As a guest at a wedding, you want to dress your best to celebrate the day, but you also want to choose an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion. Some weddings are casual while others are more formal, and there’s nothing worse than showing up to an event feeling either over- or underdressed.
So, what are you supposed to do when you get invited to a “Black Tie Optional” wedding? Don’t stress! Ahead, you’ll get the inside scoop on this dress code, and suggestions for gorgeous Black-Tie Optional dresses to wear to the next wedding on your calendar.
What is Black Tie Optional?
If “Black Tie Optional” doesn’t immediately give you outfit inspiration, don’t worry; it’s way less complicated than it sounds. When a couple chooses to have a Black Tie Optional wedding, it usually means that the couple and their wedding party will be wearing Black Tie fashion: tuxedos and evening gowns.
The “optional” part can trip people up–just a quick Reddit search yields lots of guests looking for guidance. As one user put it, “What the heck is black tie OPTIONAL? Like you can wear anything from casual to fancy?” To clarify, optional means guests can choose to dress in Black Tie attire, or wear something slightly less formal, like a regular suit or a cocktail dress. Because the wedding party will be extra formal, it’s polite to dress as formally as you feel comfortable doing at a Black Tie Optional event.
Styling Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses
The Black Tie Optional wedding dress code for women can feel a little tricky at times, so here are some helpful hints for mastering this formal dress code!
- Wear a full-length or mid-length dress. Short dresses won’t match the formal vibes, but formal cocktail dresses are ok.
- Wear dark or rich hues like black, gray, navy, or jewel tones if you’re unsure of an appropriate color palette.
- When in doubt, stick to solid colors, since patterns can sometimes feel too casual for a formal dress code.
- Aim for formal footwear. Think heels, closed-toe wedges, or fancy, embellished flats.
Black Tie Optional Dresses
Need a Black Tie Optional wedding guest dress to wear this season? Check out these stunning looks that will have you feeling like an A-lister.
Emerald 3D Floral Embroidered Halter Maxi Dress
A halter neck creates a graceful vertical line from your neck to your head, giving you the appearance of being even more elegant and slightly taller! The 3D floral embroidery adds opulence to a sleek, simple silhouette.
Wine Red Satin Cowl Back Maxi Dress
If you’ve been wondering what Black Tie Optional actually is, this luxe satin moment is the answer. With a draped back and rich wine hue, it’s the kind of statement that turns heads while still fitting the Black Tie Optional dress code perfectly. A must for women who want timeless elegance.
Green Plisse Dress
Making a statement under the Black Tie Optional dress code? This one-shoulder plissé moment brings bold color and elevated texture together for a look that’s anything but expected.
Gold Asymmetrical Maxi Dress
Metallic dresses are a lovely look for a black tie optional wedding. Because the dress itself is an eye-catching gold, wear this with your daintiest, most elegant jewelry for balance.
Mint Floral Sequin Midi Dress
This floral sequin midi is made for guests who want to sparkle—literally. Feminine, fresh, and just formal enough, it’s a standout among Black Tie Optional wedding guest dresses.
Pink One-Shoulder Bow Maxi Dress
Proof that formal doesn’t mean boring—this one-shoulder pink maxi brings all the drama with a statement bow and sleek silhouette. For wedding guests who love a little extra flair!
Blush 3D Floral Embroidered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Romantic, ethereal, and totally on-theme—this blush maxi with 3D floral embroidery is perfect for a garden ceremony or evening soirée under the Black Tie Optional dress code. Tie straps and delicate details only up the femininity factor.
Light Yellow Satin Dress
Serving elegance with a side of sunshine, this light yellow satin maxi is a stunning example of how to nail the Black Tie Optional dress code. The open back adds just the right amount of allure for any formal-ish affair.
Sage Mesh Trumpet Midi Dress
For a dress that feels equal parts modern and romantic, look no further. The gathered detailing and subtle flare on this sage midi make it a stunning pick for any Black Tie Optional wedding guest outfit.
Dark Red Pleated Strapless Dress and Scarf Set
This pleated strapless dress and matching scarf set is the perfect example of how to keep it elevated and effortless. Timeless, chic, and ready for any formal-ish invite.
Black and White Bow Maxi Dress
This dress might literally have a white tie, but it’s perfect for the black tie optional dress code! You’ll love the way the elegant bow flutters as you walk and glide across the dance floor.
Emerald Satin Pleated Lace Up Dress
Satin dresses are a classic staple of the black tie optional dress code. Stand out in this luxe emerald green satin gown, with its pretty pleats and romantic lace-up back.
Black Sequin Bustier Dress
Are sequin dresses acceptable at a black tie optional wedding? They can be! It’s all about the silhouette of the gown and the color of the sequins. A hot pink sequin mini would be out of place, but a floor-grazing dress with the subtle shine of slick black sequins has a sophisticated shimmer that will fit right in.
Emerald Chiffon Mock Neck Dress
Stately and regal, this gorgeous dress is made from airy chiffon and features double side slits and a keyhole opening in the back. The classic silhouette is formal– but not too formal to dance and celebrate in.
Light Blue Pearl Dress
Channel refined glamour with this light blue pearl-embellished maxi—perfect for decoding the dress code with ease. Its strapless silhouette and luxe details make it a wedding guest standout!
Did this black tie optional attire guide help you? Show us your wedding guest looks on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and head to our Wedding Guest Shop for more options!
This post was originally published in May 2022 and has been updated with new content.
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