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What should I wear to a black tie celebrity wedding?

214 replies

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 20:40

A friend is getting married in NYC later this year. The dress code is black tie. The venue has not been disclosed and will not be disclosed until the day of the event to avoid media attention as they are within the celebrity sphere (I know them through family and am very much not from this world)
Any advice on something suitably glamorous given there may be a few A listers present and I don’t want to look out of place? I’m 5’7, size 8-10. Budget not really an issue

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damemaggiescurledupperlip · 12/05/2026 21:06

Hope it’s Taylor Swift

Undertheeaves · 12/05/2026 21:11

Yeah I think we need to know more about what you like to wear. Long, short, sleeveless, backless? Pastels, jewels, monochrome? Do you want to stand out or blend in, do you want to look effortless or dressed up to the nines? Heels or flats?

NYC is very cold in winter and very hot in summer, what is the season going to be?

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:11

These are all really lovely although I think It’s possible the wedding will be in the late afternoon or evening (I’m
hoping we find this out sooner than the day itself). Do you think they’d be suitable for an evening event?

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Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:12

damemaggiescurledupperlip · 12/05/2026 21:06

Hope it’s Taylor Swift

Sadly not!

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Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:12

Undertheeaves · 12/05/2026 21:11

Yeah I think we need to know more about what you like to wear. Long, short, sleeveless, backless? Pastels, jewels, monochrome? Do you want to stand out or blend in, do you want to look effortless or dressed up to the nines? Heels or flats?

NYC is very cold in winter and very hot in summer, what is the season going to be?

Sorry, mid October. Downtown Manhattan somewhere

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chargingdock · 12/05/2026 21:13

@Fushcia maybe you need something darker?

Moda has lots of options and some are not too expensive.

Undertheeaves · 12/05/2026 21:14

Ok so cool/crisp and maybe some autumnal vibes. Lovely!

The links so far as nice but all very summery. I definitely couldn't wear yellow/pale green and feel comfortable but it does depend on your colouring and style.

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:14

Given its black tie I think it needs to be long. Generally I prefer unfussy clothing, no frills or significant patterns, in jewel colours or deep blue/black (black may not be right for a wedding though). Happy to stand out for being stylish but not for showing huge volumes of cleavage or leg

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chargingdock · 12/05/2026 21:18

Black would be fine for a black tie wedding in America I would think.

LawrenceOfDryLabia · 12/05/2026 21:20

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 20:40

A friend is getting married in NYC later this year. The dress code is black tie. The venue has not been disclosed and will not be disclosed until the day of the event to avoid media attention as they are within the celebrity sphere (I know them through family and am very much not from this world)
Any advice on something suitably glamorous given there may be a few A listers present and I don’t want to look out of place? I’m 5’7, size 8-10. Budget not really an issue

Try www.roisinlinnane.com beautiful dresses

canklesmctacotits · 12/05/2026 21:23

I was at a downtown wedding two weekends ago (rooftop space in tribeca)! If I had your figure/size/height I’d have worn the gorgeous halter neck dress from Aritzia that I’ve seen in the shops and saw on a woman there (do you have Aritzia in the UK? They ship internationally but I’m sure this style would be easily found at selfridges or equivalent). It comes in a few colors but hers was a gorgeous midnight blue with a black and blue feathered short jacket on top. Don’t know what shoes she wore but probably nothing that stood out as I didn’t notice them. It’s a really simple dress that’s all about the woman wearing it. If it’s A-list celebs you won’t be able to compete with couture but you’d certainly look dressed for the location and weather in this! I’m crap with links but Google Aritzia + halter + dress + blue.

TipsyLaird · 12/05/2026 21:25

I love this one.

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/teal-backless-halter-gown/

chargingdock · 12/05/2026 21:26

One of the dresses I love that I linked earlier in a darker colour

kallmeyer.nyc/collections/dresses/products/dkrt262007-matilda-cape-gown-matte-jersey-iris

tarheelbaby · 12/05/2026 21:27

Well... it all depends.
In general, no matter the time of day, Americans like for men to wear black tie (tuxedo) to a wedding: easy enough for men to do but a minefield for women.

Personally, I'd aim for more restrained: the bride should be the focus.
The cape dresses are good b/c they have covered shoulders for if you're in a church and, ideally, the cape is removable for afterwards.

If the colours on that website don't work for you, search for caped dresses elsewhere. Obvs, avoid white or black, unless instructed otherwise by the bride, so your only issue now is what suits you and what will be seasonal - in the autumn, you won't want a spring green dress.

Simple, long dresses are always appropriate for a late afternoon/evening wedding b/c they cross over so well into the evening. Plus, you don't really want to go for a blingy, cocktail frock b/c the focus should be on the bride. (e.g. the Marchesa gown is BEAUTIFUL but ... I wouldn't wear that to a wedding b/c it's too beautiful). As is often the case, the fun part is the accessories: killer shoes, great clutch, jewellery

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:36

TipsyLaird · 12/05/2026 21:25

This is a gorgeous colour. Definitely a maybe although I worry I’d be cold

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tarheelbaby · 12/05/2026 21:40

As an American, I can confirm that black is NOT really fine for a wedding.

The teal coloured halter-top gown mentioned above is great and I'd want a wrap/cardigan on hand in case the ceremony is in a church and also to ward off drafts. October in NY can be chilly.

The beautiful Marchesa dress linked above is not really suitable. It is a beautiful dress and perfect for an evening party but NOT a wedding dress mainly b/c it's too blingy (imagine it with a different background colour) but also b/c it's black.

Sidebeforeself · 12/05/2026 21:45

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:36

This is a gorgeous colour. Definitely a maybe although I worry I’d be cold

But that is very booby! Things you might want to think about:
How are you getting there? NY can be rainy at that time of year
Is there a cocktail hour before the wedding? That’s very common in US.If so, find out whether you are expected to change ( ridiculous I know but as its a high end event that might be the case)

DaisyDooley · 12/05/2026 21:47

I’m going to say Harry & Zoe would love this dress 😉https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/victoria-beckham-isabella-satin-gown_R04619114/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#colour=Cinnabar%20Red

LOVE the colour and it’s covered enough for church.
Also it’s not ‘a summer dress so I’m freezing cold’ .

Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:49

Sidebeforeself · 12/05/2026 21:45

But that is very booby! Things you might want to think about:
How are you getting there? NY can be rainy at that time of year
Is there a cocktail hour before the wedding? That’s very common in US.If so, find out whether you are expected to change ( ridiculous I know but as its a high end event that might be the case)

I don’t know for sure but assume not as there is a separate cocktail reception the day before (I also need a dress for that!).

Is this dress too full on? www.modaoperandi.com/women/p/marmar-halim/m2704-2/710351

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Fushcia · 12/05/2026 21:49

DaisyDooley · 12/05/2026 21:47

I’m going to say Harry & Zoe would love this dress 😉https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/victoria-beckham-isabella-satin-gown_R04619114/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#colour=Cinnabar%20Red

LOVE the colour and it’s covered enough for church.
Also it’s not ‘a summer dress so I’m freezing cold’ .

This is lovely! And I could actually try it on first since it’s a UK brand

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