Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses

Black tie optional dresses don't have to be long. A gown is always right, but a polished shorter dress in satin, crepe, velvet or sequins is just as correct, and the only thing the code really rules out is daywear: sundresses, casual knits, office dresses.

The phrase usually means the wedding party will be in black tie (tuxedos and long gowns) and guests can match them or go one small step down. Start with what the code means, then build the outfit piece by piece. The products named here are Amazon listings nobody at LookerDress has tried on.

What black tie optional means

Black tie optional vs black tie

Black tie traditionally means floor-length gowns for women and tuxedos for men. Black tie optional keeps the same formal mood but gives guests a choice: a gown if you want one, a dressy shorter dress if you don't. It usually signals an evening event.

Black tie optional vs cocktail attire

Cocktail attire is a notch less formal: knee-length or midi dresses, sometimes a dressy jumpsuit. At a black tie optional wedding a cocktail dress is fine if it's polished, in satin, crepe, velvet or something with beading or sequins. Think of it as the dressiest version of a cocktail outfit.

What to wear to a black tie optional wedding

Black tie optional for women comes down to three outfits: a gown, a dressy shorter dress or a formal jumpsuit. Pick the one you'll be comfortable in for five hours.

A floor-length gown

A gown is the safe choice and never too much at this dress code. Sequins and satin read the most formal. A stretch gown is easier to sit, eat and dance in, which matters at a long reception.

A dressy midi or cocktail dress

If a gown isn't you, choose a midi or knee-length dress and dress it up: a rich fabric, heels, a statement clutch, good earrings. For an evening ceremony keep the hem at or below the knee, and skip anything that looks like daywear, such as cotton prints or casual jersey.

A formal jumpsuit

A wide-leg jumpsuit in a fluid fabric is a real alternative to a dress at black tie optional. Style it like a gown: heels, a small bag, dressy jewelry.

Black tie optional at a winter wedding

A black tie wedding guest dress in winter is mostly about sleeves and fabric. A long-sleeve gown in velvet, crepe or sequins handles both the code and the cold, and a faux-fur stole or velvet wrap covers a sleeveless gown for photos. Sheer black tights are widely accepted under a gown or a midi when it's cold.

For more cold-weather ideas, see winter wedding guest dresses. If you want a fabric that looks formal and keeps you warm, start with velvet wedding guest dresses.

Shoes, a bag and what goes underneath

Heels

Strappy heels and classic pumps both work. An ankle strap helps if you plan to dance; a block heel helps on grass or gravel.

An evening clutch

A hard-case or beaded clutch matches the formality of a gown. Keep it small: phone, lipstick, a card and a key. More shapes are in wedding guest clutches.

A slip or smoothing layer

Thin satin and clingy jersey show every line, so plan what goes under a gown before the day. A strapless full slip works under off-shoulder and strapless necklines. If your dress needs a strapless bra instead, see types of bras.

What to avoid at a black tie optional wedding

• White, ivory, or champagne so pale it could pass for white.
• Daytime fabrics: cotton, linen, casual jersey, denim.
• Very short hems. A cocktail length is fine; a mini sundress isn't.
• Sneakers, flip-flops and everyday totes.

If the invitation says dressy casual instead, you're dressing for a very different wedding; the dressy casual wedding attire guide explains the gap.