Black-Tie Optional Wedding: What It Means & What To Wear

Table of Content

• Jenny Yoo Ryland Velvet Maxi Dress
• Best Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
• Shop Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
• Formal Fall Wedding Guest Attire
• Where to Buy Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses

The pretty indigo hue is eye-catching, while the puffed crescent sleeves exude elegance. The empire waist, A-line skirt and side slit complete this breathtaking black-tie optional ensemble. Since black tie events are considered an evening affair, you’ll want to look for more dramatic and weightier fabrics.

We have to admit, we’re kind of obsessed with this wide neckline and bell sleeve combination. The sleek and romantic style would look just about perfect with a pair of gold pumps. You can’t go wrong with a simple, black, mermaid dress for a black tie affair. This one has a scoop back and the straps are easily adjustable. Draping is so much fun, and this bold blue hue is a spring and summer favorite. The tie waist is adjustable and there’s even a hidden back zipper.

Jenny Yoo Ryland Velvet Maxi Dress

The satin silhouette starts with a high neckline and dolman flutter sleeves, then flows into a faux wrap bodice and ankle-length maxi skirt. Pair your outfit with gold accessories and black or nude pumps for a sophisticated ensemble. If you’re not sure where to start choosing a black-tie outfit, let the venue and season be the primary key so you can find the right outfit. Meanwhile, some gimmicks will instantly make a silhouette feel black-tie-worthy. Last but not least a timeless black gown or jumpsuit also is the good choice if you want a foolproof black-tie outfit. Dressing up for a black tie wedding is a ton of fun.

This maxi dress is probably the most favorited fall wedding guest dresses 2022 has to offer on this list. Similarly to the one above in rust orange, this burgundy is a wildly popular shade and works perfectly for autumn. It makes a great dress to wear to a fall wedding but also as a bridesmaid dress. You can easily dress up this comfy midi dress, which is why we love it for laid-back autumn wedding attire.

Best Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

While cocktail dresses can be an appropriate option for black tie, long dresses tend to be a more elevated choice. Go for a long sleeve dress like this for autumn wedding guest attire! I love these long sleeves and the deep v-neckline. This is the same dress as #7 above but in black. A perfect little black dress is a great option when wondering what to wear to a fall wedding as a guest.

So, whether you’re headed to a black-tie wedding or are one of the fortunate ones to walk the red carpet at a black-tie event, use our guide to get it right. With a few key pieces—either borrowed or purchased—you’ll soon be looking your best at the season’s best events. The rule of thumb is to stick to the dress code and wear your most formal wear. If you don’t own a suit, it’s probably the time to invest in one, or you could go the tuxedo rental route. If you’re the exception and have quite a few black-tie events coming up, investing in a tuxedo can save money in the long run.

Shop Fall Wedding Guest Dresses

I love ordering online and picking up in-store, so I can easily try my purchase on and immediately return something if it doesn’t fit. Whether it’s the Golden Globes or the Grammys, many of us—male and female—watch for the styles. The fashion chatter usually centers around the ladies; however, there is something to be said for a guy who can successfully achieve a red carpet look. So, take your cues from award show fashion to gain inspiration for what to wear to a black-tie wedding, and forget about any casual attire. Wondering what to wear to a casual wedding in the fall?

From the short puffed sleeves and sweetheart neckline to the orange and white gingham print, it's a casual and affordable option that'll earn tons of compliments. Show off your curves in this figure-hugging midi wedding guest dress for autumn. Sexy and sultry, we're swooning over this fall dress for wedding guests. The slim-fitted silhouette is completed with a straight neckline, slim spaghetti straps and an ankle-length skirt with a center-back slit. Plus, the rich brown color is a foolproof shade you'll want to reach for again and again for fall events. It's also a good idea to be mindful of your budget early on.

This slim-fit tuxedo features a single-breasted jacket with silk-covered peak lapels and buttons. The trousers also have a silk-trimmed outseam to keep up appearances. Simply add a white tuxedo shirt, then you can officially move onto accessories. A white pocket square and black bow tie are foolproof options. This opulent evening dress is covered in sparkly sequins, making it a wonderful option for black-tie optional weddings around the holidays .

This BHLDN slip is warm and flattering, and it can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The rust hue is also quintessentially autumn. For a guest with a classic, minimalist style, try on this dress with a soft wrap neckline, side slit, and a draped maxi skirt made of satin. What do you wear to a black-tie wedding?

19 Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Table of Content

• Dream Architect Tie Dye Twirl Dress Boho Summer Style
• Work Wear Looks with Black Jeans
• Hannah Artwear Rio Open-Back Floral-Print Silk-Habotai Maxi Dress
• Ad Wide Range Of Wedding Dresses, 70% Off, 10000+ Styles, More Color, More Size, Order Now!
• BLACK By Vera Wang Notch Slim-Fit Tuxedo in Black
• City Chic Cute Frills Dress in Navy

A black-tie wedding doesn't just mean wearing a tux—guests should pair it with a tuxedo shirt, bow tie, a polished pair of dress shoes and an optional cummerbund. If you plan on wearing a black-tie wedding guest dress, a dressy pair of heeled sandals, closed-toe pumps or flats will suffice. Still have some questions about what a black-tie wedding really means for your wardrobe? Check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about black-tie formal wear.

This smocked midi dress has so many cute features, from the short puffed sleeves and square neckline to the tiered ruffle skirt. Velvet fabric instantly ups the level of formality to this black-tie wedding guest dress. Graceful long sleeves add a polished element to this floor-sweeping gown guaranteed to garner compliments from other guests. Wear it with statement earrings and an elegant clutch. Confused about what exactly a black-tie dress code means?

Dream Architect Tie Dye Twirl Dress Boho Summer Style

Are heading off to a black-tie wedding in the winter, check out this guide on what to wear to a black-tie winter wedding. An advantage of heading somewhere in person is that you can ensure a perfect fit. Also, if something is wrong—a missing button or loose hem—they can order another piece or fix it on site. You can also see fabrics and styles in person, which is a huge plus. With a floral lace pattern and swinging A-line skirt, our favorite thing about this dress are the pleats in the front and back of the skirt.

In the perfect cranberry-colored hue for fall, this dress will play the perfect complement to any of your favorite neutral heels. Plus, the fabric has a little bit of stretch, so you can move on the dance floor with ease. Men should still wear a suit for afternoon weddings. Choose a dark suit and a conservative tie for any type of late afternoon wedding, unless the invitation specifies a black tie event. Then dust off your tuxedo or hit the rental store.

Work Wear Looks with Black Jeans

Put the whole outfit on together, undergarments included, to make sure everything works together and you aren’t missing anything. Also, I usually stick to solid color dresses for formal and semi-formal events, but when you get down to the dressy casual category, it is fine to wear a print. I’m sure it goes without saying, but never wear white to a wedding unless it is requested, and I would include cream and pale shades of blush.

Below are ideas on what to wear to a black tie optional wedding. Truthfully, we couldn’t be happier that jumpsuits have made a major comeback. They’re sleek, comfortable, and functional—the perfect selection for a fall wedding. This one comes in either black or navy and is made of a stretch crepe fabric that holds its shape without being rigid or stiff. Pair the wide-leg pant with a pair of pointed-toe pumps to look understated and elegant. For a classic look that’s comfortable enough to wear from the ceremony to the reception to the after-party, slip into this off-the-shoulder dress.

Hannah Artwear Rio Open-Back Floral-Print Silk-Habotai Maxi Dress

Deep, inky navy or midnight blue makes for handsome choice. In fact, this is the more traditional choice for black-tie suiting. There have been a few cases made for deep earth tones or charcoals, but these can be tricky given the formality of the affair. A safer alternative is the contrasting smoking jacket. Grounded by black pants, a dinner jacket in an interesting texture or tone can look quite dapper. Few events require as much glamming up as a black-tie wedding.

ASOS has a range of black-tie optional women's attire in tall, petite, maternity and plus sizes. This chic one-shoulder wedding guest dress is designed specifically for taller figures and features a showstopping twist detail on the bodice. And if you're attending a spring black-tie optional wedding, the sage shade will look whimsical against the blooming florals. As we already mentioned, short dresses aren't off limits for black-tie optional dress code—so long as you don't go too short. This midi-length outfit feels formal and contemporary at the same time.

If you recently received a wedding invitation to a black-tie wedding, you may be wondering what you’re supposed to wear. Surely, a trench coat is not a staple overcoat for a black-tie wedding. Unless it’s raining and you are wearing a dark trench coat made of a special fabric. By special, I mean any fabric that doesn’t look as casual as cotton. A black-tie wedding calls for gowns in rich textured fabrics with a hint of sparkle.

Looking for something with an ethereal feel? Let us introduce you to this romantic floral wedding guest dress. Thanks to the darker hues, this botanical beauty isn't just for spring; it'll work black-tie attire all year round . It's 100% acceptable to wear black to a black-tie wedding (and in a lot of cases, it's actually preferred for men to wear a classic black tuxedo). Darker colors are considered more formal, making them completely appropriate for a black-tie event.