Black tie optional: what women should wear
What black tie optional means for women: floor-length or dressy midi dresses, fabrics, shoes, jewelry and what to skip, with a comparison to black tie and cocktail.
The short answer
Black tie optional means formal evening wear without a strict gown requirement. A floor-length dress is always safe, and a dressy midi in satin, crepe or velvet usually works.
- Skip day fabrics, short club dresses and white or ivory.
Black tie optional means the hosts would like formal evening wear but will not insist on a full black-tie gown. For women, the safe answer is a floor-length dress or a very dressy midi in an elegant fabric such as satin, crepe, velvet or chiffon, with polished shoes and dressy jewelry.
What to wear
- A floor-length gown or maxi dress. This is the safest option and always acceptable.
- A dressy midi or tea-length dress in a luxe fabric such as satin, silk, crepe, velvet or beaded chiffon, if you want a shorter look.
- An elegant jumpsuit or formal separates in satin or crepe, with a statement earring, will also work in many places.
What to skip
- Short cocktail dresses unless the invitation is relaxed about it
- Day fabrics such as cotton, linen and casual knit
- Anything that looks like a nightclub outfit
- White, ivory or cream
| Black tie | Black tie optional | Cocktail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dress length | Floor-length | Floor-length or dressy midi | Knee-length to midi |
| Fabrics | Silk, satin, velvet, beading | Satin, crepe, velvet, chiffon | Satin, crepe, lace, dressy knit |
| Shoes | Heeled sandals or pumps | Dressy heels or flats | Heels or dressy flats |
| Jewelry | Statement or fine | Statement or fine | Simple to statement |
Shoes, bag and jewelry
- Shoes: heeled sandals or pumps, or an elegant flat if you will be on your feet. In grass or sand, choose a block heel.
- Bag: a small clutch or satin minaudière.
- Jewelry: choose either statement earrings or a necklace, not both, and match your metals.
- Layers: a pashmina, wrap or tailored evening jacket in a matching tone.
Hair and makeup
A polished style, such as an updo, a sleek low pony or soft waves, and makeup a notch more than daytime: defined eyes or a stronger lip, not both at full volume.
If you are unsure
When in doubt, go longer and richer. A floor-length dress is never wrong at a black tie optional wedding, while a short day dress might be. See our what to wear to a wedding overview and the semi-formal dress code for the levels below. The Wedding Guest Edit lays out every dress code with sixteen outfit formulas.
Read next: Summer Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear · Fall Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear
Questions people ask about this
What does black tie optional mean for women?
A floor-length gown or dressy midi in an elegant fabric, with polished shoes. It is formal, but a full ball gown is not required.
Can I wear a short dress to a black tie optional wedding?
A short cocktail dress is usually too casual. A dressy midi or tea-length dress in satin or crepe is often fine, and a floor-length dress is the safest choice.
Can I wear a jumpsuit to a black tie optional event?
Yes, if it is formal: satin or crepe, a wide leg or a long silhouette, with statement jewelry and heels.
What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional?
Black tie expects floor-length formal wear. Black tie optional allows a dressy midi or a very elegant separates look, while still asking for formal fabrics and finishes.
