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 Avenue, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, 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 essentials, spritz 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
Alamour The Label Jennifer — Emerald, $, available at Alamour The Label
Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
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
Sachin + Babi Kayla Gown – Pastel Sunset Hydrangea, $, available at Sachin & Babi
Marchesa Notte Briar Rose Gown, $, available at Verishop
Maya Plus One Shoulder Sequin Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Atsu Bow Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Halter Woven Maxi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Georgette One-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Ralph Lauren
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
JJ’s House A-Line V-Neck Asymmetrical Satin Evening Dress, $, available at JJ’s House
Mac Duggal Fabulouss Sequin One Shoulder Side Cutout Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Adrianna Papell Illusion Mermaid Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
ASTR The Label Farida Midi Slipdress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
Ramy Brook Ashlyne Plunging Maxi Dress, $, available at Ramy Brook
& Other Stories V-Neck Wrap Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Free People Look Into The Sun Gown, $, available at Free People
Norma Kamali Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve
Eliza J. Embellished High/Low Chiffon Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Hill House Home The Lace Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
ASOS Edition Curve Long Sleeve Tie Waist Midi Dress In Blurred Floral Prin, $, available at ASOS
Lulus Broadway Show Navy Blue High-Low Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Bronx and Banco Florence Strapless A-Line Bustier Gown, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Reformation Veria Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Farm Rio Red Guipure Cut Out Midi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
Karen Millen Slinky Knit Mirrored Jacquard Geo Chain Strap Maxi Dres, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Michael Lo Sordo Crystal-Embellished Silk-Satin Gown, $, available at Net-A-Porter
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