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Updated May 15, 202425 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 glamorous 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 beautiful ball gowns to sophisticated slip dresses. All of our options are black-tie appropriate, celebratory and totally dance floor-ready.
In this article…
- Our Favorite Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
- Where to Buy Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
- What is a Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress?
Our Favorite Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Chances are, your day-to-day errands might not bring you in contact with a lot of places where black-tie wedding guest dresses are sold. That's okay. There are plenty of looks available to shop online and we're rounding up all our favorites here. The best part is these can all be shipped straight to your door, which is perfect if you're in a pinch for time. So, let's get to shopping!
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Badgley Mischka Strapless Bow Gown
Photo: Rent The Runway
Here's a look that takes the term 'black-tie' quite literally. Its ultra-soft velvet material was made for fall and winter affairs, while its mermaid skirt and oversized bow decal add a fun flair to its sophisticated silhouette.
Size Range: 0 - 14
Milla Emerald Green Tulle Maxi Dress with a Corset Bustier
Photo: Milla
You'll feel like royalty in this beautiful ball gown. Its regal details include a buster bodice with exposed boning and a voluminous tulle skirt. Go bold with this emerald green option, or opt for the same silhouette in a softer, dusty rose color.
Size Range: XXS - XXL
Sachin & Babi Bonnie Gown in Pewter
Photo: Sachin & Babi
This champagne-colored gown is certainly worthy of a toast. It features gorgeous details throughout, including an asymmetric neckline with an oversized bow motif at the shoulder. Pair it with a set of patent pumps and drop earrings for a timeless black-tie wedding look.
Size Range: 0 - 14
Ieena for Mac Duggal Ruffle Shoulder Gown
Photo: Rent The Runway
We can't help but picture this romantic floral gown at an upscale outdoor venue such as a garden or villa. Its ruffled shoulder details, side cutouts and open back make for an eye-catching option that'll earn tons of compliments from fellow guests. Plus, the blue hues of this gown are flattering for virtually anyone.
Size Range: 0P - 16
ELOQUII Satin Puff Sleeve Pleated Dress in Marine Blue
Photo: ELOQUII
This satin midi dress is a lovely choice if you're looking for a slightly shorter hemline for a black-tie event. Its polished silhouette, featuring a V-neckline, a gathered bodice and long puff sleeves makes it just as elegant as a floor-length gown (and easier to dance in, we might add). The sleeve detail makes it a great choice for a religious ceremony or winter affair.
Size Range: 14 - 32
Marchesa Notte Alex Gown in Black Multi
Photo: Marchesa Notte
This botanical-covered black-tie dress is a stunning option for all seasons, from winter to summer. From its chic off-the-shoulder neckline to its ruched bodice and A-line maxi skirt, we're sure you'll want to get tons of pictures in this blooming beauty.
Size Range: 0 - 18
Reformation Rosalynn Dress in Lipstick
Photo: Reformation
You'll turn heads for all the right reasons when you're rocking this wedding guest dress. Its vibrant red hue certainly commands attention. Of course, we can't go without mentioning its sexy silhouette, which features an attached neck scarf.
Size Range: 0 - 12
L'IDÉE Tuileries Split Gown in Noir
Photo: L'IDÉE
This pleated maxi dress—with a plunging neckline and exaggerated ruffle detailing on the shoulders—comes in three fabulous shades. We're particularly fond of the 'Noir' option for a black-tie event, since it can easily be accessorized with gold jewelry and a bedazzled clutch.
Size Range: 6 - 16
Park & Fifth Ainsley Dress in Black
Photo: Park & Fifth
Looking for a dress you can rewear after the wedding? This versatile maxi dress will do just the trick. A mini rosette decal adds an elegant touch to its otherwise streamlined silhouette. Pair it with pumps for a black-tie wedding, then with sandals for special occasions afterward.
Size Range: XXS - XXL
Lulus Fleur of Dreams Green and Pink Floral Print Organza Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Slip into this strapless floral gown for an outdoor black-tie wedding in the spring or summer. Its dark hue keeps it formal enough for a black-tie event, while its pink floral pattern and tiered skirt add a fun and flirty touch.
Size Range: XS - XL
L'IDÉE Masquerade Strapless Midi Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
It's easy to get lost in the beautiful details of this wedding guest dress. It starts with a unique structural peplum bodice that gives way to a streamlined pleated skirt. Its navy blue hue makes it a great choice for all seasons—and a standout in a sea of black. Add some would pair some silver shoes and diamond accessories for extra flair.
Size Range: 0 - 16
Retrofête Doss Dress in Champagne Gold
Photo: Retrofête
You'll bring all the glitz and glam in this shimmering black-tie dress for weddings. It features a ruched bodice with spaghetti straps and a pleated A-line skirt, all cut from lustrous lamé fabric. Pair it with stilettos and a sophisticated clutch and you'll be *golden*.
Size Range: XXS - XXL
Milla Elegant Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Photo: Milla
Looking to make a grand entrance? We've got just the look for you. This voluminous tulle ball gown, featuring a bustier bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves, is seriously as elegant as it gets. Plus, it's navy blue hue makes it ideal for an evening black-tie event.
Size Range: XXS - XXL
Amsale P704 in Lilac Multi
Photo: Amsale
Thanks to its cat eye neckline, ruched bodice and bold floral print, you're sure to be the best-dressed guest in this gorgeous gown. Better yet, its vibrant lilac hue would work beautifully for a spring or summer black-tie soirée.
Size Range: 00 - 28
ELOQUII Scarf Neck Maxi Dress
Photo: ELOQUII
There's so much to love about this black maxi dress, from its asymmetric neckline to its draped neck scarf. Not to mention, it's available in sizes 14 through 32, making it the perfect plus size pick. Imagine all the re-wear potential! (Psst: you can't go wrong with darker shades for black-tie weddings).
Size Range: 14 - 32
Lulus Broadway Show Emerald Green High-Low Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
From its halter neckline to its high-low style skirt, there's a lot to love about this luxurious dress for black-tie weddings. Of course, we can't go without mentioning its captivating emerald green color, which is appropriate for the most formal of events all year round.
Size Range: XS - XL
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress in Copper
Photo: Reformation
Crafted from luxuriously smooth silk charmeuse fabric, this high-neck gown is as comfortable as it is cute. It's offered in a few different shades and prints, but we're loving this copper option for black-tie nuptials, especially in the fall.
Size Range: 0 - 12
Birdy Grey Mira Convertible Dress in Cabernet
Photo: Birdy Grey
The only thing better than finding the perfect wedding guest dress is finding one you can rewear to events all year round. Thanks to this convertible gown's detachable sleeves, you can switch up your style as you please, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, especially black-tie weddings.
Size Range: XS - 3XL
Badgley Mischka Strapless Gown With Cape
Photo: Rent The Runway
This modest wedding guest dress is an ideal option if you're attending a wedding ceremony at a church, temple or mosque (although we think it would look lovely in any venue). Its draped over-the-shoulder cape can be removed to reveal a classic strapless gown underneath—perfect for the reception or after-party. Who says a guest can't have two looks? Not us!
Size Range: 0 - 16
Birdy Grey Shamin Dress in Black
Photo: Birdy Grey
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—and classic black. When shopping for a black tie ensemble, rich hues are best, but this silhouette has options.
Size Range: XS - 3XL
One33 Social Zebra Jacquard Gown in Green
Photo: Rent The Runway
This long-sleeve look is the epitome of elegance (and an excellent option for those looking for a modest wedding guest dress, we might add). Its balloon sleeves and long maxi skirt will create beautiful movement as you make your way effortlessly through the ceremony and reception.
Size Range: 0 - 14
BHLDN Blake Square-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
Trust us when we say this dress will become your new go-to throughout wedding season and beyond. It's streamlined silhouette, featuring a square neckline and side leg slit, makes it easy to accessorize to your liking. Available in both standard and plus sizing, it's a standout option for any event.
Size Range: XS - 3XL
ELOQUII Strapless Crinoline Dress
Photo: ELOQUII
With a tea length that cuts off just above the ankles, this strapless black dress is an elegant alternative to a full-length gown for your next formal affair. Its shorter length and breezy A-line skirt allow you to show off your moves (and an amazing pair of dancing shoes) without any restriction.
Size Range: 14 - 28
BHLDN Leila Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown
Photo: Anthropologie
Available in both standard and plus sizes, this emerald satin charmeuse dress would look dreamy for a black-tie winter wedding. Some notable features include its 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 look.
Size Range: 0 - 26W
Show Me Your Mumu Tuscany Maxi Slip Dress in Black
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
You can't go wrong with a floor-length dress for a black-tie wedding. 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.
Size Range: XXS - XXL
Where to Buy Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Continuing your search for the perfect black-tie wedding guest dress? Check out a few of our favorite online retailers. There's a little something for everyone in this lineup, including options for every style and budget.
Anthropologie: This beloved retailer has a section on their website dedicated to black-tie wedding guest dresses, making it easy to shop the brands you know and love, like Selkie, Hutch and Reformation, from one convenient place.
Mac Duggal: When it comes to black-tie attire, nobody does it quite like Mac Duggal. They offer a wide selection of evening gowns and dresses perfect for any formal affair (including options with a whole lot of bling).
Milla: Milla is the perfect place to shop on-trend evening wear. They're unique black-tie wedding guest dress options will certainly make a statement at your next event.
Lulus: You don't have to break the bank to find the perfect black-tie wedding guest dress. Lulus has elegant options that cost less than $100, but look like a total splurge.
Rent The Runway: Speaking of saving money, renting is another option to consider when dressing for a black-tie event. Not only is it cost-effective, but it's also sustainable. Plus, Rent The Runway has so many stylish looks to choose from.
What is a Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress?
Black-tie attire is one of the more strict wedding dress codes (you can learn all about it here). When it comes to dresses, you'll want to stick to darker colors like navy blue and black. Jewel tones can also be acceptable options, especially if you're attending an event in the fall or winter. Of course, like any dress code, there is a bit of flexibility. If you're attending a wedding in the spring or summer, for instance, you might choose to incorporate florals, or other patterns, into your look. Likewise, if the event is taking place at a more casual location, such as a beach or garden, there's an opportunity to experiment more with color. This is where red, green and even orange dresses might come into play. For a black-tie event, we typically recommend sticking to floor-length silhouettes, but midi dresses can work too if they're a bit more elevated in design.
