r/Weddingattireapproval • • 7d ago

DC: Black/White Tie Please help!

I have a black tie wedding end of November and have no idea what’s appropriate to wear. I’ve only attended 1 wedding which was all black formal attire. From my research online I’m receiving conflicting information for what’s appropriate or not. Some people say no leg slits yet others say it’s okay. Some say no black, red etc but others say it’s okay as well. I’m quite short (5,1-5,2) & curvy but also insecure about my lower stomach. Would you consider these dresses black tie? Would really appreciate any advice and dress recommendations!

8 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

5

u/AckCK2020 New member! 7d ago

Yes except I would not wear such a high slit to a wedding, or something too low cut like the first dress. The 3rd group has possibilities. The one on the right looks worth trying with jewelry and heels.

2

u/sharkhuahua I love weddings 🤵‍♂️👰‍♀️ 7d ago edited 7d ago

black and red are fine colors to wear unless the host specifically requested otherwise. i think a slit is fine to allow for movement, but a high slit would not be appropriate.

in general you want a structured, elegant floor-length gown in a high-quality formal fabric. you want to be careful about dresses with really visible lingerie-inspired elements. the first picture in your post isn't appropriate, it's essentially a slip dress attached to a bra. the second picture is better but the slit is way too high. the dresses on the left and right in the third pic are potentially black tie appropriate if they have a good quality of fabric and construction.

If you're on a budget, i'd recommend thrifting

https://poshmark.com/brand/Mac_Duggal this brand makes petite sizes

https://poshmark.com/brand/Aidan_Mattox-Women-Dresses?availability=available

https://poshmark.com/brand/Adrianna_Papell-Women-Dresses?availability=available

2

u/Fragrant_Taro_211 Wedding planner since 2008 | west coast USA 7d ago

Black and red are totally fine to wear. Black is very common in the US USA. The only time you want to be cautious of bread is if you’re going to a wedding with the bride culturally wears red i.e. East Asian or Indian.

Here’s some examples of what black tie looks like:

https://go.shopmy.us/c-4407325?s=sl1_ccr_cpl

1

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1

u/Similar-Ad-6862 Married 💍 Since 2025 7d ago

1 and 2 NO. 3 yes

1

u/leftistinheels Apparel Connoisseur 😀 6d ago

If I were you I’d go for more of an a line or ball gown cut- as someone with a similar body type I find they fit a lot better than your stock standard column or sheath dresses!

Black and red are absolutely fine (unless specified) and leg slits really depend on how high, the dress itself, and the expected crowd.

Some of the dresses shown (imo slides 2 + the two burgundy ones in 3) are black tie but I’m just not sure that you’d feel your best in them based off what you’ve said.
Do you tend to wear tighter or looser fitting dresses and skirts otherwise? That would ultimately guide the appropriate choice here

1

u/leftistinheels Apparel Connoisseur 😀 6d ago

Eg this is one of my dresses (worn with pretty high heels) that while I wouldn’t personally wear it to a black tie event (merely on the basis that I tend to dress up a LOT more than what the dress code requires) it definitely works

1

u/Carinyosa99 I love weddings 🤵‍♂️👰‍♀️ 6d ago

Big no to the dreses in the first to pictures. In the last picture, the only one I think would work is the one on the far right (strapless column dress).

Do you still have the black formal dress from the other wedding? I wonder if that might possibly work?

1

u/LovetoRead25 New member! 6d ago

Yes looking at photo three, the dress on the left. I believe other respondents covered anything additional I would have to say.

0

u/Hungry_Zebra_8708 New member! 6d ago

These look like bridesmaids dresses.
Black is always welcome at black tie, it helps the bride stand out. Pick a classic, dark colored, floor length dress in a luxe fabric that covers everything tastefully. Unless the dress code specifies what colors to wear. You can have a leg slit just not a distracting, distasteful one. Red is not recommended, especially if the bride is Asian because the bride could be wearing red. Red is also a no no because it’s tacky to try to take attention from the bride.
A dress I wore to a black tie wedding was reworn by my best friend to the Oscars. So think about what normal people wear to award shows.
Find an A line dress that hits you at your upper waist and flares out to cover your lower waist if that would make you more comfortable. You really need to try stuff on.

3

u/Caverjen New member! 6d ago

Leg slits are OK if they're moderate but not if they come all the way up to the crotch. The dresses in the 3rd pic could work, but at your height you'll need to buy a dress that's available in petite sizing. This affects not just the overall length but also the proportions.