Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear When the Invite Says Black Tie Optional
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 dresses to wear to the next black tie optional wedding on your calendar.
What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?
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 is for the benefit of the guests, who 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.
- Wear dark or rich hues like black, gray, navy, or jewel tones.
- 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 sophisticated flats.
Black Tie Optional Dresses
Need a gorgeous dress to wear to a black tie optional wedding this year? Check out these stunning looks that will have you feeling like an A-lister.
Wine Red Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress
Elevated fabrics like satin are perfect for a black tie optional event dress code. This gorgeous, glam dress hugs your curves and accentuates your best assets, it’s an elegantly sexy look you’ll just love!
Black Floral Square Neck Tulip Maxi Dress
Elegant floral satin in neutral hues is a great way to bring floral designs to a black tie optional event. It’s a luxurious look that’s just formal enough if you love to wear a print.
Green Floral Jacquard Wrap Dress
Bright florals might not be totally appropriate for black tie optional weddings, but a subtle floral jacquard adds a touch of whimsy to this formal mid-length wrap dress. Long sleeves also help to make this dress feel extra formal, but the wrap-style skirt with an open slit side offers just the right amount of sexy.
Black Lace Trumpet Dress
A luxurious black dress is perfect for a formal wedding, and the romantic details on this dress put it a cut above. From the delicate floral lace overlay to the grosgrain ribbon accents, this dress is ideal for a black tie optional wedding.
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.
Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
A black, figure-skimming off-the-shoulder gown has all the elegance and formality of a black-tie event while still feeling understated. The structured bodice and simple mermaid skirt keep you looking sleek, while the stretch knit is comfortable enough for dancing all night.
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.
Burgundy Butterfly Lace-Up Midi Dress
The lovely lines of a bustier-inspired dress aren’t just sexy; they’re supportive! You’ll love the extra oomph this dress provides via the sultry bodice and the movement of the fluttery appliques–just made for twirling!
Black Feather Column Maxi Dress
Black tie optional attire doesn’t have to be black, but black is certainly an acceptable color! Feather trim adds a fun pop of texture and interest that creates intrigue and glamor.
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.
Rusty Rose Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
We’ve talked about jewel tones, but what if your favorite color is pink? Yes, you can wear pink black tie optional wedding guest dresses! Just make sure that the length is right and the silhouette is sophisticated. This tiered pink dress features ruffles and the right length to fit the black tie optional dress code.
Black Mesh Rhinestone Twist-Front Maxi Dress
If you’re attending a winter black tie optional wedding, you might want to opt for a long dress with long sleeves. This long-sleeved gown is embellished with delicate rhinestone-like studs that twinkle with a winter night-sky vibe.
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.
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 Green Floral Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Bring a little color to your black tie affair! The floral accents on this deep green dress lets you lighten up your look while still staying formal.
Black Ruffled Mermaid Dress
The sexy sleekness of a mermaid dress hugs your curves and looks great at a formal event– and a ruffled top detail adds drama! Because the eye is immediately drawn to the top of the gown and your face, this is a fabulous dress for statement earrings.
Dusty Purple Velvet Sleeveless Maxi Dress
If you’re more of a pastel girlie and want to look into black tie optional attire that isn’t in jewel tones, dusty shades are your friend. Hues rusty rose, dusty purple, and muted sage let you have that gentle pastel vibe without looking too bright for a black tie optional wedding!
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.
