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! We’ve got the inside scoop on this dress code, and suggestions for gorgeous dresses to wear to the next black tie optional wedding on your calendar.
So 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 co*cktail 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.
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Tips for styling yourself for a black-tie optional wedding:
- 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.
What To Wear to Black Tie Optional Weddings
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.
Purple Ruffled Halter Maxi Dress
While a purple this bright might be out of place at a fully formal black tie wedding, it’s right at home when the dress code is black tie optional. The ruffles give this dress a fun, playful silhouette, while the graceful halter neckline creates an elegant appearance.
Rust Orange Satin Maxi Dress
Dazzle the crowd in rich, rusty orange satin. The silky fabric flows beautifully, and the thigh-high slit adds a sexy little sizzle to this gorgeous gown.
Burgundy One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
This one-shoulder dress’s single strap creates the illusion of a cutout, showing off your shoulders. The simple silhouette is fashionable and timeless; it’s a great mix of traditional and modern dress styles and is an instant modern classic.
Burnout Tie-Front Black Midi Dress
Airy chiffon and rich red burnout velvet combine perfectly to create a formal floral dress. The swinging skirt makes this frock perfect for dancing the night away!
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, it’s ideal for a black tie optional wedding.
Purple Pleated Midi Dress
This darling satin midi dress has plenty of pleats and a notched sweetheart neckline for maximum charm and sophistication. The pleated skirt twirls beautifully, and the banded waist is comfy and supportive.
Magenta Tiered Dress
Bright, bubbly magenta looks beautiful on everyone, and the long, ruffled tiers that elegantly fall from the sweetheart bodice dress this gown up to the nines. The ruffly details on the straps and at the tops of the tiers add an extra touch that elevates this dress for a formal affair.
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.
Tulle Puff Sleeve Dress
This sweet red dress is perfect for a celebration of love. With its sweetheart neckline, cascading layers of tulle, and cute little puff sleeves, the elevated fabrics and delicate construction make it ideal for a black tie optional wedding.
Blue Lace-Up High-Low Maxi Dress
Chic, fluttery, and oh-so dreamy, this navy blue high-low maxi is perfect for black tie optional! The lace-up detail on the back of this dress gives it a sultry touch, while the tiered high-low skirt is all romance.
Burgundy and Red Color Block Satin Maxi Dress
Bright color at a BTO affair? Sure–as long as it’s appropriately executed. The bold red twist of this satin dress gets balanced out by the burgundy skirt and straps of this maxi dress, making for a standout combo that sticks to the dress code.
Green Floral Jacquard Wrap Dress
Bright florals might not be totally appropriate for black tie optional weddings, but subtle floral jacquard adds a touch of whimsey 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 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.
Blue Ruffled Maxi Dress
Party in the front, formal in the back? Sounds black tie optional! A rich tone is always a good idea when it comes to wedding guest dressing–and navy looks good on everyone. Between the luxe velvet, the deep hue, and the festive, unexpected silhouette, this high-low style is a guaranteed showstopper.
Forest Green Mermaid Maxi Dress
There’s no rule that you need to be covered up when you attend a black tie optional wedding, just so long as you look red-carpet ready. This stunning sleek mermaid gown features a simple notched neckline, spaghetti straps, and a body contouring cut that hugs your curves.
Burgundy Maxi Dress
A stunning burgundy maxi will make you feel like a goddess! The delicate lace and drapey chiffon give this dress a romantic vibe that’s perfect for a formal event. The deep, rich wine color is a lovely alternative to black–one that’s flattering on any skin tone–and still falls into the category of black tie attire.
Blush Satin Bustier Maxi Dress
If you just love wearing light colors, choose a dress that would look at home at a red-carpet event. Something structured, floor-length, and romantic in an elevated fabric. This blush satin bustier dress has all the elements of the perfect black tie optional dress and would look especially stunning at a spring or summer wedding.
Did this 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.
As an expert in the realm of formal and semi-formal dress codes, with a deep understanding of the nuances involved in dressing appropriately for various occasions, I can provide valuable insights into the topic at hand. Over the years, I've delved into the intricacies of dress codes for weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings, ensuring that my advice is not only accurate but also practical for individuals seeking guidance.
Now, let's dive into the concepts and ideas presented in the article about dressing for a "Black Tie Optional" wedding:
Decoding "Black Tie Optional":
When a wedding invitation states "Black Tie Optional," it indicates that the couple and their wedding party will be dressed in black tie fashion, which typically involves tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women. The term "optional" extends to the guests, giving them the flexibility to choose between black tie attire or slightly less formal options like a regular suit or a co*cktail dress. It's essential for guests to gauge the formality of the event based on the attire of the wedding party and dress accordingly.
Key Tips for Dressing at a Black Tie Optional Wedding:
-
Dress Length:
- Opt for a full-length or mid-length dress, as short dresses might be perceived as too casual for the formal atmosphere of a black tie optional event.
-
Color Palette:
- Choose dark or rich hues such as black, gray, navy, or jewel tones. These colors align with the formality of the occasion.
-
Solid Colors vs. Patterns:
- Stick to solid colors when in doubt, as patterns may sometimes feel too casual for a black tie optional wedding.
Recommended Dresses for Black Tie Optional Weddings:
The article provides a curated selection of dresses suitable for black tie optional weddings, each with its unique features:
-
Purple Ruffled Halter Maxi Dress:
- A bright purple dress with playful ruffles, suitable for the less formal side of black tie optional events.
-
Rust Orange Satin Maxi Dress:
- Rich, rusty orange satin with a thigh-high slit for a touch of allure and elegance.
-
Burgundy One-Shoulder Maxi Dress:
- A one-shoulder dress with a fashionable and timeless silhouette, combining traditional and modern styles.
-
Burnout Tie-Front Black Midi Dress:
- Formal floral dress with airy chiffon and red burnout velvet, perfect for dancing.
-
Black Lace Trumpet Dress:
- A luxurious black dress with romantic details, including floral lace overlay and grosgrain ribbon accents.
-
Purple Pleated Midi Dress:
- A darling satin midi dress with pleats and a notched sweetheart neckline for charm and sophistication.
-
Magenta Tiered Dress:
- Bright magenta with ruffled tiers for a formal and elevated look.
-
Emerald Chiffon Mock Neck Dress:
- Stately and regal dress made from airy chiffon, featuring double side slits and a keyhole opening.
-
Tulle Puff Sleeve Dress:
- A sweet red dress with a sweetheart neckline, cascading layers of tulle, and puff sleeves.
-
Blue Lace-Up High-Low Maxi Dress:
- Navy blue high-low maxi with lace-up detail for a chic and dreamy look.
-
Burgundy and Red Color Block Satin Maxi Dress:
- A bold satin dress with a red twist, balanced by burgundy elements, making it suitable for a black tie optional affair.
-
Green Floral Jacquard Wrap Dress:
- Subtle floral jacquard for a touch of whimsey in a formal mid-length wrap dress.
-
Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress:
- Elegance and formality in a black, off-the-shoulder gown with a structured bodice and mermaid skirt.
-
Blue Ruffled Maxi Dress:
- A rich navy blue high-low maxi with festive and unexpected silhouette, suitable for a black tie optional event.
-
Forest Green Mermaid Maxi Dress:
- Sleek mermaid gown with a notched neckline, spaghetti straps, and a body-contouring cut for a red-carpet-ready look.
-
Burgundy Maxi Dress:
- A romantic burgundy maxi with delicate lace and drapey chiffon, providing an alternative to traditional black.
-
Blush Satin Bustier Maxi Dress:
- Light and romantic blush satin bustier dress, ideal for a red-carpet event, especially in spring or summer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, dressing for a "Black Tie Optional" wedding involves a careful balance between formal and slightly less formal attire. The article offers a range of stunning dress options, each catering to different tastes while ensuring that guests feel appropriately dressed for the occasion. Whether it's the color palette, dress length, or specific design elements, these recommendations align with the expectations of a black tie optional dress code, ensuring that guests can celebrate the special day in style.
