If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that shopping for a black-tie dress is quite an exciting prospect. The introduction of this dress code to any event spells the message out loud and clear: Make an effort. And any girl who likes getting dressed up can really go to town when that kind of invite arrives with a gleeful thud on the doormat.
While the requirements of the black-tie dress code do mean that your choice needs to have a modicum of respectability (this is not the chance to go crazy with cutouts or aim for a really short hemline), here is your big excuse to bust out the bold colour, fire up the ruffles, do a smash and grab on the sequins, unleash your inner lamé addict, brave something backless, go va-va-voom in velvet and, well, I think you get it. This year, more than any other, the concept of outgoing eveningwear has been wholeheartedly supported by designers, buyers and high-street stores.
This is no lame attempt to look fancy. The best black-tie dresses of 2017 have "I'VE ENTERED THE ROOM" writ large. So keep on reading to shop from my current 17 favourites—make sure you've got a showstopper for that next major event in the calendar.
Just look at the sleeves on that.
Stop being so dreamy, Gucci.
Also quite a hand number for wedding season.
In case you didn't get the HUGE memo: Velvet is happening.
Can't stop staring…
Also very cool over jeans.
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So much going on here.
We don't even need to sell this one—it sells itself.
Ruching = the most flattering thing ever invented.
How chic is this, please?
Where do we sign?
The hottest new eveningwear name to know now.
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Don't like sparkles? Don't worry.
You'll have so much fun dancing in this one.
A truly unique choice you'll adore forever.
Why not wear yours after the party with over-the-knee boots?Next up: the secrets of French fashion.
