Find the Perfect Black Tie Dresses for Every Occasion

Fancy events happen. And when they do, you’ll need something upscale to wear. Do yourself a favor and keep a closet stocked with black tie dresses to suit you for any occasion. Next time an event sneaks up on you, you’ll be chilling knowing you’ve got this one. 

What Occasions are Black Tie?

Hosts and hostesses can establish a black tie dress code for their event; it’s a lot of power to hold. These events exude a kind of private air because of the parameters they generally follow: black tie occasions are almost always scheduled in the evening and run into the night; they (obviously) require formal wear, placing fashion at a forefront (everyone is looking at what everyone else is wearing); they match the clothing by taking place at lavish locations; sometimes these events require an entrance fee or donation.

If you interact with the world of high society Gossip Girl-like characters, black tie events might feel a little exclusionary. But we promise anyone can conquer the black tie scene with the right dress—and no, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you want to look like Carrie Bradshaw but shop within your budget, Reformation’s dresses are the solution. Even if the black tie event you’re attending is more along the lines of a party thrown by that over-the-top friend who likes to make everyone spend a lot of money, there’s still a perfect dress for you.

The Barrow Dress in Artichoke

The ideal occasion: An awards ceremony (The Oscars, anyone?).

The details: Make them take notice in an iridescent jeweled green. The 100 percent lightweight silk charmeuse will rustle around your legs as you take one shoe-baring step after another, all the way to the VIP section.

The Andee Dress in Champagne

The ideal occasion: An elegant ball (time to live out your Cinderella dreams).

The details: High ceilings, gold brocade walls, an ornate painted mural on the ceiling rivaling Michaelangelo’s works: this event is extravagant. You need a gorgeous dress to help you make a grand entrance (and a bold exit depending on how literally you’re going to channel Cinderella).

The Winslow Dress in Celadon

The ideal occasion: A formal dinner.

The details: Sometimes you just like to dress up to eat some delicious food. This kind of occasion calls for a flowy wrap dress in an eye-catching color that moves with you. Suitable for a fancy meal with all your best friends or dinner with the first lady—and everything in between.

The Tripoli Dress in Black

The ideal occasion: The elite event for a mysterious club (think Gilmore Girls’ Life and Death Brigade).

The details: Show a little timeless class. With tiered layers of sheer georgette fabric made from wood pulp, your fancy is showing. This crowd is all for it. For all those on team Logan Huntzberger, this event is your “I jump, you jump” moment. 

The Gatsby Dress in Teacup

The ideal occasion: A black tie wedding (probably thrown by that high maintenance friend).

The details: Even when your friends expect you to pay an absurd amount of money to spend time with them, there’s a dress for that. And it won’t cost anything to cry-laugh about. You’ll look like you just pulled this dress out of the back of your closet, nbd, (and maybe you did), while everyone else looks uncomfortable in their starched new clothes.

The Veria Dress in Lucca

The ideal occasion: Waltzing down the red carpet.

The details: Picture this: you posing for the paparazzi, humoring them with a small smirky smile. You can’t blame them for wanting pictures of the most gorgeous dress to make an appearance. A little pop of blue, a feminine silhouette—you’re pulling all the flash to you.

The Midleton Dress in Emerald

The ideal occasion: A charity gala (all the city’s high society will be there).

The details: Let your Gossip Girl dreams come true by dressing in this gown worthy of a Blair Waldorf gala event. Perfect for taking the stage and commandeering the microphone. A delicate flute of champagne would look great with this party dress. Cheers!

The Ennis Dress in Black

The ideal occasion: A secret (and highly exclusive) party.

The details: Secrecy calls for a black dress. The Ennis is comfort and sophistication with a halter in the front and open back in the back. Show a little skin but heighten the fine details: the two teeny braided straps crossing the lower back are a great start—plus the thigh-high leg slit for livening up the party. You never know what will happen at a top secret event. Best to play it safe with something soft and breathable, made for lasting all night long.

Takeaway

Next time you’re invited to a black tie function, you’ll know where to find the dress. Maybe you’ll already own it (or any dozen or so alternatives). Whatever you’re wearing, show up and make an entrance.  You’re pretty much a party aficionado with the wardrobe to match.