What’s appropriate to wear to a black tie wedding and what’s not? Etiquette, fashion and wedding experts break down dresses you should avoid – and warn against showing too much skin so you don’t ‘upstage the bride’

If black-tie weddings are coming up, chances are you’ve debated exactly what’s appropriate these days.

While it seems like dress codes are becoming more relaxed, there are still specific rules around formal attire, especially when it comes to attending weddings.

On TikTok, people were divided over what a post-wedding gala dress code entails content creator Lauren Ladouceurbased in New York, shared a video with her 42,000 followers about what is appropriate.

Lauren explained that her “biggest wedding hot spot is that people don’t understand the dress code,” and her commenters agreed that it was a difficult concept, so FEMAIL spoke to the content creator, as well as etiquette expert Myka Meier and the wedding guest dress. designers to know what to wear.

She showed her followers what not to wear, including cocktail dresses and flirty dresses that looked like summer dresses, along with what’s acceptable for a black-tie wedding: longer, more formal dresses with a bit of personality in bold hues.

Lauren’s commenters chimed in, with some still confused about what was required in black-tie attire.

“My opinion is that dress codes should come with Pinterest inspiration boards so everyone is aligned,” one commenter announced.

‘Girl, tell me HOW I was the ONLY WOMAN to wear a floor-length dress at a black-tie wedding a few months ago, everyone else was wearing SUMMER DRESSES. As??’ asked another.

Lauren, who is hired by brides and grooms to take social media images at their weddings, told DailyMail.com that “before becoming a wedding content creator and attending weddings every weekend, I thought black tie was just meant elegant or dressing as well as possible. ‘

Now you realize that those attending a black-tie wedding should think about walking a red carpet or attending a gala, and should wear a floor-length dress.

“Etiquette also dictates that one should cover one’s arms or shoulders,” the content creator advised, before adding, “But we’re not in the ’50s either.”

Lauren constantly receives direct messages from her followers asking if the dresses are appropriate for a wedding, and she says, “The biggest disqualifying factors are the length, ankle length instead of floor length, the neckline, and the material.”

However, there are specific exceptions to the rule, such as creative black tie.

“This is where the rules start to relax a little: not on the hem, but on a dress with feather or lace trim,” she explained.

To avoid misunderstandings, Lauren tells the couples she works with to create an inspirational style guide on their wedding website.

While Lauren says that “there are old tales and customs about not wearing red or black to a wedding,” many people opt for those shades now.

Her “rule of thumb is to wear darker, jewel-toned colors” and never wear white.

While there are many ways to play with a dress, the biggest mistake you see guests making is wearing a shorter hemline.

“At several weddings I’ve worked on as a wedding content creator, the couple felt disrespected because their guests didn’t respect the dress code,” Lauren said.

‘It’s less about an individual fashion decision and more about being a good wedding guest.

“If you’re really struggling with the dress code decision, ask the couple who’s getting married.”

Etiquette expert Myka Meierbased in New York City, told DailyMail.com: “A black-tie dress code specifically means floor-length dresses.”

‘Anything that reaches mid-calf, like a cocktail or tea, is not considered black-tie.’

“A formal dress code is from 6 p.m.; anything before 6 p.m. would simply be formal attire, no tuxedo or dress required,” Myka clarified, adding that the bigger sparkles and the Bolder jewelry also comes out after the sun sets.

When it comes to footwear, it is a little more relaxed and guests can wear open or closed heels.

“Small evening bags or clutches are recommended, as the more formal the event, the smaller the bag,” Myka said.

As for materials, opt for silks, tulle, glitter and sequins, and stay away from linen or cotton.

“In terms of silhouette, as long as it’s floor-length, it’s probably appropriate,” Myka said, adding, “from a ballgown to a fishtail, anything goes.”

All types of tops are acceptable, from strapless to cap sleeves, but she advised: “Keep in mind that it may be a religious event and you should be careful with the amount of skin shown to make it appear respectful.”

“You also don’t want to upstage the bride with anything too revealing,” Myka cautioned.

Dana Towsey, based in San Francisco, California, is the head of product development at Petal and puppythat has a entire section on the site dedicated to formal dresses for wedding guests.

“Black tie is generally the most elegant type of wedding and is a great time to make a statement,” she said, suggesting “floor-length dresses in luxe fabrics with special details like bold draping, pleats and revealing silhouettes.” bare shoulders.”

Dana advised guests to opt for navy, olive green and black, while “saving minidresses and more casual dresses in cotton and linen.”

azazieDaniel Sánchez’s creative director is behind the brand’s wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding guest dresses.

Daniel explained that “the only rule is to make sure the dress reaches the floor” and if not, guests can express themselves in full glamor and “experiment with textures, silhouettes and intense colors.”

“Keep the embellishments on your dress tasteful and avoid flashy details,” Daniel advised.

“Formal attire looks best by candlelight.”

“If you make a color statement with your dress, opt for jewel tones in satin or velvet,” Daniel continued, discouraging ivory or pastel prints and dresses, and instead suggesting couture. Details such as draping or bias cuts.