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Nothing beats a classic.
By Talia Abbas
When a wedding invite hits your inbox, a black wedding guest dress is probably not the first thing that comes to mind as you RSVP “yes” and mentally prep your outfit. It’s only natural to feel the need to step out in something bold and colorful, even if it doesn’t exactly gel with your personal style. (It is a wedding, after all.)
But there’s actually much more room to experiment within a single color palette—and sticking to a timeless neutral like black allows you to embrace all kinds of offbeat, visually intriguing textures (beaded sequins! feathers! knits!) to make magic happen.
There’s also a reason the little black dress (or a long one, or a midi) is considered one of the ultimate wardrobe essentials. It has endless styling potential whether you pair it with festive flats, stacks of jewelry, or cool-girl sweater sleeves. It never loses its novelty or charm, and in the right silhouette for you, it feels effortless for any kind of dress code or destination.
Whether you’re off to a black-tie banquet or large alfresco affair, ready your carts for 17 black wedding guest dress options across a range of sizes and price points, including the satin mini of our dreams and the knit maxi guaranteed to make you look and feel like your best self.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/17
Significant Other Tori Asymmetrical Maxi Dress
Let’s kick it off with this asymmetric number that has all the elements of a modern classic: a fitted silhouette, subtle high-low hem, and single pin-thin strap that traces your back in the most seductive of ways.
2/17
Jonathan Simkhai Standard Kenny Square-Neck Dress
A ribbed knit with a thigh slit just gets us every time.
3/17
Cult Gaia Jana Knit Dress
You know that cutout Cult Gaia dress nearly every A-lister owns? Well, here she is again, ready to go for fall and winter weddings with long sleeves and plunging V-neck. Small gold hoops and tousled waves à la Rosie Huntington-Whiteley keep the vibes on point for a romantic service followed by a low-key dinner reception.
4/17
Superdown Cia Minidress
It’s imperative that you dance to “Levitating” in this party dress, which features a sequin peekaboo moment that’s just the right amount of extra.
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5/17
Zara Draped Sheath Dress
Venture into ’90s territory with this ruched bodycon that’s ideal for intimate gatherings. A blunt cropped bob completes the sleuthy vibes.
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6/17
Self-Portrait Double-Breasted Metallic-Bouclé Minidress
This is technically a co*cktail dress, but the structured silhouette brings a fun menswear-inspired element, which we love juxtaposed with crystal-embellished kitten heels and a tiny bag.
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7/17
Rotate Dulcie Cutout Jersey Midi Dress
Aesthetic is: Audrey Hepburn with an on-trend peekaboo moment.
8/17
Sea Arline Smocked Polka-Dot Poplin Minidress
Between the adorable flutter sleeves and the ruffle neck, we’re going to let this sleeveless polka-dot dress slide for “black.” There are no rules here!
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9/17
Ganni Smocked Organic-Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
Puff sleeves and a smocked bodice add instant flair to an otherwise simple cotton dress.
10/17
Mango Bow Midi Dress
Details matter, like the trio of sweet front ties that put a romantic spin on this black midi.
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11/17
Wayf Rigby Ruched Stretch-Satin Knee-Length Dress
Sometimes you just want a black dress to be a black dress, and this short-sleeve pleated number hits just right.
12/17
Eloquii Halter-Neck Palazzo Jumpsuit
Headed to a rooftop reception? Try a wide-leg chiffon jumpsuit, which is equal parts chic and comfy. (Psst: This one has an elasticized waist, meaning there are zero zippers to wrestle with in the powder room.)
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13/17
Selkie The Puff Dress
Consider your next summer wedding all the justification needed to finally snap up Selkie’s dreamy confection.
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14/17
Reformation Kim Dress
Reformation always nails it with its semiformal wedding guest attire, and this plus-size satin number is (yet again) proof. Style with heels of your choice and you have a no-fail outfit formula that’s primed for idyllic photo ops.
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15/17
Ulla Johnson Hope Dress
Twirl the night away in this tiered tank-top dress. It’s perfect for beach weddings and balmy fall ceremonies that require little more than a glass of champagne to stay toasty.
16/17
Katie May x Revolve Dare Me Gown
Permission to RSVP to that black-tie wedding now, because we just found the perfect floor-length gown. It features a halter neckline, sultry open-back cowl, and a deep slit that adds room to dance in the sleek column skirt.
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17/17
Amanda Uprichard Jax Dress
Just one last party dress, because the night isn’t over until they turn on the lights.
Topicsshoppingweddingswedding guest attirebridesmaidsbridesmaid dressesblack dresses
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