Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Eve Dawes
What to wear to a black tie wedding? The most stunning black tie wedding guest dresses
Black tie wedding dress codes and black tie optional wedding guest dresses can be a bit daunting but they’re the most fun to shop for. It’s an excuse to shop for the most beautiful gown or floor length dress you might not have had a reason to wear before. Before you go into panic mode wondering what to wear to a black tie wedding, use this excuse to get glammed up and shop for the gown of your dreams. These are the best black tie wedding guest and event dresses that more than pass the dress code from brands best sellers to the most fashion forward styles. Keep reading to learn more about the do’s and don’t of black tie wedding attire or jump straight to shop the dresses.
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Do’s and don’ts of Black Tie wedding guest dress and event shopping
For women, a black tie wedding guest dress code normally means an evening dress or floor length gown. A lot of black tie event dress codes have got more relaxed but I tend to prefer to play it on the side of caution. I’d always rather be the most elegantly dressed person in the room than the most underdressed person.
In the US the colors are a bit different to the UK but for both, white dresses are obviously a major don’t except for the bride. In the US, guests normally stick with darker colors like jewel tones (emerald, ruby, sapphire), navy, burgundy, plum, even black is OK.
What shoes should I wear to a black tie event
Footwear wise, keep the shoes in the same theme of the dress. A black tie wedding guest dress requires dressy heels (even if they’re kitten heels), strappy heeled sandals or stiletto pumps. Leave your chunky soles and platforms at home for this. Unless you need a height boost to make the hem of your gown work and you won’t see the platforms.
What length is appropriate for black tie wedding guest and event dresses
If you’re sure it’s ok, a cocktail length / tea-length (mid calf or longer) dress is an option if it’s black tie optional or you know it’ll be more relaxed. However, I’m sticking to longer length gowns in this edit as why not glam up while you have the opportunity.
Do I have to wear a dress to a black tie event
If you’re a woman wanting to wear a suit instead of a gown, I’d either go for a very dressy jumpsuit or hold up to the same standards as the men and make it a tux. Unless it says black tie optional. However, it’s always safest to go with a full length dress. Women’s tuxedos are on trend this year and there are some beautifully tailored ones out there.
Shop the best black tie wedding guest dresses
These are the most stunning and black tie wedding guest dress appropriate styles I found during my search through thousands at all price points. Some are more black tie optional wedding guest appropriate than strictly black tie like the pretty chiffon floral floor length dress.
Other styles are a little sexier, so use your best judgement as you know the bride better than I do. Others are safe bets for even the most formal dress code guest invite.
Evening gloves are always an elegant touch but not essential. So if you’ve always wanted to wear them, now’s your chance.
My black tie wedding guest dress
I spent forever finding my black tie gown for a ball this Summer. I looked at thousands on bridal, pageant, department and all of my favorite online stores. Eventually I chose this one for the emerald color, which is on trend and not too bright for formal dress codes.
I wanted something a little unique which the backless style of this dress is with it’s asymmetrical straps. As well as something that was fashion forward but classic. That wasn’t dated or dowdy and that I could dance in.
I had it hemmed and added horsehair to the bottom for shape and had the zipper replaced so that it wasn’t as low cut. I have a super short torso so a lot of backless styles come up too low on me and aren’t appropriate as a black tie event dress.
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More wedding guest styles to love
If your wedding guest invite is less formal, have a look at these curated wedding guest fashion edits.
