Best black tie dresses 2024: formal frocks for wedding receptions, cocktail parties and big bashes

Men’s black tie is easy and instantly pleasing. There’s something about a pristine cut, a sleek lapel and a bow tie that brings the phwoar-factor.

But women in black tie attire? Now that’s a different ball(gown) game.

Black tie dress codes for women are more open to interpretation than men’s. While there are some obvious boxes to tick such as a floor-skimming silhouette and opulent fabrics such as velvet, silk, satin and lace, women’s black tie attire is a golden opportunity to bring out the big guns. 

Crystals, heirloom jewels and cascades of are all part and parcel of traditional black make for a dazzling arm candy comrade. can be applied daringly. There are many pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of formal dressing.