Black Tie Optional Wedding: What It Means and What to Wear
Wedding dress codes can get confusing, and “black tie optional” is a particularly tricky one. How fancy is it, exactly? Do men need to wear a tux? Should women opt for a floor-length gown? What does black tie optional mean, exactly?
It’s actually simpler than it sounds: For a black tie optional wedding, men can wear a tuxedo, but it’s not a requirement. If they end up going tuxedo-less, though, they should wear a formal dark suit and tie instead. Women can go the long evening gown route, but a dressy suit or shorter cocktail dress is fine too.
Still feeling stumped? No worries—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to rent a dress from a service like Rent The Runway or you want to find a dress that you can wear to every black tie optional wedding in the foreseeable future, here are 10 black tie optional getups we’re loving.
Going to a winter wedding? This oxblood-colored dress will wow all the guests at your black tie optional wedding.
Nicole Miller oxblood pleated sweetheart dress, $60-$90, RentTheRunway.com
This dress may be on the shorter side, but its lace details make it a great choice for a black tie optional wedding.
Bardot Paris lace body-con dress, $77-$129, Nordstrom.com
If you’re opting for full-on black tie, this classy, attention-grabbing gown is a great option.
Elliat rust popover gown, $70, RentTheRunway.com
This midi-length, cap-sleeve dress is perfect when you’re looking for a pop of color and a fun print.
Reformation Gavin dress, $218, Reformation.com
This emerald floor-length gown is perfect for a black tie or black tie optional wedding.
Lulus v-neck trumpet gown, $84, Nordstrom.com
Yes, jumpsuits are definitely a thing at black tie optional weddings—and you can’t go wrong this one.
La Petite Robe di Chara Boni Rebecca jumpsuit, $100-$100, RentTheRunway.com
Swishy fringe and a whole lot of shimmer. What more could you want in a dress?
Dress The Population Roxy fringe dress, $320, Nordstrom.com
Stun in florals in this top-notch black tie optional dress.
Shoshana Paladina high low dress, $75-$105, RentTheRunway.com
Wow your guests in velvet in this show-stopping dress option.
Dion Lee Grosgrain-trimmed velvet mini dress, $590, Netaporter.com
You can’t go wrong with cobalt, as this stunning Allison Paris dress proves.
Allison Paris cobalt Marilyn gown, $80-$110, RentTheRunway.com
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