A black-tie wedding dress code can be intimidating, and the usual reflex is to throw on a black floor-length gown. While you can always play it safe with a dependable, dressed-up LBD (as many of our editors do), you can also ramp up the glamour with sparkling accessories—black-tie dressing doesn’t have to involve black at all. With winter approaching, formal weddings are a chance to explore this season’s many jewel tones, or even try the glittering world of Art Deco. Think vibrant royal purple, bright chartreuse paired with gold, and rich burgundy.

Vogue’s Favorite Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses:

The Draped Gown
Taller Marmo Butterfly draped gown
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$2,205 NET-A-PORTER

The Silk Slip
Éterne Mila dress
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$1,017 ETERNE

The Velvet Pick
Posse Florian dress
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$600 POSSE

The Show-Stopping Violet
Fforme Mila maxi dress
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$1,895 NET-A-PORTER

The Burgundy Option
Tove Avita maxi dress
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$1,070 NET-A-PORTER

The Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Alaïa off-the-shoulder dress
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$3,900 NET-A-PORTER

In other words, no matter what style of black-tie wedding you’re attending this season, there’s a world of sartorial possibility. Read on to see how 14 Vogue editors approach black-tie wedding guest dressing.

Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
“I love the glamour of a black-tie affair—I’ll take any chance to lean into the drama with a floor-sweeping gown and dazzling accessories. Something draped and silk is my sweet spot, offering both elegance and comfort. This Taller Marmo piece is just the ticket in a rich army green that would pair perfectly with metallic heels and a statement earring.”

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Taller Marmo
Butterfly draped gown
$2,205 NET-A-PORTER

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Reformation
Molly Maude clutch
$298 REFORMATION

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Favorite Daughter
Yamine sandals
$275 NORDSTROM

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Jennifer Behr
Neve earrings
$500 NET-A-PORTER

Libby Page, global executive shopping director
“It’s so rare that I get to dress up for something extra special, so when I do, I love to lean in. I was inspired by Alex Eagle’s recent column on Art Deco—it’s a true trend we’re seeing across fashion and home. Juju Vera does it so well; her artistic clutch feels like a piece of art. If anyone can make me wear silver (I’m a gold girl at heart), it’s Juju, and because I don’t mix metals, I’ll likely pair the bag with this Tabayer ring.”

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Tove
Avita maxi dress
$1,070 NET-A-PORTER

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Juju Vera
Petra tassel clutch
$3,495 JUJU VERA

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The Row
Bare sandals
$890 NORDSTROM

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Tabayer
Oera ring
$8,800 NET-A-PORTER

Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
“Éterne’s Mila dress is my platonic ideal of a slip dress—it has adjustable straps, a flattering fit, and it’s actually floor-length (no small feat; I’m very tall). I wore it to a friend’s black-tie wedding in Brooklyn recently with silver jewelry (a mix of new pieces and my mom’s) and a grey shawl for the subway commute to the venue. I also brought my favorite slouchy suede clutch; it was big enough to hold not just the shawl, but also an extra pair of shoes I changed into after six hours in heels.”

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Éterne
Mila dress
$1,017 ETERNE

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B-Low the Belt
Rowe clutch
$436 B-LOW THE BELT

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Mignon Faget
Oyster earrings
$420 MIGNON FAGET

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Chan Luu
Griffin scarf
$225 CHAN LUU

Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
“For the next black-tie wedding I’m attending, I’ve had my eye on this Fforme drop-waist dress. It’s available in a range of colors, but I absolutely love this violet hue—my go-to colors for weddings are always black, red, and violet. I would style it with simple accessories that can be re-worn forOn multiple occasions, finishing it off with a pair of Dorsey earrings.”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Fforme Mila maxi dress $1,895 NET-A-PORTER Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dorsey Sylvie rivière earrings $550 DORSEY Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Hunting Season Opera clutch $795 SHOPBOP Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Jude Kiss 105 pumps $630 NET-A-PORTER

Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty & wellness editor: “The best part of wearing vintage to a wedding? You never, ever have to worry about having the same dress on as somebody else. I’m especially enamored with the 1960s right now; the use of color and beading screams PARTY! I don’t want to give away my secrets, but here’s a hint to finding a really great formal dress: Search eBay with the words ‘beaded’ and ‘raw silk’ along with the era you’re interested in. When it comes to handbags, I like to surprise and delight with my JW Pigeon bag (his name is Pete)—true, it can’t fit a cell phone or basically a single thing that’s useful, but I love it.”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist gown $650 THE SIL Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mejuri Inès drop studs $248 MEJURI Save to wishlist Save to wishlist JW Anderson Pigeon clutch $960 MODA OPERANDI Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Amina Muaddi Dalida platform mules $1,035 MODA OPERANDI

Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media: “My style leans minimalist, so when it comes to formal and black-tie dressing, I always find myself gravitating toward a good slip dress or a classic black number. This leaves room to have a little fun with accessories, whether that’s a statement earring or a bag with playful tassels.”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist TWP slip dress $1,195 MODA OPERANDI Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Hunting Season The Lola bag $595 HUNTING SEASON Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Gewls The Chiara cheels $500 GEWLS Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Éliou Arp pinky ring $200 MODA OPERANDI

Kasey Busiel, marketing and production manager: “I’ll be attending my lovely friend Madison’s black-tie wedding this New Year’s Eve. While the date may be controversial, I couldn’t be more excited! As someone who thinks NYE is a bit overrated, a wedding feels like the perfect excuse to dress up to the nines and celebrate. I love this Simkhai dress, and the sparkling crystal embellishment feels just right for the occasion.”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Simkhai Martina gown $1,075 MYTHERESA Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Completedworks Infinite Void earrings $345 NET-A-PORTER Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Lelet billie french pin $68 LELET Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Reformation natalina slingback heels $298 REFORMATION

Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer: “Black-tie dressing is an opportunity for me to veer far more dramatic than I do on a given night out. Lately, that’s meant opting for something with a 90s-influenced goth vibe. I like to make a monochromatic look more interesting by playing with different textures, which is why I’ve been eyeing this floor-grazing lace dress by Amoy New York for my next black-tie affair. I’m going to pair it with my little silk Home of Hai bag—a favorite for special occasion dressing, because it goes with anything (and comes in nearly every color under the sun).”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Amoy New York The Scarlett midi dress $295 AMOY NEW YORK Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Heaven Mayhem Odette earrings $90 HEAVEN MAYHEM Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Home of Hai little silk bag $132 HOME OF HAI Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Neous Irena slingback pumps $595 NET-A-PORTER

Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large: “I have Azeeza on speed dial for black tie! I wore the original sample of this Maitreyi gown to my friend Gia’s fabulous Italian wedding, and now I want this version with eyelash lace—one of my favorite details—for our friend Natasha’s black-tie wedding next month. I’ll wear flats because dancing is most essential, so a pretty ballerina from Chanel works. I like to seaI search for my size on eBay and filter for “New” under condition. For general wedding etiquette (fact-check me, Lilah Ramzi!), white is fine for shoes, just not for the dress. I’ll also be carrying Nicolas Ghesquière and Dame Pat McGrath’s new Louis Vuitton Beauty collection for glamour—any touch-ups the bride wants in the moment, I’ll be at her service!”

Save to wishlistSave to wishlistAzeezaMaitreyi Charmeuse gown$1,295 AZEEZASave to wishlistSave to wishlistChanelballerina flats$2,129 EBAYSave to wishlistSave to wishlistLouis Vuittonpaper case$615 LOUIS VUITTONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistLouis Vuittoncosmetic lipstick pouch$560 LOUIS VUITTONSache Taylor, director, special events”I love this dress from Proenza Schouler because it’s very cute but incredibly simple, which I’m using to my advantage in the grand career of attending black-tie weddings. I like to wear it with equally basic heels. The obvious way to dress it up would be with jewelry, but unfortunately, I don’t wear jewelry, so I usually pin a slightly more exciting (which isn’t saying much) brooch to the left side of my chest and call it a day. I do, however, have a fun collection of small bags, and I’ve been loving the Origami Baguette from Altuzarra—something has to do the heavy lifting.”

Save to wishlistSave to wishlistProenza SchoulerRosina dress$1,590 PROENZA SCHOULERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTiffany & Co.x Elsa Peretti Starfish brooch$1,200 TIFFANY & CO.Save to wishlistSave to wishlistAltuzarraOrigami baguette$1,500 ALTUZARRASave to wishlistSave to wishlistGuccihorsebit accent pumps$345 THE REAL REALAlexandra Buell, commerce producer”In keeping with the Art Deco-inspired details we keep seeing in both interiors and wedding guest dressing, this Posse gown feels particularly fitting for a black-tie wedding this fall. I’d keep the accessories simple and elevated, pairing it with kitten heel mules, a tasseled clutch, and delicate pearl drop earrings.”

Save to wishlistSave to wishlistPosseFlorian dress$600 POSSESave to wishlistSave to wishlistBrinker + ElizaHopscotch earrings$128 BRINKER + ELIZASave to wishlistSave to wishlistLiffnertassel clutch$525 LIFFNERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistManolo BlahnikCaulon mules$995 NEIMAN MARCUSLaura Lillian Jackson Nalle, contributing shopping writer”I recently attended a black-tie wedding in New Orleans and wanted my look to mirror the vibrancy of the city. Bernadette’s fuchsia cap-sleeve gown makes a statement with both its color and silhouette, but I wanted to give it an even more fashion-forward touch with this red floral brooch. These embellished heels from Porta Fiori are the ultimate neutral—I’ve worn them too many times to count—and for one final hint of shimmer, I added a pair of dazzling drop earrings from Isabel Marant.”

Save to wishlistSave to wishlistBernadetteLexi gown$865 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBTSNAHDflower feather brooch$9 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistIsabel MarantHanabi earrings$390 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistProta FioriTulipana mules$650 PROTA FIORIMinty Mellon, shopping market editor”There is nothing I love more than a great black dress. For black-tie weddings, I gravitate toward polished black gowns with elegant silhouettes, like this off-the-shoulder one by Alaïa. Paired with black pumps by Manolo Blahnik, the dress creates a timeless foundation for equally classic accessories, like Vrai’s drop earrings and The Row’s Dalia bag.”

Save to wishlistSave to wishlistAlaïaoff-the-shoulder dress$3,900 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistThe RowDalia shoulder bag$2,700 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistVraiSignature drop earrings$1,500 VRAISave to wishlistSave to wishlistManolo BlahnikBB pointed toe pumps$895 NORDSTROMConçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer”I never want to lose my personality just because I’ve got to be a bit more formal. I often opt for more figure-flattering silhouettes withTexture and accessories are where I express my personal style.” Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Deme by Gabriella Devon dress $378 REVOLVE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mudd Pearl earrings $168 MUDD PEARL Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Simone Rocha top-handle bag $765 MYTHERESA Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Prada kitten heels $490 EBAY

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs How 14 Vogue Editors Dress for BlackTie Weddings

1 What is a blacktie wedding dress code exactly
Its a formal dress code that calls for floorlength gowns or elegant evening dresses for women and tuxedos or dark suits with formal accessories for men

2 What did the Vogue editors actually wear
A mix of floorlength gowns sleek column dresses tailored tuxedos and elevated separatesmostly in classic colors like black navy and jewel tones with statement accessories

3 Can I wear a short dress to a blacktie wedding
Generally no Floorlength is the safest choice A formal midi or a very dressy cocktail dress may work only if the couples guidance is relaxed

4 Do I have to wear black
No Black is a safe classic pick but the editors also wore navy deep reds greens and metallics Just avoid anything too casual or loud

5 Is a pantsuit or tuxedo acceptable for women
Yes A welltailored tuxedo or evening pantsuit is a chic accepted blacktie optionseveral editors chose this route

6 What shoes should I wear
Elegant heels strappy sandals or dressy flats in a refined style Comfort matters since ceremonies and receptions can run long

7 How fancy should my accessories be
Think fine jewelry a clutch and maybe a wrap or stole Keep it polishedone or two statement pieces rather than everything at once

8 Can I wear the same dress to multiple blacktie weddings
Yes especially if the guest lists dont overlap Change up accessories hair or shoes to make it feel fresh

9 What colors should I avoid
Traditionally avoid white ivory and anything that could read as bridal Some couples also ask guests to skip certain colorscheck the invitation

10 Whats a common mistake guests make
Underdressingwearing cocktail or business attire to a true blacktie event When in doubt go more formal

11 How do I stay comfortable at a long blacktie wedding
Choose breathable fabrics test your shoes beforehand bring a wrap for temperature changes and consider a dress with a bit