Everything to Know About Black-Tie Wedding Attire, According to Bridal Experts
Bridal stylists and fashion experts reveal all you need to know about black-tie wedding attire, including how to choose the best silhouette, color, shoes, handbags, and jewelry for your next event.
For those who enjoy going all out for special events, black-tie weddings are the perfect excuse to bring out those fun layered gowns, sparkly dresses, and voluminous designs from the back of the closet—or finally rent that dress that seemed a bit too extravagant for a less formal wedding. The one relieving aspect of black-tie events? There’s no such thing as too formal.
“When in doubt, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed,” luxury bridal stylist and wedding expert Gabrielle Hurwitz says.
Some events list their dress code as “black-tie optional,” which may seem to hint at more flexibility, but should still inspire you to look your best. "It's an honor to be invited as a guest to a wedding, and showing respect to the occasion really means putting the effort into what you're wearing,” bridal stylist and bestselling author Julie Sabatino adds. “If you're trying to figure out whether or not something's appropriate, I like to say, doubt means don't."
What does black-tie even mean? Although it's not the highest level of formality, it does call for exceptionally elegant attire. (White-tie weddings are the ones to truly worry about—though less common, they're the most formal.) Black-tie guidelines for men seem slightly more obvious (no guest will ever feel out of place with a traditional tuxedo), there are more uncertainties about what women are expected to wear at a black-tie event. From bold colors to open backs, black-tie weddings today allow a wider variety of styles that give guests more freedom to express their personal style and remain comfortable while looking polished. After all, the attire has evolved from its more conservative past.
“While there may be traditional expectations of a black-tie dress code, it doesn't necessarily mean you should leave your personal style behind or wear something that you don't feel totally comfortable in,” stylist and creative brand consultant Anny Choi says. Keep scrolling to learn all about how to choose the best silhouette, color, shoes, handbags, and jewelry for your next black-tie wedding.
Lengths, Fabrics, and Cuts for Black-Tie Weddings
The perfect cut and fabric of a gown may change based on the event’s time of day, season, weather, and location. As Hurwitz points out, “a black-tie event in Hawaii in the summer calls for a drastically different outfit than a winter time black-tie event in New York City.” Here's how to take everything into account, from the venue to the timing.
Floor-length dresses tend to be the default choice for black-tie affairs, not all guests need to wear one. While a floor-length dress is the standard, a polished women’s tuxedo or formal jumpsuit can do the job just as well. Although short and mid-length dresses don’t comply as well with the dress code expectations, there are some cocktail-length dresses that fit the bill. As long as it's crafted in a sophisticated way or with elevated fabric (think silks or careful embroidery), a cocktail dress can work.
You can never go wrong with a trumpet or ball gown when it comes to the cuts and silhouettes for a black-tie wedding. Low and open backs, spaghetti straps, lace, and high slits work just as well as a more modest gown. “Just because an event is black-tie doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to be stuffy. Don’t be afraid to play around with color, pattern, and texture. Look for interesting details like a unique neckline or back, fun embellishments, or a show-stopping fabric. And have fun with accessories,” Hurwitz explains.
Avoid fabrics that feel casual (even if it's a floor length dress), such as linen and light cotton. Instead, it's best to go for materials like "silk, taffeta, chiffon and other fabrics with substance that feel more formal,” Choi says. For Jordanna Sharp, personal shopper and stylist based in New York, it’s also about prioritizing yourself and your style.
“If comfort is key for you then you can play on the fabric of the dress. Jersey or silk gowns are a great way to still feel smart but allow you to actually feel comfortable throughout the night, too,” Sharp adds.
The Best Colors for Black-Tie Weddings
It may sound risky to wear bubblegum pink or a striking hue of yellow to a black-tie wedding, but all colors are welcome when it comes to this formal dress code. “Often women naturally will wear the color black because they feel it is the smartest option to throw on, but there are plenty of great alternatives that work just as well," Sharp notes. In the fall and winter months, for example, "a maroon or brown gown is perfect.”
As with any wedding, it’s important to steer clear of any white, off-white, or cream tones. Avoid selecting a shade that’s too similar to the color the bride chose for the bridesmaids, if possible. “The biggest challenge with black-tie wedding attire can be accidentally dressing like a member of the bridal party,” Hurwitz adds. Past those guidelines, embrace bold hues—what better occasion than a black-tie event to make a statement after all?
Accessorizing for a Black-Tie Wedding
Black-tie weddings are the perfect opportunity to showcase your most treasured jewelry pieces—think gemstones, pearls, sparkly diamonds. Showcase rare pieces for a sophisticated and fun night out. From diamond necklaces and chandelier earrings to tennis bracelets and jewel-encrusted headbands, black-tie attire calls for the most elegant and high-end items in your collection. Avoid acrylic, resin, or more casual materials.
“If it's something that you would wear day to day, then it's probably not right,” Sabatino says.
According to experts, footwear can be one of guests' biggest challenges in black-tie dressing. Although opting for a floor-length gown means your shoes won't be the focal point of the look, you can never go wrong with elegant stiletto heels. “I would typically suggest that heels are the most appropriate attire, anything delicate and simple always works best. For a winter wedding, a simple elegant heeled pump works best with a gown,” Sharp adds. If opting for a cocktail-length dress, your footwear choice is a lot more visible. Choi advises wearing footwear that's meant for the evening, such as those with satin or velvet and crystal embellishments.
Experts say a black-tie wedding doesn't necessarily require heels, though. “Just because an event is black-tie doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice comfort. If you never wear heels, find a garment that you can wear with a more dressy flat,” Hurwitz says. (Sneakers are never appropriate.) Choi likes opting for platforms to stay elegant but have more comfortable footwear.
The elevated wedding style also requires elegant handbags, especially clutches. “For a black-tie event, I love an accessory that adds a little sparkle or embellishment. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need a bedazzled clutch, but a matte leather handbag will often read as daytime. Consider a patent leather, metallic, or something else that gives a little shimmer,” Hurwitz adds.
Remember to have fun. If looking for a place to start shopping, explore L'OFFICIEL's wedding dress guide to get started.
