A GUIDE TO THE BLACK-TIE DRESS CODE

The dress is central to any black-tie ensemble. You want to make a statement (without diverting attention from the bride, of course). In this uber-formal setting, floor-length gowns are essential – but you’ve got plenty of creative wiggle room besides. Jewel tones are trending for wedding parties this year, as well as prints like polka dots. Start with a simple, flattering silhouette and build from there. And remember, you’ll always feel most confident in something comfortable – so avoid going too over-the-top with tulle and sparkle.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN exaggerated cape maxi dress in black, £45
ARRANGE structured bandeau maxi dress with voluminous skirt in red, £160
Forever New strapless sheer maxi dress in white polka dot, £120
Pretty Lavish Bridesmaids Julia strapless fold over panel maxi dress in lemon yellow, £95

Given your dress will be sweeping the floor, shoes can feel like an afterthought in your black-tie wedding attire. But it’s important to give your feet some love. You’ll be dancing all night for one thing. Practical but elevated heels are the best way to go, so opt for something with less height – like a kitten heel or mule. If you insist on a dramatic silhouette, look for strappy designs to ensure extra support. Avoid prints or extravagant embellishments so your outfit feels balanced. But understated additions like bows and satin are a great way to have fun with your footwear.

GET THE LOOK: 
ASOS DESIGN Saffron bow detail mid heeled shoes in black velvet, £32
Topshop Angel heeled court shoe in tan patent, £42
ASOS DESIGN Nano barely there high heel sandals in black, £26
ASOS DESIGN Sophie mid heeled mules in bright blue, £32

In a similar vein, your jewellery should be a subtle addition to your black-tie outfits. With such a glamorous gown in the mix, there’s no need to overdo it elsewhere. A fine, simple snake chain will flatter most necklines, as well as smooth sculptural rings. If you want to add some sparkle, we’d recommend doing so on your hands and wrists rather than around your face. This will avoid any costume connotations and make everything feel chicer.

GET THE LOOK: 
Lost Souls stainless steel 18ct gold plated flat snake chain necklace, £10
Pilgrim Autumn chunky retro hoop earrings in silver plated, £34.99
D. LOUISE Wave ring with stones in gold, £55
ASOS DESIGN waterproof stainless steel bangle with knot detail in gold tone, £14

Now you’ve got the wardrobe sorted, what accessories does a black-tie wedding warrant? Picking the right bag is challenging for any formal ‘do – and many choose to avoid them altogether. But if you plan on celebrating into the early hours it helps to have some reinforcements on hand. A small, sleek clutch is ideal for housing essentials like lipstick and your phone. Even better if it comes with detachable straps so you don’t misplace it throughout the day.

GET THE LOOK: 
Mango chrome oval clutch bag in copper, £49.99
ASOS DESIGN macrame grab clutch with tassel detail in black, £36
River Island hard shell clutch bag in brown marble, £36
True Decadence tassle embellished envelope clutch bag in olive green, £32

Where more-is-more in the black-tie wardrobe, the opposite can be said for your beauty routine. Keep your complexion light with a skin tint in place of your usual foundation, while a hydrating setting spray is a great alt to heavy powder. Great makeup starts with skincare, so ahead of the big day treat yourself to indulgent masks like the BIODANCE Hydro Cera-Nol (top tip: place in the fridge for a few hours before applying). Liquid-based products are your friend when it comes to building a natural look that photographs well, and nobody does glow like Charlotte Tilbury. Her contour wand is perfect for achieving that sun-kissed glow – and it fits perfectly in a clutch for midday top-ups.

GET THE LOOK: 

Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation, £27
BIODANCE Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask Box - x 4, £15
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, £30
Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur, £32