If you’re stuck on where to start, consider the setting. A black-tie event in an upscale city venue requires a different sort of formal dress than a black-tie event in a beachy locale. Think about fabrics and the season, as well as the as well as silhouette: Do you go light and dreamy, with layers of tulle and pleated chiffon? Or moody and sophisticated with luxe silk or liquid paillates? When in doubt, a classic A-line or halter style offers just enough formality.
From simple black dresses to shimmering sequins, our edit of best black-tie wedding guest dresses are sure to make a splash.
Sleek Silk
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a satin dress. Elegant and polished, these slinky gowns have simple silhouettes that make them the ideal canvas for all sorts of accessorizing. Victoria Beckham’s short-sleeve rosewater dress calls for minimalism with sculptural gold jewelry; something bolder, like Aflalo’s amber design or Alaia’s eggplant halter, is an opportunity to play with a semi-precious gemstone jewelry (like amethyst, citrines, tourmalines, and aquamarines) to enhance the richness of the fabric.
