Might as Well Go All Out in These Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

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Queue all the excited squeals—wedding season is upon us! Even after having been a part of several weddings (yes, that calls for tons of bridesmaid dresses) and attending lots of 'em (thanks to my big Caribbean family), there is nothing like celebrating love...and finding the perfect outfit to celebrate in. I live for all the opportunities where I can get super glam, especially, when it's a black-tie wedding!

I get it: When it comes to black-tie weddings, it can be a lil tricky figuring out what to wear but it doesn't have to be! This dress code calls for formal evening vibes—we're talking floor-length gowns (midi dresses can work, too) and your sparkliest accessories. And good news: there's no such thing as being overdressed! So you can reach for that dress with embellishments with ease! Seriously. Next time you find a schmancy envelope in your mailbox, don't freak out—refer to this list 0f the best black-tie wedding guest dresses I made just for you.

Our top picks for the best black-tie wedding guest dresses in 2023:

You can wear these looks in total confidence knowing you followed the dress code! Got more weddings? We have more looks! Check out these fun jumpsuits, sequined dresses, and spring dresses. You should also probably get a pair of comfy heels so you can dance (or strut) all night long.

Windsor Store Fatima Sequin Cowl Neck Bodycon Formal Dress

You'll be a showstopper in this floor-length, sequin design. I mean, look at that slit! Get into the shine! This gown is also available in red and black.

Rave Review: "The sequin gown is absolutely stunning and I’m not even a sequin person! I ordered a small which I usually do but this ran small so I had to return for medium. I will say it’s a beautiful gown and well worth the money!"

Ella Pink Off Shoulder Formal Dress

A sweet and simple look would include this off-the-shoulder dress (also comes in blue, yellow, and black), sparkly earrings and a clutch.

Rave Review: "This is adorable! The material is super lightweight and flowy, the straps fit beautifully and it comes with a rubber part on the chest area so it doesn’t slide down! I actually loved the dress a lot more than I expected!"

Lulus Classic Elegance Blush Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress

Bold, statement jewelry would look so good with this best-selling satin maxi!

Rave Review: "Looks very elegant, but feels like silky pjs! Love that you can wear a regular bra with it. There's an elastic band around the waist partition, which adds comfort & shape. Bought as an option for a black tie wedding in May. Color is a bit pinker than appears in pictures, but def still "blush"- check out other review pics for reference. I'm a S, but a size XS fits me more like it fits the model (slightly fitted in butt & hips). I would go down a size unless you have a very large chest or are looking for a looser fit in the tummy/butt area."

Fashion to Figure Sarai Belted Column Maxi Dress - Gabi Fresh x FTF

You'll turn heads in this belted, column maxi dress. The color is too eye-catching to ignore!

Rave Review: "This dress is everything. When I tell you it fits me perfectly?!"

Lulus Elegant Moment Multi Watercolor Tie-Dye Backless Maxi Dress

We love a watercolor queen! This tie-dye piece has a special surprise for ya: IT'S BACKLESS.

Rave Review: "I bought this dress for an upcoming summer wedding, and it's absolutely stunning. The color is so pretty and the style/cut of the dress is perfect for a wedding. I love it so much, I'll be bringing it on my cruise this summer. Definitely recommend it for any occasion!"

ASOS DESIGN Curve Wrap Front Satin Midi Dress with Cowl Back Detail

Pro tip: Embrace any and every fashion moment that'll allow you to shine like the stunner you are.

Showpo Emmary Bustier Bodice Tulle Gown in Pink

Serve a chic ballerina aesthetic in this pink tulle gown.

Rave Review: "This dress is gorgeous! I wore to a wedding and it's super comfortable (dainty soft fabric.) I am normally an 8 and I wore a 6."

Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown

Okay, these gloves are an absolute must with this turtleneck gown.

Mac Duggal Metallic Column Gown

Go for gold in this metallic wonder. Keep your accessorizing simple with dainty gold jewelry.

Rave Review: "The dress is beautiful and more of a bronze gold. The straps are very long and will need to be adjusted. It does run big! So size down if you can."

Resa Anna Slip in Sage

While I always encourage going all out for a black-tie wedding, a slip dress is perf to wear if you're looking for something simple and understated!

MAJORELLE Matteson Gown in Pink

Alas, your pretty-in-pink pick! This bubblegum hue is so welcoming and the criss-cross rhinestones make for a great conversation starter (and slay, obvi!)

& Other Stories Voluminous Pleated Detail Maxi Dress

Into volume? You'll feel like a princess in this puffy pleated maxi ideal for a summer wedding.

Michael Costello x REVOLVE Generosity Dress in Purple

You absolutely neeeeed this fringe high-low dress! Go all out with a purple clutch and purple strappy heels for a monochromatic feel.

Alamour the Label Cary - Blue

Best dressed wedding guest goes to you obviously! You'll look like a celebrity in this baby blue crystallized gown.

BAOBAB Ribera Maxi Dress

This cut-out cape dress is here to save your day with an easy slay. Was that corny? LOL, sorry. JK.

Saylor NYC Meadow Dress

Who else is here for this cotton-candy, unicorn-vibe? You'll be the life of the party in this rainbow dress with cut-outs!

Hutch Mali Gown

Found: the loudest wedding guest dress. If you're into standing out, then this corset gown with fun brush strokes was made for you!

Rave Review: "Pretty fabric, the skirt is lined and it's overall well-constructed! I'm 5’2” so I had to get it hemmed, but otherwise was a comfortable fit and received lots of compliments."

MacDuggal Floral Print Tiered V-Neckline Gown

Your twirl moment is here. You'll be a vision in this pretty floral, tiered gown!

Onalaja Zusi Dress

Okay, what a LOOK. How stunning is that abstract design on this sheer, hand-beaded masterpiece?

Andrea Iyamah Tibara Caftan Dress

It's giving drama. Give off lavish "rich auntie" vibes in this gorge caftan.

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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