https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:55:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123884 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 03:19:02 +0000 annagybe 1123884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123851 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 02:26:18 +0000 carambola 1123851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that is an&nbsp;amazing look.&nbsp;Stunning, appropriate for the occasion, and still seems like you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123848 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 02:23:51 +0000 Sarah A 1123848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amazing maxi! love the gold brocade-typr detailing and the 40's jacket. WOW! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123790 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 00:34:30 +0000 marianna 1123790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is FANTASTIC. Edgy gorgeousness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123743 Sat, 28 Dec 2013 23:21:05 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1123743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Thistle, I really hate having to sink money into a one-time wear dress, even for a rental.</p> <p>I guess the best thing is to stick to the Two Commandments of Wedding Guest Attire: Thou Shalt Not Upstage Anyone In the Wedding Party, and Thou Shalt Obey the Bride's Wishes. &nbsp; And I have to say, I LOVE your outfit in Photo 6. &nbsp; That is a stunning skirt :)&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>(The rebellious little devil of my soul wanted me to&nbsp;point out that you could try for a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Le_Smoking">"Le Smoking"</a> look, if menswear is your thing.)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123711 Sat, 28 Dec 2013 22:06:50 +0000 Greyscale 1123711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoooooa. Awesome. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1123686 Sat, 28 Dec 2013 21:20:46 +0000 Jacky 1123686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've added pictures of the outfit I'm planning on wearing. Gaylene and Thistle: thanks again so much for suggesting a maxi skirt - that put me on the right track in my search, and the skirt I managed to find was a fantastic price! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119997 Sun, 22 Dec 2013 04:02:30 +0000 rachylou 1119997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the Golden Blossom gown<i>. A lot</i>. Fancy and not trashy, truly elegant.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119266 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 02:01:02 +0000 Jacky 1119266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle: It's in LA, so I think it shouldn't get too cold? I'm actually not sure what the temperatures are like down there. Yeah, I'm really going back and forth on the buying a dress thing ... on one hand, I love the opportunity to get something I normally wouldn't get, but if I wouldn't normally buy it, why am I excited to do it?</p> <p>Gaylene: Wow, that Caroline Herrara skirt is amazing. I would definitely love to have that in my closet! I guess I'm not entirely sure that separates are acceptable. One thing I'm a bit worried about is that I'm the youngest cousin on that side of the family by quite a bit, and they already sort of view me as a kid (this cousin used to babysit me all the time). I want to be taken seriously, and I suspect dressing properly is going to be a big part of that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119200 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 00:01:39 +0000 Gaylene 1119200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking along the same lines as Thistle if you don't need/want a ball gown in your closet after the wedding. Maybe a Caroline Herrara look with a long skirt and upscale blouse/cropped jacket in silver or white? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119193 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 23:45:16 +0000 Thistle 1119193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some great options with rent the runway.</p> <p>I have to confess, if my cousin did this to me, I would be very, very hesitant to spend so much money for a dress for a day, even renting one. Especially when I would also have to rent a tux for DH. But I am a frugal accountant that doesn't much like weddings anyway. :)</p> <p>If not renting one, perhaps you could find one reasonably priced after Christmas. Also, where is this in February? Just thinking about weather concerns. A long maxi skirt with a cashmere sweater would be need by me in February as the temperature regularly hits -20F or lower. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119181 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 23:20:05 +0000 Jacky 1119181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm ... definitely a tempting option. I'll look around to see if I can find one that I like. The wedding's in February, so I have time, but all these sales that are going on now make me feel like I should make sure I get something right away ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119175 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 23:01:13 +0000 Diana 1119175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I just had an idea.&nbsp; What about getting a plain black column dress (I should think you could get one for a reasonable price) and wearing your awesome Haider Ackerman jacket over it?<br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-crazypants" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....crazypants</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119156 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 22:38:54 +0000 Jacky 1119156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and here are the scant details I have about the wedding attire expectations besides my cousin telling me full-length dresses:</p> <p>"The wedding will be black tie. Time to dress up and look gorgeous! Just remember that during the ceremony, in the Cathedral, shoulders and knees will need to be covered. Of course, once you exit the church, all bets are off.....but remember - it will be February, it may be cold." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119154 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 22:37:08 +0000 Jacky 1119154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, Diana, those dresses are awesome! You're right that the Pegasus one wouldn't really work, but it's lovely. You're right that I'm definitely not very bridesmaidy ... The main problem I'm having with Rent the Runway is that most of the things I'm finding that I like are around $300 to rent, which I feel like I could probably spend paying for a dress. There is the negative of wardrobe bloat at that point, I guess, but my avaricious self really likes having things ...</p> <p>I really love this one:<a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/theia_dresses/goldenblossomgown" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/theia_dresses/goldenblossomgown" rel="nofollow">http://www.renttherunway.com/s.....lossomgown</a></a> So I started digging around for other dresses made by that designer and found this one:<br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mqrc32o" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/mqrc32o</a> I'd need to cover my shoulders for the actual wedding, but I have this beautiful long black jacket-like thing from the 40s with gold designs that would work well (I'll take a picture of it at some point to show you - my description is pretty terrible). The question now is whether or not I'm a size 6! I'm going to swing by Saks this weekend to see if they have dresses from this designer in the store so I can check my size.</p> <p>Man, I'm glad that you guys are more knowledgeable about this black tie thing than me. I've been really confused reading various online articles about it.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119117 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:29:26 +0000 Aquamarine 1119117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing to add but hoping you show us what you end up wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119111 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:21:38 +0000 rachylou 1119111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. I think I've sorted myself out: Formal semi-formal options for a daytime wedding - black morning coat or the more relaxed grey morning coat.</p> <p>For a moment there I thought afternoon v. morning mattered and then I realised I was talking crazy. Who gets up before noon? </p> <p>Right o'. *Whatever.* Hehe.</p> <p>...What are you leaning towards, Jacky?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119048 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:16:17 +0000 minimalist 1119048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL I love rachylou.</p> <p>What gowns are you considering, Jacky? Guessing you need shoulders covered? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119044 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:13:51 +0000 Diana 1119044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, in no way is this appropriate for your event, but check out this dress:<br /><a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/giles_dresses/pegasusgown" rel="nofollow">http://www.renttherunway.com/s.....egasusgown</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119042 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:07:15 +0000 Diana 1119042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, Rachy, I have actually been to a <i>white-tie </i>wedding.&nbsp; I wore my giant floor-length silver ball skirt.&nbsp; Because where else is it ever going to be appropriate to wear that???&nbsp; (Said wedding was also in Puerto Rico, so we all were pretty roasting in our ball gowns too). &nbsp; But really I think in our ultra-casual society everyone thinks of black tie as super formal and they can't even fathom white tie, LOL.&nbsp; Anyway, that's why I suggested a LBD, to me that is approximately black tie level formal. </p> <p>But, not to get too far off the topic at hand here.&nbsp; Jacky, since the bride has expressed a preference for something full length, then by all means go full length.&nbsp; I would be inclined to think something not too spangly.&nbsp; Maybe a long column dress, or something draped?&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p>I'm thinking something like this (which is kind of a long version of your red dress actually):<br /><a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/yigalazrou%C3%ABl_dresses/arcadiagown" rel="nofollow">http://www.renttherunway.com/s.....rcadiagown</a><br />or this<br /><a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/narcisorodriguez_dresses/beautynightgown" rel="nofollow">http://www.renttherunway.com/s.....ynightgown</a></p> <p>How do you think the bride/family will feel about guests wearing black? Because a lot of the colored long dresses I'm seeing kind of look... bridesmaidy.&nbsp; Which I <b>definitely </b>don't see you doing.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1119026 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:53:45 +0000 rachylou 1119026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Interesting. I do love the white and blue dress. Anyways... I have to admit, being Edwardian, I have trouble imagining black tie at 3 in the afternoon. Black-tie by those rules is strictly after 6 p.m. Before then, we would be talking black coat (no tails) and grey (i.e., striped or checked) trousers. But since we're talking a wedding... I've never thought about this before... I wonder if this isn't too casual... </p> <p>O.M.G. A BIG *F* FOR ME. I HAVE FAILED AN ETIQUETTE TEST. I'M SO ASHAMED. SOMEONE'S PARENTS HAVE SOMETHING TO ANSWER FOR.</p> <p>...Whoops. Ok. Sorry. I'm back Where was i? So ok, of course, what black tie means, really, is "semi-formal." However, a hundred years have passed. For us people of today, semi formal is as formal as it gets. And all that stuff about ties is for men. So gowns.</p> <p>... And I see you've asked - and full length gowns it is. The next thing would be how much spangle would be appreciated (which would be a cultural thing). And also because we're talking Coptic church wedding, I'd think you'd really need to be covered in church. Possibly to wrists and neck, and also head... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118935 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 18:20:03 +0000 JAileen 1118935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See, this is what I love about YLF - I learn about Rent The Runway!</p> <p>I actually like the red dress you already have. Too bad it's not long. </p> <p>In my area, you're lucky if you can get people out of their flip flops. I haven't heard of requiring wedding guests to wear long dresses before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118918 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 18:08:02 +0000 Jacky 1118918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'd expect to wear the same thing. The invite is sort of unclear - the wedding is at 3pm (and very conservative - it's in a Coptic church) and the reception appears to be right after at a really fancy hotel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118910 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:58:28 +0000 kkards 1118910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>will you be wearing the same thing to the wedding and the reception? or is this a wedding at 3:00, dinner at 7:00 type of affair? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118887 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:36:26 +0000 Jacky 1118887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Double-checked with my cousin, and she definitely wants full length gowns. So I'll definitely check out Rent the Runway. Thanks for your advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118582 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 04:36:25 +0000 Diana 1118582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMO black tie means an LBD would always be appropriate even if some people wouldn't normally wear black to a wedding. &nbsp;</p> <p>Otherwise, I think Anna's idea of trying Rent the Runway is a great one! &nbsp;You could even pick out something fun that you wouldn't normally buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118577 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 04:26:18 +0000 annagybe 1118577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah I don't think either is appropriate for a conservative black tie wedding. Frankly I think this is the perfect event for something from Rent the Runway.&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.renttherunway.com/rtr_home">http://www.renttherunway.com/rtr_home</a></p> <p>Because the chances of you needing to wear a dress appropriate for that situation again&nbsp;is slim given what you've posted.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-what-to-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding#post-1118499 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 01:58:17 +0000 Jacky 1118499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My cousin's wedding is coming up, and the invite describes it as "black tie." I checked the Wikipedia article on exactly what this means, but it was pretty vague. Mostly what I figured out was that what's appropriate length-wise depends on the time of day of the event. The wedding's at 3pm, and both my family and the groom's family are pretty conservative, so I probably don't want anything too risque (I was considering wearing a tux, but they'd probably keel over at that point. No cross-dressing with this crowd, sadly!) I own these two Helmut Lang dresses, but I'm not sure that either of them is appropriate. The first one has a lot of white, and the second one is pretty body con on me, which is both possibly not appropriate and a problem if there ends up being a lot of eating. </p> <p>ETA: I found a skirt that I think works really well and I've posted pictures of the outfit I'm planning on wearing. Thanks so much for all of your help! The up close detail is of the housecoat I'm wearing.</p>