How To Dress for a Black-Tie Optional Wedding, According to an Expert

Following a designated dress code is one of the most important duties of a wedding guest—the couple worked hard in planning their intended vision, after all. However, dress codes can be tricky to interpret, especially when the invitation states “black-tie optional.” How formal should you be—and how optional is “optional”?! Since details and examples of what to wear aren’t typically included on the invitation, I’m getting into it for you with the help of Linda Cui Zhang, fashion director at Nordstrom, to offer her expert guidelines for nailing the suave dress code this season.

“Black-tie optional” generally means guests are welcome to dress in formal event attire—historically, evening gowns for women and tuxedos for men. If guests choose not to go full black-tie, they should err on the side of more formal than not, avoiding casual fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim, as well as forgoing relaxed footwear such as sneakers and flat sandals.

“I think the beauty of ‘black-tie optional’ is the guests’ flexibility in formalwear,” Zhang tells ELLE.com. The fashion director recommends a gown or a cocktail dress in “evening fabrications—satin, silk, crepe, etc.” If floor-length gowns are out of your comfort zone, you can opt for midi or mini cocktail dresses.

Zhang also notes elevating shorter-length styles with elegant, stately accessories (which I also highly encourage). “Accessories can elevate a more streamlined dress—consider a structured clutch, a decorated heel, or statement earrings to bring a sophisticated evening lean to the look.”

Ahead, see eight black-tie optional wedding guest ensembles, inspired by Zhang’s selects and some of our favorite street style looks, to consider for the upcoming wedding season.

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Opulent Details

“Bring a celebratory exuberance with dresses that have crystal embellishments, feminine lace, or gilded touches,” Zhang says. The fashion director selected this jeweled drop-waist swing dress finished with a tulle underskirt. Pair it with a tortoiseshell-style clutch and barely-there heels.

Metallic Minimalism

“Streamlined, minimalist silhouettes are dosed with metallic shine, which adds an excitement to occasion dressing,” according to Zhang. Our pick is this under-$200 open-back silver slip from Mango. Drape a matching wrap around your shoulders for elegant flair and warmth for a winter wedding.

Sophisticated Satin

“Artfully draped satin dresses bring an elegant sheen to the event look,” says Zhang. Look no further than this regal jewel-toned satin maxi from Acler. Accessorize with Zhang’s suggestion of the sleek Toteme leather clutch.

Little Black Dress

If you’re going to opt for a mini, consider choosing a modern little black dress accented with memorable details like the bow straps and 3D florals on this Self-Portrait number. Most importantly, statement extras à la a pearlescent evening bag, embellished pumps, and sparkly crystal jewelry will be just the items to complete the look.

Romantic Tiers

A black-tie optional dress code calls for experimenting with silhouettes you rarely wear. Try a romantic, layered look with this gorgeous butter yellow halter gown that boasts tiers of chiffon ruffles and silver-tone accessories.

Moody Floral

Floral prints can be appropriate for all seasons—and yes, that includes winter ceremonies. Choose maxis or gowns with a large botanical pattern printed on slinky silk to wear with a structured top-handle bag and design-forward earrings.

Rich Velvet

Stand out in a sumptuous velvet gown that instantly reads elevated, like this gathered bustier design by Rotate. All you’ll need is metallic accessories and sultry heels to finish your ensemble.

Classic Lace

For a timeless aura, a strapless A-line midi rendered in intricate lace is a classic choice. The refined look will be complete with a wrist-strap mini bag, pointed-toe pumps, and polished hoop earrings.

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