Black-Tie Wedding Attire, Explained: Exactly What to Wear as a Guest

Receiving an invite to a black-tie wedding might send you into panic mode if you're unsure of what this dress code entails, but an opportunity to don your very best attire can be pretty fun. Who doesn't want to feel like royalty for a night in a floor-sweeping evening gown or dapper tuxedo? There's only one wedding dress code that's a step above black tie in formality, and that's white-tie attire. That said, we encourage you to go all out in your finest formal wear for black-tie functions.

Confused about what exactly a black-tie wedding dress code means? You've come to the right place. We're breaking down the etiquette with the help of Marteal Mayer, co-founder of sustainable Brooklyn bridal boutique Loulette Bride. But that's not all—we're also sharing some of our favorite black-tie wedding attire looks for men and women to help inspire your search for new formal wear.

In this article:

• What Does a Black-Tie Dress Code Mean?
• Where to Buy Black-Tie Wedding Clothes
• Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Women
• Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Men
• More Black-Tie Attire Questions, Answered

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What Does a Black-Tie Dress Code Mean?

Typically, a black-tie wedding requires guests to wear either a tuxedo or an evening dress. "The lines have been blurred over the years, but it is safe to assume that black tie means fancy, and you really can't be too over-dressed, short of wearing a white, floor-length dress yourself," says Mayer.

For women, black-tie dress codes mean a full-length dress or a women's tuxedo, if you plan on suiting up (formal jumpsuits work, too). You should pair your look with heels, dressy flats or loafers. Short and mid-length dresses aren't going to be the best fit here.

For guys, the black-tie dress code means it's time for a tuxedo. This means the full look–a proper dinner jacket, tuxedo pants, appropriate shoes, and the necessary accessories. No standard suits allowed, even the fanciest of them. Guests are also expected to stick with darker colors, like navy and gray, and deeper jewel tones, like emerald, sapphire or burgundy.

Where to Buy Black-Tie Wedding Clothes

To make shopping for your next black-tie wedding outfit even easier, we're highlighting a few of our favorite retailers to jumpstart your search. Pro tip: Make sure to read the return/exchange policy and the conditions of your purchase or rental before you check out.

The Black Tux

Renting is an easy and popular option that allows you to rock a nice tux at a stellar price. One option to consider? The Black Tux. Simply choose your favorite style, then fill out the corresponding fit survey that will recommend the best size for you. Or, if you want a more personalized experience, you can also visit one of their showrooms to get fitted in person.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie and its wedding shop, BHLDN, sell gorgeous wedding guest dresses for all dress codes, especially black tie. Check out Anthro's curated selection of black-tie dresses, which you can further filter by style, size, color, length and more, based on the venue and vibe of your event. While you're shopping, check out the retailer's wedding guest accessories to dress up your black-tie outfit.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue carries an expansive collection of elegant evening gowns and luxe black tuxes from high-end and designer brands, including Mac Duggal, Zimmerman, Halston, Amsale and more. The best part? While you're shopping, look through their accessories for black-tie weddings, from fine jewelry to dapper ties to dress shoes. It doesn't get much better than that.

Nuuly

With Nuuly, you can rent black-tie wedding guest dresses from brands like Anthropologie, ASTR The Label, Urban Outfitters, Hutch, Halston, and more. Here's how it works: Subscribe to rent any six styles, every month, for $88/month. Plus, we have an exclusive deal just for you: Use the code "THEKNOT20" to get $20 off your first order!

Men's Wearhouse

Men's Wearhouse is a classic choice for many wedding guests for a reason. You can buy a tuxedo or you can rent one with their convenient-to-use rental service. To rent, browse through their pre-styled designs, which you can further make your own with accessories. You can pick up the tux at a store or have it shipped directly to your home—the choice is yours.

Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Women

Ahead, we've rounded up a few of our favorite outfit ideas for black-tie weddings. From classic black gowns to playful yet appropriate jumpsuits, consider this your ultimate guide to navigating the dress code.

Sachin & Babi Aubrey Gown

Photo: Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi's Aubrey Gown boasts a collapsible bow detail on the shoulder that's further embellished with hand-embroidered black caviar beading. Style your outfit with gold or silver jewelry and peep-toe heels.

Size range: 0-14

BHLDN Dylan One-Shoulder Satin Side-Slit Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

This gorgeous maxi dress checks all the boxes without feeling over-the-top fancy, meaning you'll likely be able to wear it again even after the black-tie affair is over. Accessorize with a pair of dressy sandals with a heel and a coordinating clutch.

Size Range: 0-26W

Hutch Sonnie Jumpsuit

Photo: Rent the Runway

Jumpsuits for wedding guests aren't off-limits. For black tie, you should avoid styles and materials that feel too casual, such as flowy florals or linen. This refined strapless number is a serious upgrade from your everyday, run-of-the-mill jumpsuit thanks to luxe blue velvet with floral details. Most importantly, it comes in standard and petite sizes.

Size range: 0-16

Mac Duggal Satin Empire Waist Ballgown

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Simple and elegant, Mac Duggal's ballgown is a black-tie hit. It's a year-round staple and will look stellar at any evening affairs the calendar brings your way.

Size range: 0-16

Reformation Niamh Silk Dress

Photo: Reformation

Daytime events allow for a little more freedom in dress length and color, making this blue floral Reformation number a surefire hit the next time you dress for one. A dramatic pair of earrings or a statement necklace will add a chic finishing touch to this summery ensemble.

Size range: 0-12

Black-Tie Wedding Attire for Men

Tuxedos don't have to be black and boring, and we're proving that with the picks below. From sleek, dark navy options to a fun velvet pick, keep scrolling for our outfit recommendations for your next black-tie wedding.

The Black Tux Black Velvet Jacket Tuxedo

Photo: The Black Tux

"Rent" isn't a four-letter word these days. The folks at The Black Tux provide excellent tuxedo rentals for black-tie weddings with a great home try-on feature and a super easy return process. There's no need to drop a few hundred bucks on a tuxedo if this is the last time you plan on wearing one, but there's also no reason your tuxedo rental can't have you looking your best.

Size range: 34-58

Suitsupply Black Tailored Fit Lazio Tuxedo

Photo: Suitsupply

With wide peaked lapels and a classic cut, it doesn't get much more timeless than Suitsupply's Lazio tuxedo. It's available in a made-to-measure cut, so you can ensure the perfect black-tie fit.

Size range: Custom

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket in Silk Hopsack

Photo: Brooks Brothers

You can't go wrong with Brooks Brothers. For an all-time stylish formal fit, try out this Italian dinner jacket made from stunning blue silk. From the handsewn details to the mother-of-pearl closure, it's a black-tie outfit you can be sure nobody else will match.

Size range: 36-46

Bonobos Empire Stretch Italian Wool Tuxedo

Photo: Bonobos

Bust out some navy at your black-tie wedding with this beauty from Bonobos. It's a burst of bold color without stepping outside of the realm of black-tie dress. You won't regret it.

Size range: 36S-47L

Indochino Highworth Burgundy Tuxedo

Photo: Indochino

Burgundy is a big black-tie swing, but one you're capable of hitting. Indochino can help with that, getting you a full made-to-measure tuxedo for under $600.

Size range: Custom

More Black-Tie Attire Questions, Answered

Still have questions about what defines a black-tie dress code? We've got you covered. Read on for our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about black-tie wedding wear.

Does black tie mean tuxedo?

For the suit-wearing type, yes, a black-tie dress code necessitates a tuxedo. There's wiggle room if the dress code is black-tie preferred or black-tie optional, but if it's a black-tie wedding, you're expected to wear a tuxedo.

Does black tie mean black dress?

No, a black-tie dress code doesn't refer to the color of your dress. You should go with a more subdued or evening-appropriate color, sure, but your evening dress at a black-tie wedding doesn't have to be black.

Can you wear a suit to a black-tie wedding?

If the dress code is black-tie without any modifiers, no, you shouldn't wear a suit to the wedding. Whether the dress code states "black-tie preferred," "black-tie invited" or just "black tie," you can assume that a tuxedo is your safest bet. The couple and their wedding party will be wearing their best black-tie attire on the big day, and it's respectful for guests to replicate that level of formality in their outfits.

Can you wear a short dress to a black-tie event?

As a black-tie wedding guest, you can't go wrong with a long formal gown (and if you don't get a lot of opportunities to wear one, you might want to go for it!). That said, it's not your only option, especially with a modern black-tie dress code. "For women, a floor-length dress is great, but a more fancy cocktail-length (midi dress) can also work," says Mayer. It's acceptable to wear a tea-length dress to a black-tie wedding, so long as it feels elevated enough and hits mid-calf or below. Opt for something with elegant embellishments (we're big fans of beading) and stick with darker hues.

Can You wear a jumpsuit to a black-tie wedding?

The short answer is yes! Jumpsuits have come a long way in the last few years, and according to Mayer, there are plenty of options out there that are suitable for a formal black-tie wedding. "Not all women want to wear dresses, nor do they have to," she says. Similar to cocktail dresses, make sure whatever style you choose feels elevated enough for an upscale event. We'd recommend avoiding styles with busy patterns or bright colors.

Additional market work by Kate Boswell