You have received an invitation to a black tie event – it could be a black tie dinner party, a black tie work event or maybe a black tie wedding. Whichever one it is, you know this event will be fancy and you need to get the black tie dress code right. So, what attire do you wear? What kind of dresses are appropriate for a black tie occasion?
For men its much easier, all they have to throw on is a tux and a black tie. For women however, there is not one set rule when it comes to outfit choice. Traditionally, black tie calls for a floor-length dress or gown, however the modern black tie dress code isn’t quite as simple. If you decide to go with a floor-length gown, choose a dress with a simple and feminine silhouette that lightly accentuates your curves. Since formal dresses can be pricey, it makes much more sense to rent a dress instead, especially as black tie isn’t your everyday occasion and you are unlikely to be wearing it more than once. By renting a gown, you can pick from the best designers and ensure your dress is made of the highest quality. This will help you avoid tacky and head straight for elegant.
While you can’t go wrong with hiring a black or red dress for black tie, 2019/20 dress trends are showing that you can experiment a lot more with colours! Embellished and sparkly dresses as well as strapless and one shoulder dresses are also constantly gracing the red carpets as we enter 2020 awards season.
The Liberty Maxi Red
Cleo Dress
Panne Velvet Dress
Strawberry Aria Gown
Renting a cocktail dress is another great option for black tie if a full length gown isn’t your thing, or you know your event is black tie optional. We suggest hiring a cocktail dress that sits just on or below the knee and is slightly structured or cinched at the waist to ensure your look remains feminine. Check out our favourite cocktail dresses to rent for black tie:
Isabella Red Cocktail Dress
https://hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/black-tie-dresses/products/susara-papaya-dress#
https://hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/black-tie-dresses/products/mima-green-dress#
https://hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/black-tie-dresses/products/the-lucianna-midi-dress
https://hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/black-tie-dresses/products/lurex-dotted-dress#
Can you wear a short dress for a black tie event?
A modern black tie dress code definitely allows you to choose a short dress rental if you’d prefer. However our top tip would be to keep it classy – avoid anything too tight and anything that falls more than an inch or two above the knee. Check out our favourite picks for 2020:
Dress with Draping
Isalena Sequined Dress
Plumerias Print Dress
Millie Green Cocktail Dress
Can a women wear trousers or a tuxedo to a black tie event?
Absolutely! If you ladies want to make a fashion statement as well as look amazing in your rented outfit, why not hire a jumpsuit or throw on blazer & pant suit? This is a perfect way dress up for a black tie party or wedding, as it shows off your womanly figure in a beautifully flattering way, narrowing slightly at the waist and streamlining the leg. A sexy, yet classy look. Click the links below to see our top picks!
Daylight Blazer
Daylight Trousers
Kanda Jumpsuit
Black Lace Jumpsuit
Can you wear black to a black tie wedding?
You can absolutely hire a black dress to wear to a black tie wedding! However we’d advise to keep the black dresses to a winter wedding or evening wedding. Also make sure your accessories break up your rented black look, whether its a pop of colour from a designer clutch or heel, or sparkling diamond jewellery (which you can also rent from us!). Check out some more great black dress options below!
The Bailey Maxi Black
Silky Black Cowl Gown
Niara Scuba Gown Black
Girl Meets Dress has a large range of formal black tie dresses for hire, whether long, short or cocktail, so whatever your preference, we can help find you the perfect look for your big night! (even if you’d prefer no dress at all, and opt for a pantsuit!).
Rent your black tie outfit and look a million dollars without spending a fortune. What’s not to like?
Designer A-Z 
