Here’s How 14 Vogue Editors Dress for Black-Tie Weddings

A black-tie wedding dress code can be intimidating; often, the most common reflex is to throw on a black, floor-grazing gown. And while you can always opt for a dependable, dressed-up LBD (as many of our editors do), amping up the glamour by way of some sparkling accessories, black-tie dressing doesn’t necessarily have to involve black at all. With winter approaching, formal weddings are an opportunity to explore this season’s many jewel-toned offerings, or even dip your toe into the glittering world of Art Deco. Think: vibrant shades of royal purple, bright chartreuse paired with gold, and rich burgundy.

In other words: No matter the ceremony style of the black-tie nuptials you’ll be attending this season, there’s a world of sartorial possibility. Read on to see how 14 Vogue editors tackle black-tie wedding guest dressing to get started.

Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor

“I love the glamour of a black-tie affair—I’ll take any chance to lean into the drama with a floor-sweeping gown and dazzling accessories. Something draped and silk is my sweet spot, offering both elegance and comfort. This Taller Marmo piece is just the ticket in a rich army green that would pair perfectly with metallic heels and a statement earring.”

Libby Page, global executive shopping director

“It’s so rare that I get to dress up for something extra special, so when I do, I love to lean in. I was inspired by Alex Eagle’s recent column on Art Deco—it’s a true trend we’re seeing across fashion and home. Juju Vera does it so well; her artistic clutch feels like a piece of art. If anyone can make me wear silver (I am a gold girl at heart), it’s Juju, and because I don’t mix metals, I’m likely pairing the bag with this Tabayer ring.”

Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor

“Éterne’s Mila dress is my platonic ideal of a slip dress—it has adjustable straps, a flattering fit, and it’s actually floor-length (no small feat; I am very tall). I wore it to a friend’s black-tie wedding in Brooklyn recently with silver jewelry (a mix of new and my mom’s) and a grey shawl for the subway commute to the venue. I also brought my favorite slouchy suede clutch; it was big enough to hold not just the shawl, but also an extra pair of shoes I changed into after six hours in heels.”

Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor

“For the next black-tie wedding I will be attending, I have had my eye on this Fforme drop waist dress. It’s available in an array of colors, but I absolutely love this violet hue—my go-to colors for weddings are always black, red, and violet. I would style it with simple accessories that can be re-worn for multiple occasions, finishing it off with a pair of Dorsey earrings.”

Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty & wellness editor

“The best part of wearing vintage to a wedding? You never, ever have to worry about having the same dress on as somebody else. I’m especially enamored with the 1960s right now; the use of color and beading screams PARTY! I don’t want to give away my secrets, but here’s a hint to finding a really great formal dress: Search eBay with the words “beaded” and “raw silk” along with the era you’re interested in. When it comes to handbags, I like to surprise and delight with my JW Pigeon bag (his name is Pete)—true, it can’t fit a cell phone or basically a single thing that’s useful, but I love it.”

Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media

“My style leans minimalist, so when it comes to formal and black-tie dressing, I always find myself gravitating toward a good slip dress or a classic black number. This leaves room to have a little fun with accessories, whether that’s a statement earring or a bag with playful tassels.”

Kasey Busiel, marketing and production manager

“I’ll be attending my lovely friend Madison’s black-tie wedding this New Year’s Eve. While the date may be controversial, I couldn’t be more excited! As someone who thinks NYE is a bit overrated, a wedding feels like the perfect excuse to dress up to the nines and celebrate. I love this Simkhai dress, and the sparkling crystal embellishment feels just right for the occasion.”

Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer

“Black-tie dressing is an opportunity for me to veer far more dramatic than I do on a given night out. Lately, that’s meant opting for something with a 90s-influenced goth vibe. I like to make a monochromatic look more interesting by playing with different textures, which is why I’ve been eyeing this floor-grazing lace dress by Amoy New York for my next black-tie affair. I’m going to pair it with my little silk Home of Hai bag—a favorite for special occasion dressing, because it goes with anything (and comes in nearly every color under the sun).”

Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large

“I have Azeeza on speed dial for black tie! I wore the original sample of this Maitreyi gown to my friend Gia’s fabulous Italian wedding, and now I want this version with eyelash lace—one of my favorite details—for our friend Natasha’s black-tie wedding next month.

I’ll wear flats because dancing is most essential, so a pretty ballerina from Chanel works. I like to search my size on eBay and filter "New" for the condition. For general wedding etiquette (fact-check me, Lilah Ramzi!), white is allowed as a shoe, just not as a dress. I’ll also be carrying Nicolas Ghesquière and Dame Pat McGrath’s new Louis Vuitton Beauty collection for the glamour—any in-the-moment touch ups the bride desires, I’ll be at her service!”

Sache Taylor, director, special events

“I love this dress from Proenza Schouler because it is very cute but incredibly simple, which I am using to my advantage in the grand career of attending black-tie weddings. I like to wear it with equally basic heels. The obvious way to dress it up would be with jewelry, but unfortunately, I don’t wear jewelry, so I usually pin a slightly more exciting (which is not saying much) brooch to the left side of my chest, and call it a day. I do, however, have a fun collection of small bags, and I’ve been loving the Origami Baguette from Altuzarra—something has to do the heavy lifting.”

Alexandra Buell, commerce producer

“In keeping with the Art Deco-inspired details we continue to see pop up in both interiors and wedding guest dressing, this Posse gown feels particularly fitting for a black-tie wedding this fall. I’d keep the accessories simple and elevated, pairing it with kitten heel mules, a tasseled clutch, and delicate pearl drop earrings.”

Laura Lillian Jackson Nalle, contributing shopping writer

“I recently attended a black-tie wedding in New Orleans and wanted my look to mirror the vibrancy of the city. Bernadette’s fuchsia cap-sleeve gown makes a statement with both its color and silhouette, but I wanted to give it an even more fashion-forward touch with this red floral brooch. These embellished heels from Porta Fiori are the ultimate neutral—I’ve worn them too many times to count—and for one final hint of shimmer, I added a pair of dazzling drop earrings from Isabel Marant.”

Minty Mellon, shopping market editor

“There is nothing I love more than a great black dress. For black-tie weddings, I gravitate toward polished black gowns with elegant silhouettes, like this off-the-shoulder one by Alaïa. Paired with black pumps by Manolo Blahnik, the dress creates a timeless foundation for equally classic accessories, like Vrai’s drop earrings and The Row’s Dalia bag.”

Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer

“I never want to lose my personality just because I’ve got to be a bit more formal. I often opt for more figure-flattering silhouettes with textural details—and accessories are where I lean into my personal style.”