What to Wear to a Black Tie Optional Event

What to wear to a black tie optional event? The feelings about this can go either way. The excitement of finally having a reason to get dressed up, to “oh no, what does that mean”? I’m here to guide you on your options for black-tie optional weddings and events. This post is geared towards women of course, but we will touch on men’s attire as well.

What to Wear to a Black Tie Optional Event

Black Tie Optional Invite

The word “optional” implies that you have the option to get really fancy if you want to. But I think what the hosts are really asking is- please dress up! Otherwise, why even mention the dress code? So when your wedding invite says “black tie optional”, opt for a more elevated and formal look.

For the men, this means a tuxedo, but can also mean a suit and tie. When going as a couple, make sure you both are equally elevated. If my husband is wearing a tuxedo, I’ll be sure to wear a more formal and likely a longer length dress. If he opts for a suit and tie, I will equally match that with a cocktail length dress, or slightly less formal full length dress. The point is, match as a couple.

Cocktail dresses

Cocktail dresses are typically shorter in length, going to the knee, or slightly above. These are a little less formal than maxi dresses in my opinion but work equally well for a black tie optional event. The little black dress is always a great choice. Audrey Hepburn knew this. She made the look iconic with her pearls and chignon. Another reason cocktail dresses are a great choice is that you will have more options to wear them. You can dress them down with flat shoes or sandals.

To add some formality to a cocktail dress, add some statement jewels. I love big earrings or even a giant cocktail ring! As for the shoes, I love a gold heel to add some sparkle. Gold heels are a must for your closet. They are great for so many occasions. Think of them as a fun neutral. These are the shoes you will reach for again and again! They even dress up a pair of jeans nicely.

Full length dresses

My favorite option for a wedding is a midi or maxi length dress. I think these two cover all wedding formats- black tie or otherwise. They can be played up with statement jewelry and embellished shoes. They can also be quietly toned down with simple jewelry and nude shoes.

I’m wearing this gorgeous linen maxi dress by Agua by Agua de Bendita. This floor length dress is such a statement. Due to the linen fabric, this is best for warm weather seasons. Silk chiffon is also a great spring to summer fabric. For winter I tend to favor velvet and heavier silk or satin fabrics.

Agua by Agua de Bendita dress

Let’s talk more about this Agua by Agua Bendita maxi dress. I love the peplum detail at the waist, in contrast to the long full length. I can see this dress worn to a black tie optional wedding, just as much as I can see it worn to a wedding on the beach. That’s what I look for with most of my clothing. Versatility is key to the longevity of your clothes. The more occasions you have to wear a piece, the better the value for you.

I’ve paired this with my new Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandals in the limited edition Papaya color. This is new for Spring/summer 2022. The raffia block heel keeps the vibe light and lends it to be worn casually as well. These are a great choice for dressing up or wearing with linen pants. Here’s a tip- the block heel allows for walking in the grass without sinking into it. Perfect for outdoor parties! Use my code- SARAHFLINT-BATARA for $50 off your first purchase! Check out my Sarah Flint size review here. Overall, this Agua by Agua Bendita dress is a versatile choice, even though the length nods to formality. That’s thanks to the linen fabric!

Black Tie Optional Outfits and Accessories

I’ve curated my favorite black tie optional pieces for you below. Click on any image to be taken directly to the product page. I’ve included full length, midi, and cocktail dress options. Just a note- there are two shoe brands that I wear most often. Sarah Flint and Inez. Both are super comfortable and great for wearing for extended lengths of time. I will always provide you with a discount code if I can. I mentioned the Sarah Flint code above, but I also have an Inez code for you to use. Get 15% off at Inez with code TARAT15.