18 Elegant Formal Wedding Guest Dresses for a Black-Tie Wedding

Channel Old Hollywood glamour in this stunning, floor-sweeping gown. The thigh-high split not only adds an element of sexiness, but it's also elongating, to boot! With various color options to choose from, this dress is appropriate for a black-tie affair at any time of the year. Price at time of publish: $86

Nothing exudes more effortless elegance than a flowing maxi dress. This satin style in a rich burgundy is as chic as ever for fall or winter nuptials. And at an affordable price, it makes for a budget-friendly option you can wear again for any other formal occasions to come. Price at time of publish: $70

Attending a wedding is an investment, so invest in a dress that you'll wear again and again. This elegant strapless gown would make a timeless addition to any formal wardrobe. Plus, the structured shape and textured detail make it an oh-so-flattering frock. Price at time of publish: $540

Wondering what to wear to a black-tie wedding on or by the beach? Opt for this breezy floor-length gown with a show-stopping lace-up back. Wear yours with a pair of wedges and your hair in loose waves for the ultimate seaside look. Price at time of publish: $598

Equal parts eye-catching and sophisticated, this two-tone dress is a show-stopping option for a black-tie wedding. The combination of classic black and rich bronze is perfect for an autumn affair. Price at time of publish: $218

No matter the occasion, you can never go wrong with a classic black dress. We love this one in particular for its body-hugging silhouette and sexy front-cut detail. Wear with statement earrings to highlight the shoulder-baring neckline. Price at time of publish: $260

Pretty pink hues are always a good idea for spring and summer nuptials. We love this shimmering pink frock for the guest who is drawn to feminine silhouettes. The dreamy silk fabric and draping fit add a whimsical touch. Price at time of publish: $750

If you're headed to a summer or destination wedding, this Reformation dress is a no-brainer. Dressy enough to adhere to a black-tie dress code and playful enough to complement a destination wedding venue–this dress is the best of both worlds. Price at time of publish: $298

A wedding around the holidays calls for a festive dress. So bring on the sparkle and bring on the bows. Keep accessories simple and let this stunning dress do all the talking! Price at time of publish: $490

For the minimalist guest, this fitted slip is a supremely sophisticated and flattering choice. Complete the look with statement earrings and dewy makeup. Price at time of publish: $220

While many gravitate towards black for a black-tie wedding (with good reason), try going the navy route. The deep blue hue is sophisticated, elegant, and appropriate for any season. This number from Reformation offers a slim-fitting bodice, removable straps, and a relaxed-fitting skirt to combine style with comfort. Price at time of publish: $348

The not-so-simple slip dress has made a major comeback. This high shine satin slip dress features a crisscross back and a gentle cowl neckline for a look that feels at once formal and effortless. Price at time of publish: $73

This halter-neck dress is divinely chic for the guest who loves clean and classic silhouettes. Timeless and on-trend, this Reformation number features a pretty floral print and an alluring open back. Price at time of publish: $378

Give them glitz and glam in head-to-toe sequins. This statement-making gown is perfect for a New Year's Eve black-tie wedding. Keep accessories minimal, as this dress does all the talking. Price at time of publish: $275

A black-tie wedding calls for gowns in rich textured fabrics with a hint of sparkle. At once elegant and sexy, this Rebecca Vallance is sure to secure your spot as the best-dressed guest. Price at time of publish: $840

If you're looking to show off those shoulders and arms, go with a halter-neck dress. We love this bright and bold style for a seaside wedding held at a fabulous tropical locale. You're sure to turn heads when you step into the venue in this vibrant ensemble. Price at time of publish: $300

Attending a wedding during the holidays? This captivating gown made from all-over sequin embellishments is a striking choice for any formal occasion that calls for festive attire. Price at time of publish: $615

For a spring or summer black-tie wedding, florals are forever classic. We're picturing this floor-length, diaphanous gown at an outdoor wedding surrounded by rich greenery. Price at time of publish: $540

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18 Elegant Formal Wedding Guest Dresses for a Black-Tie Wedding

Most Elegant: Lulus Outstanding Elegance Deep Rose Satin Surplice Maxi Dress

Best Jewel Tone: Lulus Constantine Burgundy Satin Maxi Dress

Attending a wedding is an investment, so invest in a dress that you'll wear again and again. This elegant strapless gown would make a timeless addition to any formal wardrobe. Plus, the structured shape and textured detail make it an oh-so-flattering frock. Price at time of publish: $540

Best Strapless: SOLACE London Dolly Maxi Dress

Wondering what to wear to a black-tie wedding on or by the beach? Opt for this breezy floor-length gown with a show-stopping lace-up back. Wear yours with a pair of wedges and your hair in loose waves for the ultimate seaside look. Price at time of publish: $598

For a Beach Wedding: Mac Duggal Leena Floral Chiffon Gown

Equal parts eye-catching and sophisticated, this two-tone dress is a show-stopping option for a black-tie wedding. The combination of classic black and rich bronze is perfect for an autumn affair. Price at time of publish: $218

For an Autumn Wedding: Hutch Bow Tie Dress

No matter the occasion, you can never go wrong with a classic black dress. We love this one in particular for its body-hugging silhouette and sexy front-cut detail. Wear with statement earrings to highlight the shoulder-baring neckline. Price at time of publish: $260

Best Little Black Dress: Amanda Uprichard X REVOLVE Zahara Gown

Pretty pink hues are always a good idea for spring and summer nuptials. We love this shimmering pink frock for the guest who is drawn to feminine silhouettes. The dreamy silk fabric and draping fit add a whimsical touch. Price at time of publish: $750

Best Pink: AIIFOS Isabelle Dress

If you're headed to a summer or destination wedding, this Reformation dress is a no-brainer. Dressy enough to adhere to a black-tie dress code and playful enough to complement a destination wedding venue–this dress is the best of both worlds. Price at time of publish: $298

For a Summer Wedding: Reformation Jasen Dress

A wedding around the holidays calls for a festive dress. So bring on the sparkle and bring on the bows. Keep accessories simple and let this stunning dress do all the talking! Price at time of publish: $490

Best Gold Style: Sabina Musayev Ray Dress

For the minimalist guest, this fitted slip is a supremely sophisticated and flattering choice. Complete the look with statement earrings and dewy makeup. Price at time of publish: $220

For the Minimalist: BHLDN Serephina Crepe Maxi Dress

Best Navy Style: Reformation Ingrid Dress

The not-so-simple slip dress has made a major comeback. This high shine satin slip dress features a crisscross back and a gentle cowl neckline for a look that feels at once formal and effortless. Price at time of publish: $73

Most Budget-Friendly: ASOS DESIGN Cami Maxi Slip Dress

This halter-neck dress is divinely chic for the guest who loves clean and classic silhouettes. Timeless and on-trend, this Reformation number features a pretty floral print and an alluring open back. Price at time of publish: $378

Best Muted Florals: Reformation Veria Silk Dress

Give them glitz and glam in head-to-toe sequins. This statement-making gown is perfect for a New Year's Eve black-tie wedding. Keep accessories minimal, as this dress does all the talking. Price at time of publish: $275

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: ASOS EDITION Ombre Sequin Wrap Dress

A black-tie wedding calls for gowns in rich textured fabrics with a hint of sparkle. At once elegant and sexy, this Rebecca Vallance is sure to secure your spot as the best-dressed guest. Price at time of publish: $840

Most Sexy: Rebecca Vallance Jagger Gown

If you're looking to show off those shoulders and arms, go with a halter-neck dress. We love this bright and bold style for a seaside wedding held at a fabulous tropical locale. You're sure to turn heads when you step into the venue in this vibrant ensemble. Price at time of publish: $300

Best Halter-Neck:: JETS Lalita Wrap-Front Cover-Up

Attending a wedding during the holidays? This captivating gown made from all-over sequin embellishments is a striking choice for any formal occasion that calls for festive attire. Price at time of publish: $615

Most Festive: Retrofête Marie Dress

For a spring or summer black-tie wedding, florals are forever classic. We're picturing this floor-length, diaphanous gown at an outdoor wedding surrounded by rich greenery. Price at time of publish: $540

Most Fun: Hannah Artwear Rio Open-Back Floral-Print Silk-Habotai Maxi Dress

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