19 best black tie wedding guest dresses ready to be your very chic plus one
I've been to beach weddings, countryside ceremonies and city affairs, but I rarely do I receive an invite where the best black tie wedding guest dresses are something I need to search for. So it makes the fancy events even more special when I do.
As the most formal type of wedding ceremony, a black tie wedding is the only one that, I would say, a dress code really should be adhered to. Finding the right dress to wear can be a little bit trickier than other nuptials, though. Luckily, I'm here to help, and as a fashion editor for over 12 years, I'm pretty trustworthy when it comes to finding the best of the best – if I do say so myself.
As someone who loves nothing more than an excuse to get dressed up (ironic that I'm typing this at home in my joggers) I'm all for going all out when it comes to a black tie event. There's no such thing as being overdressed, but considering most men attending will be wearing a tuxedo or very smart suit, there is such thing as being underdressed. So we don't want to risk that happening at upcoming summer weddings, do we? Let me share with you a few tips and tricky to nailing black tie dressing – don't worry, it's actually a lot more simple than it sounds!
Aside from not wearing white, of course, the number one ‘rule’ to follow for a black tie wedding is: save mini dresses and floral linen styles for you beach holiday. This event is where you bring out the gowns, the OTT dresses that feel slightly ‘too much’ for a standard wedding. Don't fancy a floor-sweeper? Then a very chic midi or a maxi will still suit – they just have to fall below the knee and not look out of place in a room full of very long red carpet-worthy dresses.
If you're unsure if your chosen midi or maxi will make the cut, think about the details. Does it have an interesting neckline? Would it stand out amongst a bunch of simple summer dresses? Or is it one of those cocktail dresses that has a trending neck scarf, frills upon more frills or a sprinkling of sequins and feathers? This could be your time to shine – quite literally if you opt for over-the-top (remember, there’s actually no such thing for a black tie event) sparkles and embellishment. Why shouldn't we feel like a celebrity now and again?
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So, now you may have an idea about dress styles, what about colours? It's a common misconception that you have to wear black to a black tie event. And while this will never fail (Tiffany Hsu, above, proves this) there's so many colours that look amazing at a black tie ceremony. Anything in unlikely shades – think icy blue (see Emili Sindlev, below), cinnamon or zesty green – are going to be key this year, so try these out instead of more classic shades. With that being said, though, it's summer, so embrace all the sugary pastel shades that you would usually look to for wedding guest dresses.
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While renting is always an option for wedding guest dresses in general, I want to show you the styles to buy. But don't worry, while they're all very fancy, they're all different price points. On the high street, the Ambercrombie & Fitch green halterneck is one of my faves (it's under-£100, FYI), the Arrange sell-out sequin dress is now back in a pretty shade of pink and the Mango asymmetric one-shoulder style could easily pass as designer. If you do want to have a bit of a splurge and go for a designer gown then Deme by Gabriella's draped dress in Chartreuse green (the colour of the season) is so stunning and Reformation's silk dress with detachable cape is a winner in not one, not two but five different colours. I vote for light blue.
Now is seemingly the time to bag the best black tie wedding guest dresses, too, with influencer-led shopping platform LTK telling us searches for said dresses are up by 500% this month, you better be quick to shop the chicest styles. Luckily, we've found 19 best summer wedding guest dresses that are so good, they'll almost outshine the bride!
Scroll to see the 19 best black tie wedding guest dresses you've probably ever seen.
Contour Collective High Neck Drape Jersey Maxi Dress
The attention-to-detail on this high street one-shoulder maxi dress makes it far exceed the under-£120 price point. Draped chiffon, a knotted waist and ruching at the back is what puts it at the top when it comes to the best red dresses. I would go full matchy-matchy and have red nails and lips, too.
- Colours: Red, brown or icy blue.
- Sizes: 8-18.
Arrange Curve Embellished Sequin Cami Midi Dress
Remember this dress? The yellow and blue similar versions from Asos went viral last year, and sold out quicker than Harry Styles tickets. Sure, it's a statement, but if you can't go all out at a wedding, when can you? The plus size dress in fit-for-a-princess tulle, soft pink petal sequins and v neck is simply stunning. The a-line midi dress is also the perfect alternative to a floor-sweeping gown.
- Colours: Blue, pink, yellow, navy and black.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
Save when you shop for the best black tie wedding guest dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
I can't cope with Mango at the moment. Every time I go online, I spent hundreds – why is the new collection so damn good? Including this gorgeous gown in burnt orange. Another one with emphasis on the neckline, the asymmetric one-shoulder dress with open-back feels very black tie-ready.
- Colours: Burnt orange.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
When it comes to looking for a dress for a wedding – be it bridesmaids dresses, bridal dresses or in this case, black tie guest dresses – Reformation is the destination. This glossy icy blue chiffon dress is too good to miss. What I love most (aside from it being in one of 2026's key colours) is the fact the chiffon cape is removable. So walk in wearing it, and whip it over later in the night for a whole new look. It's basically a two-for-one buy if you ask me!
- Colours: Blue, pink, yellow, navy and black.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
Aje Cleo Ruffled Tiered Organza Gown
For just over £500, you could feel like you deserve to be on the red carpet. Aje's ruffle, halterneck chiffon floor-length gown is a thing of beauty. Layers upon layers of frothy frill pastel icy blue fabric will have you wafting around the place feeling your most confident. We can always count on the Aussie label to ensure we get that best dressed guest award, can't we?
- Colours: Blue or orange.
- Sizes: 4-16.
Save when you shop for the best black tie wedding guest dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Halter Mixed Fabric Maxi Dress
If you want a black tie dress that's not going to require your life savings, there's so many incredible high street options. Just look at this Abercrombie & Fitch style, for example – the mixed materials, sleek halterneck and side split looks so premium. And Chartreuse green is one of the colours dominating the season, so you'll be able to get so much wear out of it after the big day.
- Colours: Green and orange.
- Sizes: XXS-XL.
Kathryn Chocolate Bandeau Asymmetric Detail Maxi Dress
Looking it could be some kind of chic two-piece, this 4th and Reckless bandeau dress (more 2026 than a bardot) is so elegant. The asymmetric top – that almost looks like a corset – feels so premium, and I love how a strapless style allows for you to go wild with jewellery – the more gold jewels the better!
- Colours: Brown or white.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Plus Size Bandage Knit Woven Cape Detail Maxi Dress
Sometimes, less is more. This Karen Millen gown with one-shoulder bow detail and chiffon scarf is so chic, yet will make a statement as you enter the venue. Asymmetric dresses will never fail to impress, and I like how the navy shade feels slightly softer that classic black. No wonder it's one of the best sellers for the high street brand.
- Colours: Navy and white (leave white for the bride!)
- Sizes: 18-24.
Save when you shop for the best black tie wedding guest dresses with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
Some people believe that printed dressed can be out of place at a black tie event, but I'm here to say otherwise. It's all about the print you choose, and this expensive-looking paisley floral with clashing leopard scarves hits. The neckline elevates it, the strappy back makes it all-round perfection and the best part? It's the perfect length for those who are petite.
- Colours: 4 different prints.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Butter Yellow Floral Jacquard Fifi Maxi Dress
You've just got to appreciate Nobody's Child when it comes to occasionwear dresses – and denim, co-ords and even shoes, actually. The one-stop-shop has me sold on this butter yellow dream halterneck and I just know that after the wedding, you're guaranteed to wear it to so many summer soirées. And holidays, it's such a good holiday buy!
- Colours: 5 colours.
- Sizes: 4-24.
Save when you shop for the best black tie wedding guest dresses with these Nobody's Child discount codes at checkout.
Ella Square Neck Contrast Maxi Dress
Yes, you can wear a monochrome dress to a black tie – or any – wedding you attend. Black and white will never fail to look effortless, and the colour pairing manages to elevate this linen-mix dress. Psst, it'll also keep you cool during a summer ceremony without looking too casual.
- Colours: Monochrome.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Deme by Gabriella The Jasmine Dress
I wore a Deme by Gabriela dress recently on holiday, and I don't think I've had so many compliments on an outfit. I love that the draped detail is the perfect alternative to a simple short sleeve style, and the zesty shade of green is one that won't go unnoticed so no doubt all eyes will be on you when you walk in wearing this draped, ruched bodycon gown.
- Colours: Green, lilac, pink and blue.
- Sizes: XS-XXXL.
While pastels aren't typically black tie attire, there are some dress styles that'll allow you to embrace the sugary sweet shades for summer. This sleek maxi dress, for example, has cutout back details and very sleek long neck tie that adds a bit of drama to an otherwise simple dress. With pastels being popular for bridesmaids dresses, I would message the bride just to make sure this isn't the bridal party shade!
- Colours: 7 colours.
- Sizes: 4-20.
Taller Marmo Sza Sza Silk-Chiffon Gown
Black tie events are the time to wear the most beautiful gowns, and I say take advantage of it. If your bank balance allows for a splurge purchase, I would go for Taller Marmo. This chiffon and satin mix halterneck dress with jewel-encrusted neckline and cuffs belongs in the Louvre. Stun–ning!
- Colours: Navy.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Erm, wow. This liquid satin gown looks like a work of art. Carefully draped around the neck – kind of like a more elevated cowl – the ruched waist makes it fall perfectly over the body. Me+Em, you have truly excelled yourself with this one!
- Colours: Cinnamon and orange printed.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Juno Midi Dress With Sheer Scarf
Chic, chic, chic! The ruffle, pleated tulle material makes it one of those cocktail dresses that actually looks interesting as well as smart. The straps have cute little buttons on for extra detail and the detachable scarf on this a-line style can be worn so many ways so you'll be able to make it look different each time you wear it. More of a midaxi, no doubt it'll sell out just like all of Damson Madder's cult items – the reversible trench, the polka dot dress, to name a few!
- Colours: Red.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
Bardot Elera Printed Halter Mesh Maxi Dress
Glossy jewel tones will always look expensive, and this blurred floral print halterneck with tie-back waist detail is just so pretty. I'm seeing it styled with burgundy heels and a similar shade bag for the black tie wedding. For holiday, I would simply switch to flat sandals and a silly little basket bag.
- Colours: Printed.
- Sizes: 6-16.
Save when you shop for the best black tie wedding guest dresses with these Anthropologie discount codes at checkout.
Rat & Boa Sirena Draped Maxi Dress
Whenever I think of summer holidays or occasions, I always turn to London-label Rat & Boa. The dresses just always win, don't they? This may be quite a simple red maxi dress, but the spaghetti straps, corsage detail and one-shoulder draping just adds that little something extra. I'm sold.
- Colours: Red.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
What do black-tie guests wear to weddings?
While there are so many different types of weddings – from laid-back beach weddings to a romantic countryside setting – a black tie wedding is by far the most formal you can attend. And with this very exciting invite comes the excuse to dust off that dress you always save for best, rent a statement designer wedding guest dress you may not usually go for or treat yourself to a new style that's sure to impress. The rule of thumb is; this isn't the occasion to wear a short dress. Instead, opt for a midi, maxi or floor-sweeping gown in a luxurious fabric – think silk or chiffon instead of jersey or linen. And when it comes to accessories, it's all about chic heels, perfectly formed clutch and hand-held bags (leave the tote at home!) and premium jewellery to suit the black tie wedding. Not a fan of dresses? Some suits or jumpsuits could also work.
What are the best colours to wear to a black-tie wedding?
There are no real ‘rules’ to follow with colours for a black tie wedding, but of course, there are some hues that tend to be better-suited to a fancier affair. For example, rich jewel tones including emerald green, burgundy and navy will always be classic. A long gown in black is always going to look sophisticated (especially when paired with diamonds or refined gold jewellery) and metallic shades of silver, bronze and gold will look exceptional in the right fabrics. And if it's a summer black tie event, a lot of lighter pastel dresses will also work if they fit well and have an expensive-looking cut. Like any wedding, though, avoid white, ivory and cream – unless the bride has requested this as the dress code, of course. If you're still unsure which colour to go for, and you don't want to risk making the faux pas of unintentionally matching with the bridesmaid, speak to the bride before the big day.
Is it okay to wear a knee-length dress to a black-tie wedding?
Unlike mini dresses, knee-length dresses are more acceptable at a black tie wedding. But there are some guidelines that may be worth taking note of before you find ‘the one’. It's best to keep to a style that sits below your knee, or more of a midi. Instead of casual flowy silhouettes you may see at a summer brunch, go for a slinky cami style, one with structure or a style that looks so premium in way of detail. And to avoid a knee-length style looking dated, think wisely about your shoe choice – a heeled mule, sandal or slingback should elevate (quite literally) the shorter dress style worn among the gowns and tuxedos.
Why you can trust me
I've been a fashion editor for over 12 years, so when it comes to knowing dress trends, brands worth shopping and certain styles that suit different people (I'm also a stylist) then I'm pretty clued up. I also get to work with the very talented team at Glamour, so together we came up with all the best wedding guest dress brands we truly rate. Some of the team have also been to quite a few black tie events, so we're in the know when it comes to knowing what to wear, and what not to wear to the more formal wedding ceremony. The outcome? This very chic edit of 19 black tie-ready guest dresses that'll suit everyone.
How we tested
When it comes to testing, team Glamour wore a lot of the dresses featured. Some of the styles (the Whistles lilac dress, for example) are so good, they get bought out in new colours each and every season. So we know they're worth getting for an upcoming wedding. We also looked at the quality of the dresses (they have to look premium to be a plus one at a black tie event), is the cut suitable for a black tie ceremony and is the colour one that'll work for both summer (long sleeves usually aren't best), and the event type. There's a lot to consider, but we believe we've put together an edit of strong contenders for upcoming black tie events.
Check out the best spring wedding guest dresses, autumn wedding guest dresses and winter wedding guest dresses while you're here.
