Black-Tie Dresses: The Rules, Regs and Best to Buy Now
If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that shopping for a black-tie dress is quite an exciting prospect. The introduction of this dress code to any event spells the message out loud and clear: Make an effort. And any girl who likes getting dressed up can really go to town when that kind of invite arrives with a gleeful thud on the doormat.
While the requirements of the black-tie dress code do mean that your choice needs to have a modicum of respectability (this is not the chance to go crazy with cutouts or aim for a really short hemline), here is your big excuse to bust out the bold colour, fire up the ruffles, do a smash and grab on the sequins, unleash your inner lamé addict, brave something backless, go va-va-voom in velvet and, well, I think you get it. This year, more than any other, the concept of outgoing eveningwear has been wholeheartedly supported by designers, buyers and high-street stores.
Photo:
Style du Monde
This is no lame attempt to look fancy. The best black-tie dresses of 2017 have "I'VE ENTERED THE ROOM" writ large. So keep on reading to shop from my current 17 favourites—make sure you've got a showstopper for that next major event in the calendar.
Just look at the sleeves on that.
Stop being so dreamy, Gucci.
Also quite a hand number for wedding season.
In case you didn't get the HUGE memo: Velvet is happening.
Can't stop staring…
Also very cool over jeans.
So much going on here.
We don't even need to sell this one—it sells itself.
Ruching = the most flattering thing ever invented.
How chic is this, please?
Where do we sign?
The hottest new eveningwear name to know now.
Don't like sparkles? Don't worry.
You'll have so much fun dancing in this one.
A truly unique choice you'll adore forever.
Why not wear yours after the party with over-the-knee boots?
Next up: the secrets of French fashion.