to the nines. Black-tie attire is one of the most formal wedding dress codes (with only white tie beating it for the top spot). Finding a glitzy and fancy ensemble can feel like an intimidating task, but we're here to make securing a black-tie wedding guest dress super easy. That way, you can keep your focus on the fun part—getting all dolled up for your big night out.
Below, we've rounded up the most elegant dresses for black-tie weddings in every style and silhouette, from sophisticated maxi gowns to festive embellished frocks. All of our options are black-tie appropriate, celebratory and party-ready, so let's dive into our top picks.
1. Shoshanna Vivine Tossed Rose Gown in Black
Slip into this refined floral gown with a chic one-shoulder neckline for an outdoor black-tie wedding in the spring or summer. The dark hue keeps it formal enough for black-tie attire, while the pretty pink floral details add a whimsical element.
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2. Sachin & Babi Aubrey Gown in Washed Indigo
From the collapsible bow detail on the one-shoulder neckline to the flared maxi skirt, there's a lot to love about this luxurious dress for black-tie weddings. We also have to call out the captivating Washed Indigo hue, which is appropriate for the most formal of events all year round.
3. Mac Duggal Short-Sleeve Floral Chiffon Ruffled Gown
We can't help but picture this romantic floral gown in a lush garden setting straight out of Bridgerton. The high neckline, ruffled maxi skirt and picturesque blooms make it an eye-catching style that'll earn tons of compliments from fellow guests.
4. Nookie Bailey Gown in Muscat
This maxi slip dress—with adjustable straps and a plunging low back—comes in three fabulous shades. But we're particularly fond of the rich red hue (muscat), which can be accessorized for black-tie attire with gold accessories and a bedazzled clutch.
5. Needle & Thread Rose Bluebell Esme Gown in Pink
Those who love a vintage look will adore this tulle gown printed with soft roses inspired by 1800s floral artwork. And thanks to the voluminous skirt and tulle frill details, you're sure to be the best-dressed guest in this ethereal frock. Better yet, the soft Pink hue would work beautifully for a daytime spring or summer black-tie soirée.
6. Reformation Andee Dress in Danube
Crafted from lightweight georgette fabric, this formal dress for black-tie weddings has a sleek halter neckline, an open back and a floor-skimming maxi skirt with a side slit. It's offered in a few shades and prints, but we're loving the dark blue hue for black-tie nuptials for any season.
7. BHLDN Leila Satin Charmeuse Dress in Dark Emerald
Available in plus and standard sizes, this emerald satin charmeuse dress would look dreamy for a black-tie winter wedding. Other notable features include the plunge V-neckline, draped bodice and long maxi skirt. Consider styling it with gold or silver statement earrings and heeled sandals to complete your sophisticated wedding guest outfit.
8. Floral Sequin Print Plus-Size Mermaid Tulle Evening Dress
Get ready to make a statement in this short-sleeve black-tie wedding guest gown covered in shimmering vines. The floor-sweeping tulle skirt is pure elegance—and we love it in gold for spring and summer functions.
9. Marchesa Embroidered Floral V-Neck Gown
With short illusion sleeves, this dreamy gown with a romantic floral print will work for both the warmer and cooler months. Our favorite details on this dress are the v-neckline and elegant tulle details, making the gown refined and modern at the same time.
10. Badgley Mischka Strapless Bow Gown in Black
You'll turn heads in this strapless gown topped with an oversized bow on the neckline. The ultra-soft velvet material was made for fall and winter affairs, while the mermaid skirt adds a fun flair to the sophisticated silhouette. Bonus: First-time RTR users, use the code KNOTRENTAL to receive 25% off your first rental of $75 or more.
11. Kiyonna Screen Siren Lace Evening Gown in Nocturnal Navy
Exquisite lace and scalloped detailing come together to create this unique and refined plus-size gown for black-tie weddings. Best of all, the dark navy hue goes just as well with silver accessories as it will with gold.
12. Show Me Your Mumu Tuscany Maxi Slip Dress in Black
You can't go wrong with a floor-length dress for black-tie wedding guests. This elegant style boasts a cowl neckline with a built-in shelf bra lining and adjustable criss-cross straps at the back. Another plus? The style can easily be worn again to other events—or be used as a bridesmaid dress if you're in the market.
13. Lulus Eternal Bond Blush Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress
If you're headed to a sunny wedding destination with a black-tie dress code, take a look at this soft pink gown. The ruffled floor-sweeping style, elegant slit, v-neckline, and flowing short sleeves make it ideal for an oceanfront ceremony and dancing under the palm trees.
14. BHLDN Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress in Black
Available in sizes 0 to 26W, this satin charmeuse maxi dress is a stunning choice for a black-tie wedding in any season. The timeless dress features a graceful high neckline, an open back and a long maxi skirt, and comes in a selection of formal colors that'll make a big statement.
15. One33 Social Zebra Jacquard Gown in Green
This long-sleeve black-tie wedding guest dress is the epitome of elegance, thanks to the elevated jacquard fabric. Better yet, the balloon sleeves and long maxi skirt will create beautiful movement as you make your way effortlessly through the ceremony and reception.
16. City Chic Forbidden Love Off the Shoulder Dress
Looking for spring or summer black-tie wedding guest dresses? This eye-catching gown comes in two stunning shades, pink and black, for daytime formal functions. Let's not forget to talk about that off-the-shoulder neckline—great for showing off your new gold necklace or chandelier earrings.
17. Lulus Everything I Do Velvet Cowl Neck Mermaid Maxi Dress in Wine
You'll want to dance all night long in this velvet wedding guest dress for black-tie attire. The form-fitting maxi dress boasts a cowl neckline, a princess-seamed bodice and a body-hugging mermaid silhouette. Choose from three beautiful color options for winter or fall functions: Wine, Navy or Rust Brown.
18. Reformation Evelyn Dress in Orchids
This botanical-covered black-tie dress for weddings is a stunning option for all seasons, from winter to summer. From the chic one-shoulder neckline to the tasteful side slit in the maxi skirt, you'll want to get tons of pictures in this blooming beauty.
19. Betsy & Adam Women's Sleeveless Ruffle-Detail Gown
You'll get lost in the beautiful details of this black-tie wedding guest dress. It starts with a round neckline and then flows with a ruffled skirt. Oh, and we have to call out that sneaky slit below.
20. NBD Cecelia Gown in Black
You'll bring all the glitz and glam in this shimmering black-tie dress for weddings. This piece features a turtleneck, sheer sleeves with shoulder cutouts and a sophisticated long skirt. To finish your ensemble, add pearl earrings and a bedazzled clutch.
21. Ivy City Co. Whimsical Dress in Emerald
There are so many lovable features on this Emerald black-tie wedding guest dress, from the dreamy flutter sleeves and ruffled bodice to the layered tulle skirt. And it comes in a range of pretty hues for every wedding guest style, so choose the shade that makes you feel your best. (Psst: you can't go wrong with darker hues for black-tie weddings).
22. Mac Duggal Embellished Flutter-Sleeve Tea-Length Dress in Midnight
This tea-length dress is a lovely choice if you're looking for a shorter hemline for a black-tie event. The polished style has semi-sheer flutter sleeves and is embellished with sparkly beads throughout the silhouette. Swoon.
23. Boohoo Petite Bandeau Scuba Train Maxi Dress in Black
You're guaranteed to turn heads (in a good way) in this petite black-tie dress for weddings, thanks to the graceful strapless neckline and sophisticated maxi skirt. Designed for women 5'3 and under, this lightweight jersey gown was meant to dance all night in.
24. Sachin & Babi Gabby Gown in Magenta
If you haven't heard, the new Barbiecore fashion trend is all about embracing the color pink (and Magenta also happens to be Pantone's 2023 color of the year). Here's a black-tie gown that embodies the popular aesthetic of Barbie while still remaining elegant. We're partially taken with the billowing sleeves, embellished V-neckline and center slit.
25. Birdy Grey Ash Dress Curve in Black
This affordable wedding guest dress under $100 is a gorgeous black-tie option that proves that less is more. It comes in sizes XS to 3X, as well as a rainbow of hues, including Olive, Emerald and Cabernet—but you can't go wrong with Black for upscale weddings.
