Dazzle All Night Long In A Head-Turning Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress

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Dazzle All Night Long In A Head-Turning Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress

When a wedding invitation says “black tie,” the couple is throwing the gauntlet: They want their loved ones to dress to impress in a big way. These lavish affairs call for luxurious floor-length gowns and tuxes. Think rich fabrics — satin, silk, chiffon, and tulle — in styles reminiscent of the red carpet or a gala. In other words, it’s an adult excuse to bring out your inner princess. Which can sound fun — but also stressful. While many of us may have a cocktail dress or three knocking around in our closet, it’s rarer to find a ball gown just waiting to be dusted off for your next black tie event.

But don’t panic; buying a new black tie wedding guest dress doesn’t have to be intimidating — or even widely expensive. If you’re stressed about what to wear to an upcoming black-tie wedding (or even where to look) we’re here to help with a roundup of the best black-tie wedding guest dresses starting at under $100.

We’ve scoured the internet for floor-sweeping gowns from retailers like Saks Fifth AvenueNordstromAnthropologie, and Revolve. Find modern black tie dresses in luxe gemstone hues and black-tie-optional ones in striking abstract patterns, along with a couple of dreamy silhouettes. There are also several chic, timeless all-black gowns for a classic look. All that’s left is for you to grab your wedding essentialsspritz your favorite perfume, and step into your most comfortable party shoes for the night. Get ready to feel and look your very best — our stunning picks will surely grant you a spot on the best-dressed list.  

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Modern Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Unless you’re a minimalist who lives in black and navy, don’t feel like you have to constrict yourself to dark-hued numbers. Modern takes on black tie often feature the same full-length gowns, just in bolder colors and statement-making fashions. Glow in radiant hues such as emerald green and icy blue, with silhouettes that bring the perfect amount of drama and elegance without overshadowing the bride.

Shop Alice + Olivia At Nordstrom Rack

Alice + Olivia Samia Halter Neck Fishtail Gown, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Shop Alamour The Label

Alamour The Label Jennifer — Emerald, $, available at Alamour The Label

Shop Reformation

Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation

Shop BHLDN at Anthropologie

BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown, $, available at Anthropologie

Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses

“Black tie optional” may bring on more confusion than clarity, but it typically indicates that guests can opt for formal or black tie attire and that the wedding party will be in black tie. To straddle the two attires, a longer dress (rather than a gown) is always a good option. Gowns that have embellishments and unexpected silhouettes can also be a perfect in-between option that feels striking but not overdressed.

Shop Lulus

Lulus Moriah Sage Green Satin Wrap Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus

Shop Sachin & Babi

Sachin + Babi Kayla Gown – Pastel Sunset Hydrangea, $, available at Sachin & Babi

Shop Marchesa Notte At Verishop

Marchesa Notte Briar Rose Gown, $, available at Verishop

Shop Maya Plus At ASOS

Maya Plus One Shoulder Sequin Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS

Shop Atsu At Anthropologie

Atsu Bow Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Shop Karen Millen

Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Halter Woven Maxi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Shop Lauren at Ralph Lauren

Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Georgette One-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Ralph Lauren

Shop Banana Republic

Banana Republic Ella Maxi Dress, $, available at Banana Republic

Classic Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Exude old-school Hollywood glamour in a classy black gown with a 2023 twist. We’ve chosen numbers with subtle details that shine: shimmering sequins, balloon sleeves with delicate cinched wrists, and flared hems.

Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey

Shop NBD At Revolve
Shop JJ’s House

JJ’s House A-Line V-Neck Asymmetrical Satin Evening Dress, $, available at JJ’s House

Shop Mac Duggal at Saks Fifth Avenue

Mac Duggal Fabulouss Sequin One Shoulder Side Cutout Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Shop Adrianna Papell at Bloomingdale’s

Adrianna Papell Illusion Mermaid Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale’s

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii

Shop ASTR The Label At Nordstrom Rack

ASTR The Label Farida Midi Slipdress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie

Shop Ramy Brook

Ramy Brook Ashlyne Plunging Maxi Dress, $, available at Ramy Brook

Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories V-Neck Wrap Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Shop Free People

Free People Look Into The Sun Gown, $, available at Free People

Shop Norma Kamali at Revolve

Norma Kamali Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve

Shop Eliza J At Nordstrom

Eliza J. Embellished High/Low Chiffon Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Shop Hill House Home

Hill House Home The Lace Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home

Shop Asos Edition Curve At Asos

ASOS Edition Curve Long Sleeve Tie Waist Midi Dress In Blurred Floral Prin, $, available at ASOS

Shop Lulus

Lulus Broadway Show Navy Blue High-Low Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus

Shop Bronx and Banco at Bergdorf Goodman

Bronx and Banco Florence Strapless A-Line Bustier Gown, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman

Shop Reformation

Reformation Veria Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation

Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Red Guipure Cut Out Midi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

Shop Karen Millen

Karen Millen Slinky Knit Mirrored Jacquard Geo Chain Strap Maxi Dres, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Shop Michael Lo Sordo at Net-A-Porter

Michael Lo Sordo Crystal-Embellished Silk-Satin Gown, $, available at Net-A-Porter

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