If You Have A Black Tie Wedding On Your Calendar, You Need These Dresses
20 Best Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses Hearst Owned
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Although summer is at a close, wedding season is still in full swing. And if you’re anything like me, your closet is stocked with fall wedding guest dresses suitable for all sorts of different wedding themes. And if you also share my love for extra glamorous weddings, especially when they’re black-tie, then you’re in for a treat.
Let’s be honest: discovering a sophisticated dress that doesn’t steal the spotlight from the bride while still earning compliments from fellow guests can feel like a daunting task. But your search ends right here. I’ve curated a reliable list of the best black tie wedding guest dresses, ranging from classic black dresses to elegant long-sleeve gowns, to suit any style and perfectly complement that fancy black-tie invitation. We consulted with our brilliant fashion director and an influencer, and scanned hundreds of customer reviews to find the best-of-the-best dresses worthy of a black tie dress code. Your closet will now have that final essential piece to complete your collection (and many are suuuper affordable!).
See below for 20 picks that’ll win you best-dressed every single time.
Holly Front Cutout Strapless Dress
I recently saw photos of my influencer friend Amy (if you don’t know her already, follow her @amydiala) wearing this dress to a black-tie wedding, and everything about it was perfect. I love that it’s sleeveless, and the tiny bow detail at the bust adds the cutest pop of fun. My fave part, though, is the scarf detail that goes around the neck and down the upper back—it’s almost like a deconstructed bowtie. Amy is super petite, but I imagine this would look gorgeous on a taller woman, too. It’s like fashion’s secret weapon, and I’m all here for it.
Expert Review: “It’s literally the perfect black tie dress that’s classic yet unique. It hugs your body in all the right places and it’s super comfortable, so I felt good about wearing it all night long.” —Amy Joseph, influencer
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Holly Front Cutout Strapless Dress
bloomingdales.com
$1100.00
Plunge Halter Maxi Dress
Nothing goes with an outdoor, warm-weather wedding like a floral dress, and this one is not only super light (see ya, sweat stains), but it has the prettiest pattern I’ve seen in a while. Something to note: reviewers say it can be just a tad bit transparent, so come prepared with nude undies.
Rave Review: “Im curvy with big boobs, and this dress looks so so good! For $55, it’s a winner for me.”
Read more: Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
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Plunge Halter Maxi Dress
us.asos.com
$54.99
Anabella Lace-Up Satin Gown
This satin gown comes in bright pink (pictured here!) and black. Opt for the pink if you’re attending a daytime or early evening wedding, but don’t be shy to whip out the black for a nighttime event. Trust, this corset-style dress will turn heads and receive plenty of compliments, regardless of the color you choose to wear.
Editor Review: “Being totally real, I don’t have the perkiest girls (IYKYK), so I always look for a tight-on-top dress that gives them the nudge they need. Let me tell you, this one does that and more. It gives me the perfect shape up top, but I don’t have to worry about it hugging my thighs too tight, as it has gorgeous drapery from the waist-down.” —Lily Wohlner, WH associate e-commerce editor
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Anabella Lace-Up Satin Gown
nordstrom.com
$255.00
Deep V Slip Dress
If you don’t know, now you know: Floral embellishments are in. Take this dress for example, which features a white rose right at the bust, as well as a deep (and we mean deep) V and a flowy, elegant skirt.
Rave Review: “This dress is a perfection! It looks and fits exactly like it does on a model. I am 5’6″ and although I will have to shorten mine, I am in love!”
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Deep V Slip Dress
revolve.com
$278.00
Bixie Floral Sleeveless Dress
Bright florals aren’t for everyone, so step over to the dark side with this gorgeous silk midi dress from Veronica Beard. It’s the perfect floral dress that you can wear year-round (yup, flowers aren’t just for summer) and the addition of lace and double spaghetti straps make it that much bolder.
Rave Review: “I am a size eight and was worried about ordering a satin slip dress, but I should not have been worried at all! The fabric actually has a little stretch and it is so comfortable. Easy to dress up or down.”
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Bixie Floral Sleeveless Dress
bergdorfgoodman.com
$648.00
Win Me Over Dress
If you’re on the hunt for something inexpensive but still super glam, I love this dress from Lulus. It’s suuuper stretchy (uhhh, not all of us want to wear a bodycon all the time) and features sparkling gold and silver threading that glitter in the light. Throw on some stilletos and you’ll look like a million bucks for just $116. Trust, it’ll be our little secret.
Rave Review: “I absolutely love this dress! The material is high-quality, the fit is perfect, and the design is both stylish and comfortable. I can’t wait to wear it to my next special occasion!”
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Win Me Over Dress
lulus.com
$116.00
Sofia Dress
Every once in a while, you want a dress with a pretty basic shape. But, what’s not so basic about Sau Lee’s popular style are the gorgeous roses across the entire gown. It’s truly the perfect mixture of timeless and vibrant.
Rave Review: “Love! The fit is spectacular in the bodice and it’s not thin. It’s a simple cut but the color and print makes it a knock out.”
Satin Scarf Maxi Dress
I buy literally all of my clothes on Na-kd because it’s super inexpensive but the quality is top-notch. And the rule is no different with this dress—when I came across it, I immediately added it to-cart. It has a nice slit up the leg that’s not too high, an understated plunge neckline, and the addition of the scarf makes it that much more chic.
Editor Review: “Whether it’s a fancier event or a wedding, I can always count on this dress to look *so* cute and cover up any lumps or bumps I don’t want showing.” —Lily Wohlner, WH associate e-commerce editor
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Satin Scarf Maxi Dress
na-kd.com
$59.95
Nalini Floral Mesh Corset Dress
Another dress that works year-round, this cowl neck gown is so unique with it’s bra-like straps and mesh overlay. Reviewers say it hugs the body perfectly, but it’s not too constricting to dance the night away.
Rave Review: “I am so happy with this dress. It’s even prettier than I had thought it would be. Beautiful colors—I cannot wait to wear to a special night out.”
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Nalini Floral Mesh Corset Dress
nordstrom.com
$239.00
Satin Pleated Maxi Dress
I get it, wearing a cream dress to a wedding can raise eyebrows, but this one has just the right amount of shimmer to give it an opalescent allure, setting it apart from traditional white or cream. Its effortless flow and fit ensure you shine without overshadowing the bride, making it a tasteful choice you won’t regret showing up in.
Rave Review: “I purchased at least 15 different dresses looking for the perfect dress, and NOTHING compared to this one! It’s absolutely beautiful right out of the package, has gorgeous movement, and is so flattering on! I love this dress.”
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Satin Pleated Maxi Dress
abercrombie.com
$180.00
Ramona Velvet Rose Dress
I’m *so* here for a lace lookalike, but this one has the added bonus of an open back and flower detailing. Plus, its bodycon fit offers the perfect shape. There are so many expensive lace and velvet dresses out there, but this one nails the chic look without draining your wallet.
Rave Review: “I don’t love how the straps tend to pull down, but it’s overall a beautiful dress and it hugs the body super well. Would definitely recommend this dress!”
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Ramona Velvet Rose Dress
windsorstore.com
$64.90
Black Ruched Maxi Dress
Pair this black dress with high heels for a black tie event, or wear it around town with ballet flats or cowboy boots. No matter what vibe you’re going for, this statement piece shows up every single time, and gets compliments while it’s at it.
Editor Review: “I just bought this dress when I was in Paris, and I legit can’t get enough of it. As a curvier person, this doesn’t cling to my waist but still allows my shape to shine through. Plus, the little pockets of skin that show through make it just a tad fancier for those more formal events.” —Lily Wohlner, WH associate e-commerce editor
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Black Ruched Maxi Dress
ssense.com
$260.00
Tatiana High Neck Maxi Dress
In a sea of people wearing white and cream, stand out in green with this gorgeous high neck maxi dress from Ramy Brook. Its flattering design ensures it doesn’t cling to your skin or shapewear, so you can confidently count on it to accentuate your figure in all the right ways.
Rave Review: “I’m 5’5″, 130 pounds, and the size four fits like a glove. Wearing a pair of heels makes it the perfect length and the quality is great. I love this dress.”
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Tatiana High Neck Maxi Dress
ramybrook.com
$451.00
Madison Long Mesh Dress
Flaunt a tasteful hint of skin with this short-sleeve Maaji dress. It enhances your cleavage and features subtle cutouts around the stomach and thighs that offer just the right balance of allure without revealing too much.
Rave Review: “This dress is very sexy; It’s very low-cut in the front and the side cut-outs are flattering. I’m 5’3″ and even in four-inch heels it’s still a tad long on me, but not enough to pay to have it hemmed.”
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Madison Long Mesh Dress
revolve.com
$138.00
Satin Tube Maxi Dress
Not everyone wants to spend 100-plus dollars on a dress for one night, so opt for one that’s under $40 yet still looks expensive and chic. Per reviews, this one is super soft without being clingy, and the cutout in the back adds that bit of va-va-voom every dress needs.
Rave Review: “I got this dress in a different color already but this Tiffany blue is beautiful with this silk. I love this so much—it’s so classy. It’s a beautiful cocktail dress or business dress. It fits so nice and is so soft on my skin. The elastic in the back isn’t tight either. It’s gorgeous and an eye-stopper.”
Read more: Best Wedding Guest Dresses on Amazon
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Satin Tube Maxi Dress
amazon.com
$39.99
Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
Wearing a strapless dress in the winter can be quite a challenge, but you can skip the hassle (and the shivers!) by opting for this long-sleeve dress. Its ruching adds a touch of elegance that sets it apart from your typical bodycon dress. Plus, the bottom of it extends just below the ankles, giving you a luxurious and sleek appearance.
Rave Review: “I love this dress. It’s so classy and can be easily dressed up for a night out or down for brunch. It’s conservative but still feminine and hot. I get so many compliments when I wear it!”
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Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
us.asos.com
$54.99
Obie Jersey Gown
This dress is an ideal choice for the mother of the bride or groom. It tastefully reveals a hint of skin around the chest area, while the longer draped sleeves add a touch of modesty that brings the whole look together.
Rave Review: This dress is soft and kind of long, but not too long! I have long legs, so its perfect on me. I like the wide opening at the top—it’s hot but formal and professional. It’s definitely a great buy.”
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Obie Jersey Gown
mytheresa.com
$175.00
One-Shoulder Pleated Maxi Dress
Whether you’re curvy, tall, or right in the middle, this dress is sure to compliment your body type. The one shoulder offers that perfect dimension, while the all-over pleating distracts the eye from any curves or imperfections you just don’t feel like showing off.
Rave Review: “This is an amazing fit if you have a long torso. It’s perfect for us tall gals! Plus, the color is so beautiful for fall.”
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One-Shoulder Pleated Maxi Dress
abercrombie.com
$150.00
Zarya Sequined Dress
This dress exudes elegance from every angle: the subtle shimmer, the wine hue that sets it apart from black, and just wait until you catch a glimpse of the open back. It’s a showstopper that practically begs to be added to your cart.
Rave Review: This product has no reviews yet, but from the looks of it, it fits and wears like a dream.
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Zarya Sequined Dress
Bloomingdales.com
$495.00
Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
This is the epitome of the perfect little black dress. The fold-over collar and the off-the-shoulder style add those final touches that elevate it from an ordinary dress to one that’s perfectly suited for even the most elegant weddings.
Rave Review: “This is a beautiful dress. The thin and soft material stretches, and it’s a good quality for the price. Plus, it got here super quickly!”
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Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
revolve.com
$88.00
How our team chose the best black tie wedding guest dresses
For the past few months, Women’s Health associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner researched and tested the bestselling, most popular and top-rated black tie wedding guest dresses. She also evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings as well as spoke to an influencer to narrow down the best black tie wedding guest dresses for a wide range of preferences and sizes.
Women’s Health
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