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Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest - Everything You Need To Know
What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?
When the wedding invite says ‘Black Tie Optional’, you’ve hit the jackpot. This dress code is more flexible when it comes to what you can and can’t wear. Your fave floor length dress and that matching set that you’ve been waiting to show off are both on the table - you get to choose!
The criteria for a Black Tie Optional wedding guest outfit is simple; keep it elegant, comfortable and formal. Think effortless sets, long maxi dresses, and shades ranging from black to butter yellow. This dress code has always been a fave and will only get more popular with time.
Coming into 2025, many wedding hosts are prioritizing comfort, versatility and inclusivity over strict outfit guidelines. Black Tie Optional means you can dress classy and cute, without the added pressure of adhering to strict black tie wedding attire.
We love wedding season, and we have an entire collection dedicated to iconic wedding guest outfits. Ready to find the perfect ‘fit for your Black Tie Optional event? Keep reading.
What To Wear To A Black Tie Optional Wedding
If you’ve never attended a Black Tie Optional event, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t allowed. Good news for you, every single style in this blog ticks the boxes for a Black Tie Optional dress code. Pro tip: any outfit you currently have in your wardrobe for special occasions can be styled to suit this vibe. You’d be surprised what a few staple accessories and a slicked-back bun can do! There’s a few trends we’re loving in particular this wedding season though. Asymmetrical and off the shoulder styles, backless dresses, high necklines, corsetry details and soft draping fabrics.
When it comes to choosing what you should wear, use your current wardrobe as inspo. What necklines do you naturally lean towards? What shapes and silhouettes make you feel the most confident? Take a look at your current collection and come back with this in mind. The color you choose will depend on what time of year it is. If you’re celebrating in the springtime, butter yellow and baby blue shades will look incred’, or reach for timeless black styles and deep burgundy shades in the winter. Dressing to the seasons is key for weddings, especially if there’s no set color chosen by the couple. You can expect the majority of people to wear lighter and brighter tones in the warmer seasons and deeper shades in the colder months.
Cool girl meets formal is the vibe for weddings this season. The dresses below are the definition of effortless, elevated and just the right amount of formal. High necklines are our top pick for elegant winter weddings, especially if the venue is inside (they’re slightly more formal). If you’re wanting a dress with eye-catching, yet subtle details, reach for styles that have lace accents and tie-up features. These small design details make a huge difference.
For spring and summer weddings, we’re obsessed with pastel greens, yellows and of course, anything floral. A lot of our top picks for the Black Tie Optional dress code are either floor length or midi length dresses, with flowy silhouettes. These styles are the perfect balance of formal, comfortable and timeless.
Even though this dress code leaves room for your personal style, there’s still a few things to keep in mind. Lean more towards formal styles than casual (it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed!). While we love neutral colors for every other day, steer clear of white, ivory or cream shades on this occasion. Unless told otherwise, you can assume the couple getting married will be wearing white (love this main character moment for them).
This might be a hot take, but we also recommend avoiding extremely bold designs - think sequins and neon colors. Save that gorg’ sequin mini dress for your next party! Make sure to double check the invitation for any specific dress code requests. Some couples might ask that you wear bright summer colors, and others might suggest wearing all-black. Everyone has a different preference!
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Black Tie and Black Tie Optional?
Black Tie is as fancy as it sounds. Think full-length dresses, glam makeup, and an all-out formal look. If your invite says Black Tie, you’re dressing to impress!
Black Tie Optional is a little more relaxed. It’s like the host saying, "You don’t have to go all out, but if you want to, go for it!" Any excuse to dress up though, right?
Does Black Tie Mean Black Dress?
No, Black Tie doesn’t mean you have to wear a black dress. It’s more about the level of formality than the color. You can still wear a navy blue or pink dress and tick all the boxes for a Black Tie Optional dress code.
Can You Wear Red To A Black Tie Wedding?
Red is usually all clear, especially if you stick with deeper red tones, rather than bright, neon colors. But when in doubt, check with the hosts!
Do You Have To Wear Dark Colors To A Black Tie Wedding?
You don’t have to wear dark colors to a black tie wedding, unless you want to! Dark colors like black, navy, or green are common because they’re timeless and elegant, but you can opt for lighter shades if that’s your vibe.
Can You Wear A Short Dress To A Black Tie Wedding?
If you choose a short dress for a Black Tie Optional dress code, make sure it’s a chic, timeless style - no micro dresses or overly casual styles!
