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If you receive a wedding invitation in the mail and it says “black tie attire”, you may be wondering what to wear. You want to choose the proper attire for the dress code, but you also want to look and feel your very best. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to choose the right attire so you can be confident in this dress code. You’ll also find out what black-tie means, the do’s and dont’s of attire, and shop the best black tie wedding guest dresses for the occasion.

Let’s get started!

Black Tie Dress Code: What It Means

Black tie wedding meaning: Formal! A black tie wedding is considered the most formal of guest attire.

Black tie wedding attire is formal at its finest: women should wear a floor-length dress and men should wear a tuxedo.

Formal shoes such as heels and dress shoes are appropriate. Jewelry and accessories should also be formal in style.

Hair can be worn down or in an updo.

What To Wear

► DO wear long, floor-length dresses to a black-tie wedding.

Female guests should wear long evening dresses.

► DO wear tuxedos.

Men should wear tuxedos for black tie attire.

► DO pull out the formal footwear: formal shoes should be worn.

► DO wear tasteful jewelry.

What NOT To Wear

► Don’t wear short dresses.

► Don’t wear anything too revealing or cut-out inappropriately.

► Don’t wear a midi-length dress or tea-length dress.

Black Tie Optional or Preferred

If — and only if! — the invitation says, “Black tie preferred” or “Black tie optional”, you can theoretically wear a cocktail dress and men may wear a dark suit. But this is ONLY if it says preferred or optional on the invitation.

How to Accessorize Black Tie Dresses

Wear glam accessories: sparkly drop earrings, a matching necklace, and a bracelet. Wear your favorite pair of nice shoes.

Men should wear cuff links and a wristwatch; hair should be styled and groomed. Men should wear shiny, polished dress shoes.

Here’s a short video with all of this info!

While a traditional dress code with a black tie noted on the invite may sound expensive, that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable options. There are many fabulous and inexpensive black tie dresses you can wear, as well as more luxurious brands.

In this round-up, we’re sharing the best black tie wedding guest dresses 2024 has to offer below including many price ranges to suit your budget along with seasonal picks for spring, summer, winter, and fall styles.

1. One-Shoulder Black Maxi Dress, $68

This wildly-popular dress is perfect as black-tie guest attire. Get it here.

2. Gold and Sequin Formal Gown, $68

This sequined dress will make a statement featuring gold tones and roses allover. It has a unique mermaid fit for a little flare. Shop here.

3. Magenta Organza Floral Gown, $89

This is one of the best black tie wedding guest dresses 2024 has to offer! It is loved by reviewers and features a pretty allover floral print which is very trendy right now. The magenta color is gorgeous! Get it here.

4. Strappy Black Maxi, $84

I want this dress! It’s the perfect formal attire for a black tie wedding and features an elegant strappy back and higher neckline in the front. The flared skirt is made for dancing the night away! See it here.

5. Classic Black Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $99

You can’t go wrong with a classic long-length formal dress in black. It features a curve-hugging fabric, deep v-neckline, and a long-length silhouette. Get it here.

6. Navy Blue Lace Dress with Ruffled Tiers, $92

This unique guest dress features lovely lace tiers allover with a cut that hits just at the ankle, fitting the maxi length nicely while showing off your favorite pair of heels. Get it here.

7. Burgundy Tulle Dress, $74

This strappy burgundy dress features allover tulle and a plunging neckline. Get it here.

8. V-Neck Off-the-Shoulder, $89

Wear this stylish black gown to the wedding featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline and a flared skirt. See it here.

9. Long Sleeve Lace Dress, $88

I want this dress in my closet! It features a burgundy all-over-lace style with long sleeves and an elegant open back. Perfect black tie wedding attire! See it here.

10. One-Shoulder Ruffle Dress, $89

This is the best black tie wedding guest dress that has an all-black with a one-shoulder style. This dress has a fluid style and silhouette made with a ruffled material. Shop here.

11. Burgundy Tie-Shoulder Maxi, $89

This gorgeous floor-length burgundy maxi dress has a stylish neckline and long slit. Shop now.

12. Satin Mock Neck Dress, $84

This satiny mock neck dress is one of my favorites on our list of best black tie wedding guest dresses: it’s a versatile formal dress you’ll love to dance in all night long. By Lulus. Shop now.

13. Traditional Off-the-Shoulder Gown, $110

A gorgeous classic column-style dress with an off-the-shoulder silhouette. Shop now.

14. Velvet Maxi Dress, $79

This is the best guest wedding dress made with velvet. There are many color options and styles to suit your needs. Shop here.

Burgundy is my fave!

15. Strappy Navy Blue Velvet Dress, $79

Going strappy? Go with this elegant navy blue velvet dress, a fan favorite! Get it here.

16. Asymmetrical Cut-Out Halter, $78

Love this unique guest dress! It features a crepe knit, a high halter neck, and a column skirt. Get it here.

17. Plunging V-Neck Maxi, $89

This stylish satin gown features a deep plunging neckline and a long silhouette. Gorgeous! Shop here.

18. Navy Sequin Floor-Length Dress, $109

For a guest with a classic, minimalist style, try on this dress with a sparkly allover sequin style, a scoop neckline, and a side slit. Buy here.

19. Minimalist Crepe Cowl Neck, $112

This cowl neck gown makes a perfect black tie wedding guest dress! Choose from a few different shades. See it here.

20. Classic Black Maxi, $89

This fit is flattering for all shapes and sizes! It flares out so it hides your belly area but also has a sleeveless silhouette to keep you comfy. Over 5000+ reviews! Many colors available here. Buy now.

21. Floral Jacquard Gown in Green, $78

For a floral look, try this satin jacquard gown with an allover floral design that looks exquisite. Get it here.

22. Plum Velvet Floral Gown, $94

A v-neckline and a floral pattern makes this elegant dress a perfect attire option. See it here.

23. Long Sleeve Black Gown, $69

For an elegant dress you can wear to a black tie wedding and beyond, check out this classic style. I love the neckline here! Adding to cart, brb. :) See more here.

24. Emerald Criss-Cross Cutout Maxi, $99

Just when you thought you couldn’t find a maxi you haven’t already seen before, this magical dress makes an appearance! I love this color, the cut, the flowy skirt — all of it. More colors here. Get it now.

25. Formal Rhinestone Maxi, $69

When you want to dress to the nine’s and add some sparkle to your look, choose this black-tie wedding guest dress! It’s absolutely perfect for a night out. Get it here.

26. Ruffle Shoulder Gown, $89

Rock this beautiful gown at the black-tie wedding and you’ll look like a million bucks. Love the shoulder ruffle and the fit-and-flare skirt. Available here.

27. Green Sequin Lace-Up Maxi, $89

Sparkle and shine in this stylish sequin gown! Get it here.

28. Flutter Sleeve Dress, $79

Velvet makes one of the best guest dresses for a black-tie wedding thanks to its luxurious fabric! I love this dress with its flutter sleeves! See it here.

29. Off-the-Shoulder Velvet Dress, $79

Prefer an off-the-shoulder neckline? This is an elegant style for guests to wear. Buy here. Love it in emerald green!

30. Satin Pleated Cut-Out Maxi, $112

Dance at the reception in this stylish and sleek satin maxi dress with pleats on the skirt. Cute! Get it here.

31. Formal Gown in Sage Green with Cowl Neck, $88

A comfortable yet chic dress to wear for a black-tie wedding! Get it here. Other colors available here.

32. Satin High-Low Dress, $86

Make a grand entrance in this elegant black tie wedding guest dress featuring allover satin and a high-low hemline. See it now.

33. Floral Jacquard Mauve Dress, $108

This gorgeous strapless dress will fit and flatter like a dream! Get it here as the perfect black tie wedding guest dress. Highly rated!

34. Floral Organza Strapless, $99

For a pop of pretty purple color, opt for this flowy organza dress with a strapless neckline. Buy here.

Dressing for a black-tie wedding isn’t so tough now that you know exactly what to wear! When you know the dress code ahead of time, it makes outfit selection so much easier as a wedding guest. With these black tie wedding guest dress suggestions, you’ll be able to wear the best outfit for the event. Whether you choose a maxi dress or an elegant gown, don’t forget to add those accessories and wear the proper footwear for a fun night out.

Now that you know what to wear to a black tie wedding, it’s time to go shopping! Browse more options here and share this post with other guests who may be wondering the same questions as you.

On to you: which of these black tie wedding guest dresses is YOUR style? Tell us in the comment box below!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma