In both cases, women are instructed to wear a floor-length gown, but it’s generally more acceptable to wear dresses that show the ankles at a black-tie optional wedding (unlike black-tie nuptials).

For Women: Floor-length or midi-length evening gowns, sophisticated cocktail dresses, or chic dressy jumpsuits. Fabrics such as silk, chiffon, satin, and velvet add an elegant touch.

“Appropriate formal wedding attire for women often includes floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy separates and a small purse,” says Amanda Jane Valentine of AJ Valentine Consulting.

This guide decodes every dress code from black tie to beach casual so you can dress for any wedding with confidence and style.

If the invitation states the wedding is a white tie affair, women will be expected to wear full-length gowns and heels. Fine jewelry and elegant evening bags like a clutch can accessorize this look.

For cocktail attire, embrace slip dresses or stand out in a jumpsuit. Bring some drama for evening black-tie, which calls for formal gowns and mid- to floor-length numbers. There is no denying we ...

From sweet summer dresses for a casual affair to drop-dead-gorgeous ball gowns for black-tie receptions, we found the best wedding guest outfits for every dress code with help from stylists.

Shopping for a special occasion or wedding this spring is about more than just a standout wedding dress for the bride – it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style as a guest ...

For women attending a wedding with a Black-Tie dress code, it's customary to choose elegant evening gowns or sophisticated cocktail dresses.

Read all the details below for the dos and don’ts of cocktail attire, and get more seasonal inspo for spring, winter, and fall weddings, too. What does cocktail attire mean on an invitation?