Got a formal invitation but still deciding what to wear? These ideas for black tie attire for women include sweeping black gowns, bright red and a few dressy alternatives to a skirt.
There’s plenty to love here, especially if you’re a fan of oversized bows or a little sparkle.
Start with the invitation’s dress code, then choose your favorite details. Floor-length gowns are the safest traditional choice.
Some looks below offer accessory inspiration or shorter options to check with your host.
Black tie outfit ideas worth saving
draped black neckline
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous black gown. I love the angled neckline and the long panels hanging down at the sides.
The gathered waist gives it another pretty detail without adding any sparkle.
Try drop earrings like these if you want to keep the accessories simple.
black gown and gold clutch
How pretty is this neckline? The black dress wraps high around the neck before falling into a long trailing panel.
That textured gold-colored clutch is my favorite part of the pairing.
Keep your hair pulled back if you want to show off the neckline and little gold-tone earrings.
sparkling collar and cape sleeves
If you love a little sparkle but don’t want it everywhere, this one is for you. The bright collar sits above a narrow front opening, with folded cape-style sleeves on either side.
The glittery silver-colored clutch is such a pretty finishing touch. I’d skip a necklace with this neckline.
bright red and a high neckline
I am obsessed with this red gown. The high neckline and gathered waist are gorgeous, plus those long side panels make it a little different.
Try a matching red lip and small sparkling earrings to follow this look. You don’t need a long list of accessories here.
navy suit with a tied waist
Prefer trousers to a dress? This navy suit gives you a pretty starting point, with wide legs and a jacket tied at the waist.
I especially love the pale necklace against the deep V neckline.
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For an event that welcomes evening suits, try this with a small embellished clutch.
navy dress and a long scarf
This navy dress has such a lovely simple shape. The diagonal neckline and long matching scarf do most of the work, with black ankle-strap sandals underneath.
The hem is shorter than a traditional black tie gown. Save this version for a more flexible dress code, or look for a floor-length option with the same neckline.
Read also: 20+ Gala Outfit Ideas You'll Be a Stunning Eye-Catcher With
long gloves and a bright choker
Want to go all out with your accessories? These long black gloves and rows of bright stones around the neck are so pretty with a plain strapless neckline.
The sparkling little bag is worth keeping too. Use this close-up as accessory inspiration for your own black gown.
pale yellow with a flowing drape
This pale yellow gown may just be one of my favorites here. I love the drape across the shoulders and the long ends falling beside the skirt.
For a gala, I’d keep the jewelry small and let the dress stand on its own. For a wedding, check with the couple before choosing a shade this close to cream.
sheer black cape
This is another gorgeous way to wear black without piling on jewelry. A sheer cape falls over the gown and trails down at the sides.
I love the little silver-colored clutch with the sparkling sandal straps. Try those two touches if you want some shine below the neckline.
burgundy halter and black accents
Don’t want to wear black from head to toe? No problem! This burgundy halter gown has a gathered waist and a black band around the hem.
The small black chain-strap bag ties in with that darker edge. Add simple gold-tone jewelry if you want to follow the same combination.
layered necklaces and black gloves
If you are looking for jewelry inspo, then this one is for you. There’s so much to love, from the layered pale beads to the dangling earrings and stacked bracelets.
The black gloves make those little details stand out. Try a low updo like this to leave the necklaces and earrings in view.
long black skirt and silver shine
Don’t want to choose a one-piece dress? This collage gives you two tops to consider with a long black skirt: a tied black blouse or a sparkling silver-colored high-neck top.
I’d choose the silver top with the pictured sandals and box clutch for a dressier combination. The skirt’s gathered front and slit add another little detail.
open shoulders and gold earrings
I love this black gown with its high halter neckline and open shoulders. The wide draped sleeves are gorgeous next to the fitted skirt.
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Those round gold-colored earrings are all I’d add near the face. Keep your hair back if you want to try the same look.
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oversized folded sleeves
How gorgeous are these sleeves? The big folds frame a dipped neckline, while the black skirt flares out near the floor.
If you want a statement dress without sequins or a bright color, this is a lovely option. A slim bracelet like the one here keeps the rest simple.
ivory gown with a sheer neckline
This ivory gown is so pretty with its sheer high neckline and simple long skirt. The little drop earrings and neat bun suit it beautifully.
Read also: 20+ Classy YSL Outfit Ideas That Make You Feel Amazing
Save this as bridal inspiration or for a non-wedding formal event. If you’re a wedding guest, choose another color unless the couple has specifically requested white or ivory.
black gown and a white wrap
I am obsessed with this black-and-white pairing. The long fluffy white wrap sits over a strapless black gown, with a sparkling necklace filling the space above the neckline.
The small structured black bag is a lovely choice here. Keep yours simple if you’re adding a statement necklace too.
one-shoulder floral ruffles
The flower details on this gown are just gorgeous. Ruffled rosettes run from one shoulder diagonally across the front, leaving the long black skirt plain.
Don’t want to add much jewelry? This is a good one to save. I’d choose small earrings and leave the neckline as it is.
purple wide legs and a draped top
Who says your evening outfit has to be black? This bright purple trouser look has a draped neckline and long side panels beside the wide legs.
I love the dangling pale earrings with the embellished black clutch. For an invitation that allows dressy trouser outfits, this is a fun direction to try.
off-shoulder black and flared cuffs
If you’re looking for a black gown with a few extra details, go with something like this. The folded off-shoulder neckline sits below thin straps, with sheer long sleeves ending in flared cuffs.
That full-length skirt is lovely on its own. I’d keep any added bag small and plain.
oversized bow and gold accessories
Last but definitely not least, we have this champagne-colored gown with an oversized shoulder bow. I am in love with that detail!
The collage pairs it with gold-colored flower earrings, sandals and an oval bag. Choose those pieces if you want to follow the look, or leave off the pictured necklace to give the bow more room.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Dana