From timeless black options to head-turning flowy frocks, there's a formal pick for every taste.
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Of all the wedding dress codes, black tie is the most formal of the bunch. As a rule of thumb, swankier affairs call for elegant ankle-grazing options and maxis, but it's also the perfect opportunity to go for glitz and glamour and experiment with opulent fabrics. And by that, we mean luxuriously soft silk, sparkly embellishments, and statement-making florals galore. From classic black gowns to red carpet-ready silhouettes and glamorous metallic frocks, these are the best dresses to wear when the dress code calls for black-tie attire.
This navy strapless gown with a modern high-low silhouette is as elegant as can be. And when paired with a punchy evening bag? Let's just say you'll be eliciting double takes wherever you're standing.
Size Range: 0-24
Material: 100% polyester
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Tuxedo Style
Aidan by Aidan Mattox Strapless Column Gown
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Tuxedo Style
Aidan by Aidan Mattox Strapless Column Gown
A little bit feminine, a little bit borrowed from the boys, this strapless tuxedo-style gown is the perfect mix of trendy and sophisticated.
Size Range: 0-14
Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
Between the one-shoulder silhouette and the flattering ruched detailing, it's hard not to see why this Norma Kamali dress is a fan favorite. Better still: It comes in a rainbow of shades, so you can find one that perfectly complements your style.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
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Minimalist Cowl Neck
BHLDN BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
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Minimalist Cowl Neck
BHLDN BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
You can't go wrong with a classic, and by that, we mean a cowl neck slip dress. They're minimalist, elegant, and oh-so-sexy (but in a refined way), and are a style you'll have in rotation for years to come.
Size Range: 0-26W
Material: Polyester
9
Kate Middleton-Loved
THE VAMPIRE'S WIFE The Light Sleeper Ruffled Wool-Blend Lamé Gown
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Kate Middleton-Loved
THE VAMPIRE'S WIFE The Light Sleeper Ruffled Wool-Blend Lamé Gown
Now 30% Off
Kate Middleton wore this metallic pink gown last year on her royal tour of the Caribbean, and we haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Take a page out of the Princess's stylish handbook and make this your pick for the upcoming wedding on your agenda.
Size Range: UK6-UK14
Material: 56% wool, 22% silk, 22% polyester
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Lush Velvet Dress
Jenny Yoo Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress
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Lush Velvet Dress
Jenny Yoo Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress
This yummy velvet dress with a deep V-neckline is just begging to be worn to your next winter wedding.
Size Range: 0-26
Material: Polyester
12
Belle of the Ball
Vera Wang Bride Diane Sleeveless Fit & Flare Gown
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Belle of the Ball
Vera Wang Bride Diane Sleeveless Fit & Flare Gown
This fit and flare ball gown is regal but understated enough that it won't upstage the bride. Oh, and did we mention the dress has pockets? One word: Game-changer.
Size Range: 2-18
Material: 100% polyester
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Something Blue
Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Empire Waist Gown
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Something Blue
Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Empire Waist Gown
Statement shoulders are having a moment in a big way, and what better time to take the style for a spin than at a black-tie wedding?
Size Range: 0-16
Material: 100% polyester
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Sparkly & Black
ROLAND MOURET Strapless Crystal-Embellished Wool and Silk-Blend Gown
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Sparkly & Black
ROLAND MOURET Strapless Crystal-Embellished Wool and Silk-Blend Gown
A black dress will never let you down. But a black gown with crystal embellishments? You're bound to stand out in a sea of black gowns.
Size Range: UK4-UK16
Materials: 70% wool, 30% silk
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Pretty in Pink
Mac Duggal co*cktail Bow Strapless Ballgown
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Pretty in Pink
Mac Duggal co*cktail Bow Strapless Ballgown
A black-tie wedding couldn't be a better time to take summer's hottest color for a spin. Try this fit and flare pink ball gown topped with a bow—it's ladylike as can be.
Size Range: 0-14
Material: 100% polyester
20
Feathery Frock
TALLER MARMO Ubud One-shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress
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Feathery Frock
TALLER MARMO Ubud One-shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress
Everything from the asymmetrical hemline to the frilly feather-trimmed details makes this dress extra... but in the best possible way. Wear it when you want that extra oomph factor.
Size Range: IT36-IT52
Materials: 78% acetate, 22% viscose; trim: 100% feathers (ostrich)
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.