Black tie wedding guest dresses in velvet and lurex

Lurex midis for black tie optional

Optional is the friendlier version. A midi that ends below the knee looks right, and lurex gives you shine without a single sequin. There’s a blue lurex wrap with a tie belt, emerald and black wraps, a purple midi with long sleeves, and an off-shoulder lurex midi with draping and a slit. Keep the shoes and bag matte. The dress is shiny enough, and crystals on the clutch would be too much.

Short velvet minis with long sleeves are great for the after-party or a relaxed city wedding. For the vows, honestly, we’d go longer.

Is the wedding in January? Then a black tie wedding guest dress in velvet with full sleeves is the warm option, and sheer tights under a midi won’t look out of place at all.

Gowns to the floor for the ballroom wedding

An evening reception in a hotel, dinner at eight, a string quartet. That’s where the long velvet styles belong. Some have long sleeves and a round or boat neck, others leave the shoulders bare, and there are one-shoulder gowns with a slit too, in powder pink and a gold that looks like champagne.

Navy, emerald, burgundy, black and red all work. Leave white and ivory to the bride. Sounds basic. It still matters.

The navy mermaid is closed at the neck and wrists. It’s a good black tie wedding guest dress when the ceremony’s in a church and the party’s somewhere fancy afterward.

Think about the trip between venues. A short faux fur jacket or a coat that hides the hem, plus heels high enough to keep the velvet off the floor. You’ll be getting in and out of cars more than you expect. With an off-shoulder neckline, skip the necklace and let the earrings carry it.

For more long styles see our floor-length guest gowns, or the black tie looks that go beyond weddings.

Frequently asked questions

Can a guest wear black to a black tie wedding?

Yes, black velvet at an evening wedding is classic. A gold clutch or bright earrings make it look like a celebration.

Does chocolate brown count as formal?

In velvet, absolutely. Under warm lights the brown takes on a copper shine, and gold jewelry looks right with it.

What size should I order?

Long fitted velvet sits closest at the hips, so measure there first. Every cut comes in XS to XL. Between two? Ask a manager.

Any washing tips for after the party?

Turn the velvet inside out, cool water on a delicate setting, no wringing. Then browse the full wedding guest range for your next invitation.