22 Glamorous Dresses to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

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Of all the wedding dress codes, black tie is the most formal of the bunch. As a rule of thumb, swankier affairs call for elegant ankle-grazing options and maxis, but it's also the perfect opportunity to go for glitz and glamour and experiment with opulent fabrics. And by that, we mean luxuriously soft silk, sparkly embellishments, and statement-making florals galore. From classic black gowns to red carpet-ready silhouettes and glamorous metallic frocks, these are the best dresses to wear when the dress code calls for black-tie attire.

Veria Silk Dress

Flirty and feminine, this fitted halterneck dress with a sexy open back and flowy silhouette was made for endless twirling.

Size Range: 0-12

Material: 100% silk

Mailys Convertible Dress

The genius of this maxi? It can be wrapped and tied in 19 different ways, so you'll never get bored of wearing the same style.

Size Range: XS-3XL

Material: 100% polyester

Strapless High/Low Ballgown

This navy strapless gown with a modern high-low silhouette is as elegant as can be. And when paired with a punchy evening bag? Let's just say you'll be eliciting double takes wherever you're standing.

Size Range: 0-24

Material: 100% polyester

Waldorf Dress

When we think black tie attire, we think sophisticated with a side of sass. This bronzed beauty with a sexy side slit is exactly what we had in mind.

Size Range: XXS-XXL

Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

Strapless Column Gown

A little bit feminine, a little bit borrowed from the boys, this strapless tuxedo-style gown is the perfect mix of trendy and sophisticated.

Size Range: 0-14

Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane

Norma Kamali Diana Gown

Between the one-shoulder silhouette and the flattering ruched detailing, it's hard not to see why this Norma Kamali dress is a fan favorite. Better still: It comes in a rainbow of shades, so you can find one that perfectly complements your style.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

Athena One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

With a one-shoulder design and dramatic draping overlay, this Ramy Brook maxi is truly fit for a goddess. Pair with strappy heels for an effortless finish.

Size Range: 00-16

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

You can't go wrong with a classic, and by that, we mean a cowl neck slip dress. They're minimalist, elegant, and oh-so-sexy (but in a refined way), and are a style you'll have in rotation for years to come.

Size Range: 0-26W

Material: Polyester

The Light Sleeper Ruffled Wool-Blend Lamé Gown

Kate Middleton wore this metallic pink gown last year on her royal tour of the Caribbean, and we haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Take a page out of the Princess's stylish handbook and make this your pick for the upcoming wedding on your agenda.

Size Range: UK6-UK14

Material: 56% wool, 22% silk, 22% polyester

Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress

This yummy velvet dress with a deep V-neckline is just begging to be worn to your next winter wedding.

Size Range: 0-26

Material: Polyester

Embellished Halter Maxi Dress

Dannijo takes your average satiny halter dress and levels it up with a gorgeous crystal-encrusted strap and criss-cross back. It's a sultry visual, yet elegantly understated for all formal affairs.

Size Range: XS-XL

Material: 100% silk

Diane Sleeveless Fit & Flare Gown

This fit and flare ball gown is regal but understated enough that it won't upstage the bride. Oh, and did we mention the dress has pockets? One word: Game-changer.

Size Range: 2-18

Material: 100% polyester

Rosette Chiffon Cutout Empire Waist Gown

Statement shoulders are having a moment in a big way, and what better time to take the style for a spin than at a black-tie wedding?

Size Range: 0-16

Material: 100% polyester

Velvet Flared Gown

Want to take your autumn glam up a notch? This luscious burgundy dress with all-over ruffles and a gold embellished waist is just the ticket.

Size Range: XS-XL

Materials: 82% viscose, 9% silk, 9% nylon

Finley Sequined Gown

One thing's for sure: You'll certainly be the star of the dance floor when you wear this figure-hugging sparkly number.

Size Range: 0-14

Material: 100% polyester

Women's Sienna Satin Halterneck Gown

A simple slinky dress in a seasonless neutral hue is a foolproof choice no matter the time of year.

Size Range: 2-12

Materials: 80% triacetate, 20% polyester

Strapless Crystal-Embellished Wool and Silk-Blend Gown

A black dress will never let you down. But a black gown with crystal embellishments? You're bound to stand out in a sea of black gowns.

Size Range: UK4-UK16

Materials: 70% wool, 30% silk

Brielle Gown

When in doubt, stick to florals. This strapless gown is a seasonally appropriate choice during the warmer months, but an unexpected option in winter.

Size Range: 0-20W

Materials: 100% polyester

Cocktail Bow Strapless Ballgown

A black-tie wedding couldn't be a better time to take summer's hottest color for a spin. Try this fit and flare pink ball gown topped with a bow—it's ladylike as can be.

Size Range: 0-14

Material: 100% polyester

Ubud One-shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress

Everything from the asymmetrical hemline to the frilly feather-trimmed details makes this dress extra... but in the best possible way. Wear it when you want that extra oomph factor.

Size Range: IT36-IT52

Materials: 78% acetate, 22% viscose; trim: 100% feathers (ostrich)

Eveline Off-the-Shoulder Floral-Brocade Gown

This sweet off-the-shoulder column dress with a romantic floral print was made for swankier soirees.

Size Range: 0-12

Materials: 100% polyester

Draped Satin Cape Gown

If it's drama you crave, then a cape gown as elegant as this one won't disappoint.

Size Range: FR34-FR50

Materials: 3% elastane, 97% polyester

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