With some upcoming weddings on my calendar this summer, I’ve already been thinking about the looks I’ll be wearing. One of the weddings I’ll be attending has a black-tie dress code, which is a welcome excuse to bring out all of the stops and wear a dressed-up look that goes outside of my regular outfits. Less formal than white tie, black-tie attire for women is the most common formal dress code for events, which typically translates to floor-length evening gowns, but can also include formal cocktail dresses and elegant suiting.
I’ve been scouring the latest drops from designers to figure out the piece I’ll be wearing and have some front-runners ranging from a sculptural maxi from Christopher Esber to a strapless dupioni dress from Toteme to an open-back design from Proenza Schouler. There are many more contenders, though. Ahead, see the black-tie wedding guest dresses that are currently on my short list.
Christopher Esber is the ultimate "cool girl" choice.
So beautiful.
Toteme does it again.
Such a showstopper.
Such elegant lines.
Loewe has delivered the dress of the season.
Add this to your cart before it sells out.
The perfect silhouette.
All things Khaite, please and thank you.
Can't get enough of sleek sequins right now.
Bernadette has perfected rosette dresses.
Yes to this Zara find.
Perfect for a beach wedding.
Finished with Bottega Veneta's signature metal knot detail.
This silhouette is so elegant.
The bow detail, though.
How to wear rosettes for black tie.
Rosettes, continued.
This style is selling out quickly.
Fashion insiders turn to designs from Christopher John Rogers.
Nili Lotan has perfected the sophisticated slip dress.
It's the open back for me.
Emilia Wickstead never misses.
This black dress is definitely not boring.
Wait until you see the back.
Mango has such a great collection of party dresses this season.
Draped to perfection.
Finished in a rich velvet.
So elegant.
Dream dress.
Next: All of the "Cool Bride" Things to Know in 2023
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Kendall Jenner Wore an Elegant Yet Seductive Dress Trend to Jeff Bezos's Wedding in VeniceSee what all of the Kardashians and Jenners wore.
-
Heading to Multiple Weddings This Summer? Here's How to Spend Less Than $150 on Each LookCelebrate love on a budget.
-
Found: The Pretty Dress Trend Every Chic MOB, MOH, and Wedding Guest Is Wearing This SummerFollow Sofia Richie Grainge's lead.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
This Is the Only Type of White Dress You Can Get Away With Wearing to a WeddingCue the controversy.
-
Instead of Strapless Dresses, Fashion People Are Wearing This Elegant Trend to Summer WeddingsWhere Sofia Richie Grainge leads, I will follow.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
