20 Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses
Wedding season is in full swing, so today I’m sharing a highly requested round up of black tie optional wedding guest dresses! It’s always hard to navigate what to wear with so many different wedding dress codes but the most popular these days seems to be black tie optional. Just like a bachelorette party theme, knowing the dress code can help you choose appropriate outfits to wear all weekend long — from the welcome party to the big day! For the most important events, I’m sharing a round-up of dresses you can wear to any of your upcoming black tie optional weddings, wherever the location may be!
WHAT IS A BLACK TIE OPTIONAL DRESS CODE?
So what does a black tie optional dress code really mean? Compared to a strict black tie dress code, a black tie optional dress code allows guests more freedom and flexibility to wear something slightly less formal than what’s required of black-tie attires. You can have a little more fun with color, pattern and dress style, while still being fancy. For black tie optional, it’s important though that dresses should be midi or maxi length (no short dresses) and keep materials to more upscale fabrics (stay away from linen and more daytime materials). I also find that accessories are a great way to take a more cocktail style dress and elevate it to black tie.
20 BLACK TIE OPTIONAL WEDDING GUEST DRESSES
1. Norma Kamali deep drape neck gown
This red color immediately caught my eye, and I’m a sucker for a gown with a low back.
2. staud cassie dress
This garden green color is perfect for a spring or summer wedding, and I love the embroidery detail. A maxi dress like this could easily be dressed up or dressed down with the right bag and shoes.
3. reformation silk halter dress
Reformation continues to have a reliable selection of black tie optional wedding guest dresses, and this silk halter dress is no exception. Classic and gorgeous!
4. staud calluna dress
Another winner from STAUD is this gown with a high neck and dramatic bow. It’s high on my wish list for a black tie optional wedding!
5. Tuckernuck esme dress
This elegant midi dress from Tuckernuck is under $250 and comes in a handful of colors, and I think it’s such a versatile pick. This is another cocktail style dress I think you could elevate with appropriate styling.
6. retrofete open back cape dress
The open back and cape details are the real star of the show on this dress, and the ice blue color is perfection for the season.
7. as it may organza rosette strapless dress
I have such a crush on this orchid color, and the organza rosettes are darling! This one’s a winner in my book.
8. reformation lilibeth silk dress
I’m loving all the capes we’re seeing this year, I think they’re such an elegant touch to a wedding guest look! This strappy silk dress comes with a detachable cape so you have options.
9. hutch strapless tulle a-line dress
Another example of a midi dress that could easily be worn to a black tie optional wedding!
10. reformation annabelle dress
This is a classic silhouette from Reformation I revisit year after year.
11. Revolve bow shoulder maxi dress
Revolve is another go-to retailer for wedding guest dresses! I think the bow shoulder details are just the cutest.
12. reformation silk maxi dress
If you’re not feeling floor length, this maxi dress with a sexy side slit is another chic option. I also love the chocolate brown color it comes in.
13. tuckernuck cape maxi dress
Another fun cape! This column dress is under $250 and delivers major elegance.
14. norma kamali sleeveless draped gown
A chic high neck and draped back are a winning combination. This ballet pink color is a favorite for spring.
15. reformation frankie silk dress
I’ve worn this dress in an array of colors and patterns over the years! It’s a classic for a reason.
16. runaway the label strapless feather dress
I’m a sucker for feathers (this is one of my favorite dresses!), especially for a black tie optional wedding. Even better — this chic strapless dress is under $200.
17. tuckernuck sequin column dress
I love a little sparkle for a black tie optional wedding, and this sapphire blue color is so unique!
18. show me your mumu slip maxi
I’m obsessed with the combination of the sleek silhouette with the whimsical chiffon scarf. This would also be a beautiful bridesmaid dress!
19. simkhai bustier maxi dress
I think bustier style dresses like this can be so flattering, and I love the stretchy back for the perfect fit.
20. bhldn satin halter-neck maxi dress
Tell me this dress isn’t begging to be worn to an outdoor garden wedding! I’m absolutely in love with the halter neck style, and the tie back.
