Black Tie for Wedding Guests: The Gown, the Clutch and the Earrings
What to wear to a black-tie wedding as a guest: floor-length gowns from Galvan, Elie Saab and Victoria Beckham, with the evening bag, heels and earrings.
Weddings & Occasions /
What to Wear to a Wedding This Season
Runway Zimmermann, Self-Portrait lace and a black-tie column: the guest dresses our editors would wear now.
By Taiwo AdedayoEvery piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.
Start with the invitation and the venue. A garden wedding wants colour and movement; an evening reception wants texture; black tie wants length. These are the dresses we would choose for each.
For a garden wedding 
Zimmermann Luna
A burst of flowers in chiffon, with petal-like ruffles, halterneck straps and off-the-shoulder sleeves. It walked the label’s SS26 runway styled with a statement necklace.
For a long dinner 
Self-Portrait corded lace
Blue corded lace over a tonal slip, with a pointed collar, a scalloped hem and a slim belt at the waist. Gold-tone buttons pair well with metallic accessories.
For black tie 
Self-Portrait crepe column
Black crepe cut as a column, with a faille off-the-shoulder neckline, an appliquéd flower at the centre and an open back.
What not to wear
Avoid white and ivory unless the couple has asked for it, and check the dress code before you choose a length. Shop What to Wear to a Wedding.
The Journal
Keep Reading
The Autumn Wedding Guest: Velvet, Sleeves and a Coat Worth Arriving In
What to wear as a guest at an October or November wedding: velvet and long-sleeved dresses, a wool coat, suede shoes and a small bag.
How to Stack Your Rings: Wedding Bands and Eternity Rings to Wear With an Engagement Ring
How to wear a wedding band with an engagement ring, and the eternity and stacking rings we would choose, from Suzanne Kalan, Spinelli Kilcollin, Repossi and more.
