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10 Black Dresses For A Black Tie Wedding

If you’re lucky enough to get an invite to a black tie wedding, you’ve got some classy-ass friends. You know that when you get there, there’s going to be fantastic food, an open bar, and a real good time. But before you get to enjoy said party, you’ve got to get the right dress for the occasion. When it comes to black tie, most people automatically assume this means you HAVE to wear black. But let’s not be so literal. I mean, if everyone wore black, the party would look like a group of high-class cater waiters or an orchestra group about to play a symphony (drunk of course.) But, as all betches know, black is the best color. So in case you do want to go literal and wear black to a black tie wedding, here are ten non-basic black dresses that are perfect.

1. Amanda Uprichard Cherri Gown

This dress is simple, elegant, and black tie perfection. The sweetheart neckline is feminine while the slit gives it an elevated sex appeal. It IS strapless, so just make sure your girls are secure before you start breaking it down on the dance floor. We all know a nip slip will take you from classy to trashy realllll quick—just ask Janet Jackson. 

2. Jay Godfrey Lena Gown

This dress is simply sexy. And look, I get it, it’s not one of the cheapest dresses on this list for something so simple, but that’s the beauty of it. This classic dress will never go out of style, and can be dressed up multiple different ways for different events and occasions. If that’s not enough reason for you to justify splurging, think about how good its resale value will be because of the fact that it is such a timeless style. Not to mention how thankful you’ll be that, because it’s black, you won’t have to worry about your spray tan sweating off and potentially ruining your expensive dress!

3. Missguided Black Open Back Maxi Dress

Business in the front, party in the back. This dress is elegant and flattering, but still shows some skin. It’s also a great price, so like, that gives you a little extra money to spend on the happy couple’s gift!!! Or, more likely, a little extra money towards the alcohol for the wedding pregame, so maybe you can actually treat yourself to some Titos (instead of something that comes in a plastic handle).

4. Alfred Sung Mikado Jersey Bodice Trumpet Gown

This dress is sophisticated, chic, and super classy. Just like, don’t do an updo with this dress or you’ll look like a straight-up narc. Keep it glam with loose wavy curls or a chic slick pony. You want to look hot, not like the chaperone for prom.

5. Missguided Black Bardot Wrap Slit Slinky Maxi Dress

This dress is stylish AND cheap. So, if you’re anything like me, and sick of blowing all this money on everyone else’s “eternal love”, this dress is a great option. Because it’s black, it automatically won’t look cheap, even though it actually is. Dress it up with elevated accessories and no one will have any idea that it actually only costs as much as your weekly Starbucks run.

6. Lovers + Friends Lambella Gown

This one-shoulder dress is stunning, and perfect for a black tie wedding. With the Angelina Jolie-adjacent leg slit and goddess-like one strap top, it’s the ideal dress for the occasion. It’s also simple enough that it could be dressed down for a less-fancy occasion, even after you wear it for the wedding. To quote the iconic Hannah Montana, “you get the best of both worlds.”

7. Zviago Eye Of Horus Gown

Does this dress look familiar? Well, if it does, it’s probs because you’re a Bachelor fan. This is the same dress Hannah B., aka our newest Bachelorette, wore on her last date with America’s most eligible virgin bachelor, Colton Underwood. *Sheds inauthentic tear.* You may not want to wear a dress Hannah B. got dumped in, and look, I get it, but hey, look at her now! She’s the Bachelorette! Oh, yeah, I forgot…her men suck. But then again, this one’s a classy black, rather than Hannah’s tacky metallic pink, so maybe it will still bring you better luck than her after all.

8. Katie May Surreal Gown

No one ever wants to look like a try-hard, that’s why the goal is always to look subtly sexy. Especially, ya know, if you’re bringing that f*ckboy (who you’ve been trying to actually lock down as your official boyfriend) as your date. This dress is innocent-hot, and lets him know you’re gf material, but like, you’re also a hot commodity. So like, sh*t or get off the pot. Or at least stop booty-calling me..

9. Lulus Mine Backless Trumpet Gown

If you’re going to a black tie wedding where the bride and groom are more conservative, a dress like this is a great option. It’s conservative while still being stylish, so you’ll still look good af. It’s also a timeless style, so you’ll ideally end up wearing it more than just this one time. Ideally, of course.

10. LIKELY Maxson Gown

This one strap maxi has a touch of edgy flare with its one-shoulder detail. It’s cool and fashionable, but in a classy black tie appropriate way. Sassy and sophisticated, just like you, right?!?!

Whether you decide to play it safe and go with one of these black options, or spice it up with some color, just make sure you’re wearing some type of gown so you’re dressed appropriately. I mean, it won’t guarantee that you’ll also act appropriately, but that one will be more so determined by your relationship with the bartender at the open bar.

Images: @kiraikonnikova / Unsplash; Revolve (6); Missguided (2); Nordstrom (2)
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Shannon McCormick
Shannon McCormick
Shannon McCormick (previously under the alias of 'Betch Dressed') is a self-proclaimed fashion expert with a sick obsession for all things Bravo. She primarily writes about everything fashion, but also dabbles in other areas because she's a talented overachieving Virgo. Follow her on Insta (@shanmccormick) and comment/DM topics you want to hear her incredible take on next!