These 15 Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses Are Red-Carpet Worthy

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When wedding invites pour in, it's hard not to get overwhelmed by all the potential wedding guest dress options. If the dress code reads formal, don't let the stricter attire requirements detour you from finding a unique and comfortable choice. Sure, dressing for a black-tie wedding is more formulaic than most, with floor-length gowns and pumps as the norm, but it’s still fun to get a little more creative. When else do you have an excuse to dress up like a red-carpet celebrity, after all?

Dressing like a gala-going Hollywood star though is easier said than done. Where exactly should you start? Consider the setting, New York City–based stylist Alexis Badiyi says. “The time of year, weather, and location can determine everything.” She thinks the best black-tie wedding guest dress doesn’t need to be a dress at all, “A gorgeous tuxedo works, too, and there’s room to play with hair, makeup, and jewelry.”

You can also phone a friend. Los Angeles–based stylist Patricia Lagmay thinks the best way to find something to wear for more formal events is to crowdsource. “Most of us attend very few events that call for a black-tie dress, and it’s always a shame when we buy something for a specific occasion only to never wear it again,” she says. “Closet sharing is a great solve for that. It’s more economical and much less wasteful too.” But if you want something unlike anything your friends have ever seen, Badiyi proposes looking for one-of-a-kind archival vintage pieces from resale sites like The RealReal, 1stDibs, and Desert Vintage.

One thing to keep in mind according to Lagmay, is length: “It’s the easiest way to tick the black-tie box. Often, a simple and striking dress will do the trick, so long as it hits the ground or comes close.” Ahead, the best black-tie wedding guest dresses with all the glitz and glamour of a full-blown red-carpet affair, long floor-grazing trains included.

Dorrit Halter Gown

You can't go wrong with something black for formal wear. The eternally chic color choice allows for repeat wears, if you have a few formal weddings on your roster, as well as a no-show backdrop for those accidental spills or sweat stains. This halter gown has plenty of gathers, twists and even a front-slit skirt to show off the right amount of skin, too.

Sizes: 0-12 US

Fabric: 54% Polyester, 39% Viscose, 7% Elastane

Colors: Black

Embellished Satin Maxi Dress

Staud's aqua blue gown is perfect for your next summer wedding or warm-weather destination nuptials. The tonal, beaded neckline and back straps add an element of playfulness to the silky slip silhouette. Pair with a simple earring and metallic, strappy pumps for a modern feel.

Sizes: 0-16 US

Fabric: 76% Acetate, 24% Polyester

Colors: Blue

Rose Print Silk Gown

Carolina Herrera is always a smart go-to for black-tie moments because any gown will always be a timeless staple that will last a lifetime in your closet. This vibrant rose print, soft ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouette feels just romantic enough to work in every wedding venue you could think of.

Sizes: 0-12 US

Fabric: 100% Silk

Colors: Red Multi Color

Crêpe Satin Gown

orma Kamali's crêpe back satin gown is cut on the bias, and the minimalist tank shape is a customer favorite. We love this bold purple hue for a bold twist that'll stand out at black ties without not following what's expected. Keep things grounded with a no-frills shoe and personal jewelry for a '90s-inspired spin.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Fabric: 100% Polyester

Colors: Purple

Halter Neck Cascade Ruffle Gown

Elegant and sleek, a column dress in gown length is a no-brainer for formal nuptials. The high-neck is extremely flattering on all body types, while the nipped waist adds definition to the form. A cascade of ruffles finishes things off for a charming option that is sure to garner compliments—and double takes.

Sizes: 2-16 US

Fabric: 72% Polyamide, 28% Elastane

Colors: Black

Delilah Taffeta Gown

The mother and daughter design duo behind Bernadette know a thing or two about formalwear dressing. And what makes this gown special is the details. Made from taffeta—one of the brand's signature fabrics—the simple halter-neck shape with full, floor-sweeping skirt is adorned with intricate beading in a floral motif.

Sizes: 34-46 FR

Fabric: 78% Polyester, 20% Polyamide, 2% Elastane

Colors: Pink

Marian Side Ruched Gown

This two-in-one dress blends the structure and definition of stretch fabric and a fitted bodice with the effortless draping of a silky wrap skirt. The soft pink color feels right for a romantic affair, while the leg-slit keeps things from feeling too sacrine. Wear with diamanté earrings and a silver shoe for an easy outfit idea.

Sizes: 0-14 US

Fabric: 54% Polyester, 39% Viscose, 7% Elastane

Colors: Peony Pink

Phaedra Recycled-Lamé Gown

Dressing sustainably for a formal affair might seem impossible, but Rebecca Vallance proves otherwise. This gold, lamé stunner is made from recycled materials, so you can still look chic while feeling good about what you are wearing. We love the rosette appliqué, softly ruched bodice and slitted skirt for an up-to-date evening look.

Sizes: 4-14 UK

Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester

Colors: Marigold

Dione Sequined Gown

Dazzle at your next wedding with a sequined gown that hits all the right style notes. The floor-length, tank dress has a simple column silhouette, but with a revealing, lower back cutout for a little something extra. The scooped neckline also allows for no-show bra pairings, thanks to straps that will hide anything underneath.

Sizes: 0-14

Fabric: 30% Polyamide, 5% Elastane, 65% Viscose

Colors: Black

Ushuaia Satin Gown

Evening wear is a specialty at Galvan, and their silky satin pieces are always a great choice for black-tie. This bias-cut gown has a fluid shape that skims the figure just so, making it ideal for those who prefer something that does not hug the body too tightly. The unique neckline has an asymmetrical shape that falls into an elegant ties that hang down the bodice beautifully.

Sizes: 34-44 FR

Fabric: 80% Triacetate, 20% Polyester

Colors: Ice Blue

Ashai Taffeta Gown

Shape and proportion are always in high consideration for Emilia Wickstead. This stunning gown is made from taffeta that has been folded at the bodice and then dramatically draped into a full train. The contemporary shape is sure to make a statement while the floral bouquet print keeps things from becoming too over-the-top. Wear with a pointed kitten heels and pearl earrings to play up the English garden vibes.

Sizes: 6-14 UK

Fabric: 100% Polyester

Colors: Burgundy

Sequined Gown

Thankfully, today's black-tie dress code doesn't mean stuffy. This holographic dress still feels appropriate for formal events without feeling outdated. The plunging, deep-v front and high, side split, also keep it sexy but sophisticated.

Sizes: XS-L

Fabric: 90% Polyamide, 5% Elastane, 5% Metallic Fibres

Colors: Metallic

Nessa Pleated Gown

A.L.C.'s one-shouldered gown feels exactly like what a modern goddess would wear. Blending a bit of ethereal energy with a touch of the Studio 54 disco era, the flattering empire waist falls into sweeping pleats for a dress that will keep you dancing all night long. Wear with gold jewelry and a lace-up shoe to nail the mood.

Sizes: 00-14 US

Fabric: 100% Polyester

Colors: Torta

Ruched Charmeuse Gown

Alejandra Alonso Rojas' designs have defined what a modern woman's evening wear wardrobe should look like. Her charmeuse gown styles are ever popular, thanks to meticulous draping and vibrant color ways. This sleeveless number features a high-neck, ruched bodice and leg-slit—all in a bold coral that's perfect for a night out.

Sizes: 2-10 US

Fabric: 100% Silk

Colors: Arrecife

Fabianna Gown

Effortlessness is the key to nailing any black-tie look. A simple, navy silk gown, like this Amanda Prichard version, is uncomplicated with just the right amount of tailoring. Conservative on top, the billowy blouse drapes into a fitted waist, which then reveals a long fluid skirt with a slit. When it comes to accessories, drop earrings, a clutch and heels are really all you need.

Sizes: XS-XL

Fabric: 100% Silk

Colors: Ink

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