What is a formal dress code? A formal dress code is the go-to dress code term for special events like a fancy wedding or an organization’s dressy dining event. Generally speaking, it’s less fancy than a black-tie dress code, but not quite as casual as a cocktail attire event.
As a personal stylist, my clients often ask me what exactly constitutes “formal” and how it differs from black tie, black tie optional, cocktail, and other dress codes. But before answering their questions or shopping for formal wear for a client, I always ask to see the invitation to the event. It’s not just the dress code instructions I am seeking — the style of the event is also implied by the invitation itself. For example, a client of mine was invited to a formal wedding, but the dress code stated, “Be Sexy.” If my client had just told me the dress code was “Be Sexy” and not shown me the invite, I would have missed the fact it was a black tie event!
Below, I break down the most common questions I get when dressing my clients for formal events, in particular weddings. But if you’re just here for flattering formal dresses, click here, to skip ahead and start shopping…
What Does Formal Attire Mean For A Wedding?
Formal attire is slightly less upscale than a black-tie wedding. With a formal dress code, you have a bit more leeway so you can get away with fun prints (as pictured above), or dressing up a shorter cocktail dress if you are not in the mood for a solid-colored floor-length gown. How do you dress up a cocktail dress? Pair it with gold heels or silver heels, an elegant clutch, and dressy outerwear, like a silky blazer, or faux fur coat.
Whether you go with a shorter cocktail dress or a floor-length gown, a formal dress code usually calls for dresses made of fabrics with shine or structure. And although heels are expected, you can definitely wear dressy flats if that is more comfortable for you.
What Does Black-Tie Wedding Mean?
When it comes to dressing for a black-tie wedding, imagine yourself attending the Oscars or a gala. This formal dress code requires glamorous floor-length evening gowns — although ankle or calf-length can work too. For black-tie attire, it’s best to skip prints and patterns and go for embellishments instead. As for the fabric, think silk, satin, velvet, and chiffon. Accessorize black-tie looks with jewelry that shines (hello gems, jewels, and crystals!). Pearls can also be worn to black-tie weddings. As for shoes, it’s best to go with heels, but again, dressy flats can work too.
Can You Wear Red To A Black-Tie Wedding?
You can definitely wear red to a black-tie wedding! This is a bit of a fashion myth, like saying you can’t wear white after Labor Day. But I would check to make sure the bridesmaids are not wearing red first. If you aren’t close with anyone who knows the bridesmaid dress colors, then play it safe and go with a more muted color like burgundy or black. This advice is also true if you know the wedding crowd leans more modest. And lastly, if you’re going to a Chinese or Indian wedding, you should probably avoid wearing red as that’s often the color that brides traditionally wear.
Can You Wear Sequins To A Black-Tie Wedding?
Sequins can definitely be worn to a black-tie wedding, but this depends on the guest list. If you know the couple and their families enjoy flash and fun, sequins are welcome! If the couple or families are more conservative, this may not be the best black-tie event for sequins.
What Does Black Tie Optional Mean On A Wedding Invitation?
If you are invited to a black-tie optional wedding, this means the couple would prefer you wear black-tie attire, however, they’re providing leniency for those who may not own or cannot afford more formal attire. Black-tie optional is similar to formal attire and the two dress codes are often used interchangeably. In this case, a formal midi dress can be worn instead of a full-length gown if you prefer. You can also play a little more with prints if you’re feeling that. Black tie optional is really a dress code to help out the men. Ladies can often acquire a floor-length gown with little barrier, but men can struggle to acquire a tuxedo.
Best Formal Dresses
I am dressing so many clients for formal events this year! As I find the best formal dresses I will pop them here to assist with your own formal dress shopping. Notice that I have provided everything from black tie gowns to cocktail dresses that can pass for a formal dress code event.
NBD Yaritza Mini Dress
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XL. Runs true to size.
Material: self: 74% viscose, 22% nylon, 4% elastane; lining: 97% polyester, 3% elastane; filling: 100% polyester
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Knit Crepe Jewel Short Dress
Available at Adrianna Papell and Dillard’s.
Sizing: 14-26
Material: fabric: 95% polyester, 5% elastane; lining: 100% polyester knit
Dress the Population Uma Sequin Floral Cocktail Dress
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XXL. Runs small, order 1 size up.
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
BHLDN Jemma Scoop-Neck Corset Fit & Flare Maxi Dress
Available at Anthropologie.
Sizing: XXS-XL. Runs large, order 1 size down.
Material: polyamide, viscose, elastane
Lovers and Friends Ginger Sequin Gown
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: self: 100% polyester; lining: 93% polyester, 7% elastane
Bronx and Banco Jasmine Midi Dress
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Available in XS-XL. Runs true to size.
Material: self: 80% viscose, 20% cotton; lining: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
NBD Alyn Mini Dress
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XL. Runs true to size.
Material: self: 63% rayon, 33% nylon, 4% elastane; lining: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
Mac Duggal Embellished One Shoulder Asymmetrical Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Mac Duggal.
Sizing: Available in 2-20. Runs slightly large, order 1 size down.
Material: satin fabric; 100% polyester
Dress the Population Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
Available at Nordstrom, Amazon, and Dress the Population.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XXL. Runs slightly small, order 1 size up.
Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex bodice with 100% polyester skirt
Nookie Empire Halter Gown
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Sachin & Babi Mia Floral Tea-Length Gown
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: Available in 0-14. Runs large.
Material: 84% polyester, 12% nylon, 4% spandex; lining: 100% polyester
MAJORELLE Soriya Gown
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XL. Runs true to size.
Material: self: 100% polyester; lining: 97% polyester 3% elastane
A.L.C. Angelina Ii Gown
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: 0-12
Material: 100% polyester
La DoubleJ Harlequin Sleeveless Dress in Bordeux
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Farfetch.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 98% extrafine merino wool, 2% ostrich feathers
Mac Duggal Ombre V Neck Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Mac Duggal.
Sizing: Available in 0-20. Runs slightly large, order 1 size down.
Material: tulle fabric; 100% Polyester
ELLIATT Vinyles Midi Dress
Available at Revolve.
Sizing: Available in XXS-XXL. Runs true to size.
Material: 100% polyester
Veronica Beard Alberta Silk Gown
Available at Mytheresa.
Sizing: 00-16
Material: 52% silk, 40% viscose, 8% elastane
Aje. Etta Mini Dress
Available at Aje.
Sizing: Available in 4-16. Runs small, order 1-2 sizes up
Material: 69% linen, 31% viscose
Mac Duggal Sequined One Shoulder Bishop Sleeve Trumpet Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Mac Duggal.
Sizing: Available in 0-18. Runs slightly large, order 1 size down.
Material: sequin fabric; 100% polyester
Atu Body Couture V-Back Satin Gown
Available at Farfetch.
Sizing: XXS-L
Material: 100% polyester
Cinq à Sept Xiomara Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s and Cinq à Sept.
Sizing: Available in 00-16. Runs true to size.
Material: 100% polyester
Mac Duggal High Low One Shoulder Flowy Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Mac Duggal.
Sizing: Available in 0-16. Runs slightly large, order 1 size down.
Material: satin fabric; 100% polyester
2 Responses
Why are all formal dresses sleeveless? I’d at least like to cover the top 1/3 of my arms…
Hi Stephanie! Lovely to hear from you! If you want the biggest selection of long sleeve formal dresses, you need to shop between September and December. At this time, we are prepping for spring events, so sleeveless is queen 😉 BUT there are still plenty of long sleeve options, you just have to use those fabulous filters! Here you go! https://go.shopmy.us/p-13387196