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So you’ve been invited to a black-tie wedding. Before descending into a formalwear-induced anxiety spiral, consider the benefits—this is your chance to go all-out with a statement evening look you’d never otherwise get the chance to wear. (Plus, the people-watching is guaranteed to be incredible.) The main thing to keep in mind is the definition of the dress code—effectively, “black tie” is code for floor-length hemlines, so leave the midi dress at home in favor of something ankle-sweeping. From there, you’ll find there’s a lot of variation within the black-tie wedding guest dress options.

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.

In Bloom

Need proof that floral dresses aren’t just for garden weddings? Consider, if you will, the following: an abstract version from Mango, a caped option with embellished poppies from Bernadette, and a strapless saffron gown—accented with vibrant roses, and perfect for a destination wedding—courtesy of Carolina Herrera.

Black Magic

It’s in the name: If you’re not sure what to wear for this dress code, black is generally a safe bet. Experiment with the shape, whether it’s a body-sculpting trumpet gown with sculpted armholes by Jil Sander or Marina Moscone’s cocoon-shaped strapless dress. Since the palette is so restrained, use your accessories to bring a little personality to your look.

Shimmer and Shine

Go ahead and take inspiration from the champagne toast with your black-tie wedding guest dress. Lighter-colored versions from the likes of Kate Barton and Simkhai are better for earlier ceremonies, while Carolina Herrera’s gold sequined dress (with rosette appliqués on the bodice) and Self-Portrait rhinestone draped gown are perfect for after-hours glamour.

Dramatic Draping

There’s something especially sculptural about a draped dress—perhaps literally, in the case of McQueen’s teal design, which looks like something you’d find in the Acropolis. Whether expressed through Amsale’s draped asymmetric neckline or the fluid satin of this chocolate brown halterneck from Simkhai, the silhouette feels undeniably artistic.

Semi-Sheer Sleeves

No one said long-sleeve formal dresses had to be frumpy. Try something lighter, in a luxe, semi-sheer fabric (it is summer, after all) and a sleeker silhouette, à la these purple picks from Bec + Bridge and Colleen Allen. For a looser fit, Chloé makes a boho ball gown that feels oh so ’70s; the high neck on Staud’s chocolate brown number is perfect for a chilly early summer evening.

Polished Patterns

Between bright stripes and playful polka dots, a pattern is a great way to breathe a little life into a stuffy dress code. Good luck drawing attention away from Dries Van Noten’s striped gown in neon orange and pink—it’s the kind of statement piece that commands a room.

Elly Leavitt is Vogue's lifestyle shopping editor, covering design, travel, and weddings. She has held editor positions at Hearst and Domino; her writing can be found in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Town & Country, Esquire, Elle Decor, and more. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe's. You will ... Read More