Looking for black tie optional wedding guest dresses with a little something extra? Think navy halter necklines, black gowns with pretty draping and a touch of sparkle.
There’s plenty to choose from here, whether you love a simple long dress or want a bolder floral print.
You can keep your accessories simple or bring in a shiny clutch and statement earrings. These images also include a jumpsuit alternative and a wedding mood board, rather than 20 individual dresses. Let the invitation and venue guide your final choice.
Wedding guest looks worth saving
navy halter and silver clutch
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous navy gown. I love the gathered waist and high halter neckline.
The long skirt pools just a little at the floor.
Pair yours with a silver-colored clutch and drop earrings like the ones here. You don’t need a necklace with this neckline.
one shoulder and a gold clutch
If you are looking for something simple to put together, this one is for you. The black one-shoulder gown has gathering through the waist and a slit near the hem.
That little gold-colored clutch is such a pretty finishing touch.
black blazer and sheer florals
How gorgeous are those long sparkling earrings? The oversized black blazer sits over a sheer floral lower layer, with pointed slingbacks and a rounded gold-colored clutch.
This is a more daring look than the full-length gowns. For a wedding, I’d borrow the blazer and accessories but choose an opaque dress underneath.
champagne sparkle
I am obsessed with the scattered sparkle on this gown. The angled neckline and folds across the waist are so pretty with the simple gold-tone earrings and cuff.
This champagne shade is quite pale, so check with the couple before choosing something similar. A deeper gold would be another way to try the look.
burgundy wedding mood board
The deep burgundy in this collage is gorgeous beside the cream flowers and green leaves. It appears in the long bridesmaid dresses, a suit and the table decorations.
Read also: 19 December Wedding Ideas With Greenery, Twinkling Lights and Festive Details
I’d borrow the color rather than copy the bridal looks. Try a burgundy gown with a small gold-colored clutch if you want to bring this palette into your own outfit.
draped navy neckline
This navy dress may just be one of my favorites here. I love the wide draping across the shoulders and the simple floor-length skirt.
The gathered gold-colored clutch adds a little shine. Keep that pairing if you want accessories without adding lots of jewelry.
simple black halter
Don’t want to go all out with sparkle? No problem!
This black halter gown keeps things simple with a high neckline and a long, gently flared skirt. I’d add small drop earrings and leave the rest just like this.
folded neckline and side slit
Here is another black gown with a pretty shoulder detail. The wide folded neckline sits on an angle above the gathered bodice, while the skirt opens into a side slit.
Read also: 20 Brown Wedding Guest Dress Ideas With Ruffles, Florals and Shine
Try long silver-tone earrings like these if you want a little decoration near your face.
rose pink shine and pleats
If you love a shiny dress, this rose pink gown might be your favorite. The strapless sweetheart neckline, little front cutout and long pleated skirt give you plenty to look at.
I especially love the small black bag with its sparkling trim. Keep a cutout like this for a celebration where a bolder evening look fits the dress code.
large florals and ruffles
How pretty is this floral gown? The pale pink and cream flowers look gorgeous against the dark background.
There’s also a large folded detail at the neckline and a ruffle running down one side.
Follow this look with a plain black clutch. I’d let those flowers be the main decoration.
black gown and sheer cape
I love this long black gown with the sheer cape over the shoulders. The dress neckline shows through the cape, while the cape falls much farther down at the sides.
Try an updo and small earrings like these to keep the neckline visible.
tailored black jumpsuit
Want an alternative to a dress? This sleeveless black jumpsuit has wide legs, a defined waistband and tuxedo-style lapels.
The gold-tone bracelets are my favorite little addition. Keep those if you want to dress up the simple black outfit.
off-shoulder black gown
Don’t want lots of folds or embellishment? This black gown is a lovely place to start.
The off-shoulder neckline dips slightly in the middle, with a fitted waist and a long skirt.
The shiny clutch and slim sparkling bracelet give it just enough extra detail.
flutter sleeves and waist bow
How cute is that bow at the waist? This black dress has flutter sleeves, a V-neck and a full skirt with a shorter front hem.
Keep the black ankle-strap sandals if you like the matching look. For a dressier finish, I’d add a small embellished evening bag.
open back and long bow
This is actually one of my favorite details on the list. The oversized bow sits at the back of the neck, with long tails falling over the open back and black skirt.
Try wearing your hair up if you want the whole bow to show. The silver-tone hoops are a pretty choice too.
sage green leaf details
If you’re looking for a softer color instead of black, go with something like this sage green gown. I love the little leaf shapes running from the one-shoulder bodice all the way down the full skirt. The teardrop earrings look lovely with it.
black fringe and gold accents
This is one of my favorite accessory combinations here. The black halter dress has a long fringed hem, with more fringe on the little bag.
The gold-colored sandals, big earrings and stacked bangles bring in plenty of shine. Choose just the earrings if you’d rather keep your version simpler.
long sleeves and dark florals
Don’t want a bright floral print? No problem there!
This long dark dress has a black floral pattern, a wide neckline and sleeves that flare slightly at the wrists. The plain black pointed shoes keep the whole outfit understated.
one shoulder and black sandals
This is another one-shoulder gown, but it’s a little different from the earlier look. I love the short folded detail over one shoulder and the gathering at the waist.
The high slit shows the black ankle-strap sandals. Add a small black clutch to follow the same simple combination.
silver fringe and jeweled neckline
Last but definitely not least, we have this silver-colored red-carpet gown. I love the sweeping silver lines across the bodice and skirt.
The long fringed hem and sparkling halter neckline add even more detail.
Read also: 20 Sister of the Bride Dress Ideas From Pretty Pastels to Deep Red
This is a much more dramatic look than the other outfits. For a wedding, I’d borrow one detail, like a fringed evening bag, rather than copy the full red-carpet outfit.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
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 Alessandra
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