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).

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

“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.

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.

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.

Semi-formal attire for women can be confusing because the possibilities are nearly limitless. Luckily, this is also what makes dressing for a semi-formal event fun. We employed the help of a ...