When a wedding invitation requests "black tie" attire, guests are expected to dress to impress. Often this translates into luxurious floor-length gowns in rich fabrics like satin, silk, chiffon, and lace. While this may seem over-the-top for some, it's your chance to look like a full-blown celebrity, about to walk a red carpet. But while many of us likely have cocktail dresses knocking around our closets, it's rarer to find a ball gown just waiting to be dusted off for your next black tie event. Not to worry: We've scoured the internet for floor-sweeping gowns from R29 reader-favorite retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Shopbop, and more to help find a black tie dress fit for the lavish affair.
While you’ll find several timeless all-black gowns for those who prefer the more traditional route, we also pulled modern black-tie dresses in vibrant colors, bold prints, and chunky sequins, as well as a few special-occasion midis for the "black tie optional" nuptials. So look through our favorite black-tie wedding guest dresses for your summer weddings (or upcoming fall nuptials). Then, slip on your favorite summer jewelry, grab a trendy clutch, and step into comfortable party shoes. You will surely find yourself a spot on the best-dressed list.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Shop Free People
Free People Katie May Pixie Gown, $, available at Free People
Shop Nordstrom
Hutch Simi Plissé Ruffle Strapless Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Cowl Back Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Shop Anthropologie
V. Chapman June Printed Corset Front-Slit Satin Gown, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Petal & Pup
Petal & Pup Glow One Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Petal & Pup
Shop Asos
ASOS DESIGN Curve Floral Ruffle Off The Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Shop Revolve
LPA Abriana Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop Rent The Runway
Badgley Mischka Rosette Scuba Strapless Gown, $, available at Rent The Runway
Shop Lulus
Lulus Prime Poise Abstract Satin Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Mia Convertible Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Shop Mango
Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress, $, available at Mango
Shop Reformation
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Shop H&M
H&M Jersey One-shoulder Dress, $, available at H&M
Shop Staud
Staud Cadence Dress, $, available at Staud
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Plus Strappy Paillette Column Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Shop Sézane
Sézane Layla Dress, $, available at Sézane
Shop PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Plus Lilac Shoulder Ruffle Hem Corsage Maxi Dress, $, available at PrettyLittleThing
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress, $, available at Quince
Shop Zara
Zara Satin Slip Dress, $, available at Zara
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Collection Tiered Ruffle Dress, $, available at J.Crew
Shop Shopbop
MISHA Terersa Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Shop Ssense
Bec & Bridge Pink Ren Split Maxi Dress, $, available at SSENSE
Shop Skims
Skims Summer Mesh Deep Plunge Long Dress, $, available at Skims
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Lilac Banana Forest Organic Cotton Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
Shop Bloomingdale's
Adrianna Papell Illusion Mermaid Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Shop Anthropologie
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown, $, available at Anthropologie
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 Norma Kamali At Saks Fifth Avenue
Norma Kamali Bias-Cut Satin Halter Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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 Atsu At Anthropologie
Atsu Bow Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Banana Republic
Banana Republic Ella Maxi Dress, $, available at Banana Republic
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 Lauren at Ralph Lauren
Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Georgette One-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Shop Karen Millen
Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Halter Woven Maxi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Shop Vince Camuto
Vince Camuto Off-The-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Vince Camuto
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 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
While you’ll find several timeless all-black gowns for those who prefer the more traditional route, we also pulled modern black-tie dresses in vibrant colors, bold prints, and chunky sequins, as well as a few special-occasion midis for the "black tie optional" nuptials. So look through our favorite black-tie wedding guest dresses for your summer weddings (or upcoming fall nuptials). Then, slip on your favorite summer jewelry, grab a trendy clutch, and step into comfortable party shoes. You will surely find yourself a spot on the best-dressed list.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Free People Katie May Pixie Gown
Shop Free People
Free People Katie May Pixie Gown, $, available at Free People
Hutch Simi Plissé Ruffle Strapless Gown
Shop Nordstrom
Hutch Simi Plissé Ruffle Strapless Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Cowl Back Maxi Dress
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Cowl Back Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
V. Chapman June Printed Corset Front-Slit Satin Gown
Shop Anthropologie
V. Chapman June Printed Corset Front-Slit Satin Gown, $, available at Anthropologie
Petal & Pup Glow One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Shop Petal & Pup
Petal & Pup Glow One Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Petal & Pup
Asos Design Curve Floral Ruffle Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
Shop Asos
ASOS DESIGN Curve Floral Ruffle Off The Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
LPA Abriana Dress
Shop Revolve
LPA Abriana Dress, $, available at Revolve
Badgley Mischka Rosette Scuba Strapless Gown
Shop Rent The Runway
Badgley Mischka Rosette Scuba Strapless Gown, $, available at Rent The Runway
Lulus Prime Poise Abstract Satin Halter Maxi Dress
Shop Lulus
Lulus Prime Poise Abstract Satin Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Mia Convertible Dress
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Mia Convertible Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress
Shop Mango
Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress, $, available at Mango
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress
Shop Reformation
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
H&M Jersey One-shoulder Dress
Shop H&M
H&M Jersey One-shoulder Dress, $, available at H&M
Staud Cadence Dress
Shop Staud
Staud Cadence Dress, $, available at Staud
Eloquii Plus Strappy Paillette Column Dress
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Plus Strappy Paillette Column Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Sézane Layla Dress
Shop Sézane
Sézane Layla Dress, $, available at Sézane
PrettyLittleThing Plus Shoulder Ruffle Hem Corsage Maxi Dress
Shop PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Plus Lilac Shoulder Ruffle Hem Corsage Maxi Dress, $, available at PrettyLittleThing
Quince 100% Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Strapless Midi Dress, $, available at Quince
Zara Satin Slip Dress
Shop Zara
Zara Satin Slip Dress, $, available at Zara
J.Crew Collection Tiered Ruffle Dress
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Collection Tiered Ruffle Dress, $, available at J.Crew
Misha Terersa Dress
Shop Shopbop
MISHA Terersa Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Bec + Bridge Pink Ren Split Maxi Dress
Shop Ssense
Bec & Bridge Pink Ren Split Maxi Dress, $, available at SSENSE
Skims Summer Mesh Deep Plunge Long Dress
Shop Skims
Skims Summer Mesh Deep Plunge Long Dress, $, available at Skims
Farm Rio Banana Forest Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Lilac Banana Forest Organic Cotton Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
Adrianna Papell Illusion Mermaid Gown
Shop Bloomingdale's
Adrianna Papell Illusion Mermaid Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale's
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Shop Anthropologie
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown, $, available at Anthropologie
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
Norma Kamali Bias-Cut Satin Halter Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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
Atsu Bow Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Banana Republic Ella Maxi Dress, $, available at Banana Republic
Marchesa Notte Briar Rose Gown, $, available at Verishop
Maya Plus One Shoulder Sequin Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Georgette One-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Halter Woven Maxi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Vince Camuto Off-The-Shoulder Gown, $, available at Vince Camuto
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
Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Shop ASTR The Label At Nordstrom Rack
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
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
35 Beach Wedding Guest Dresses To Party In Seaside
