long sleeve black maxi dresses Amersham Dress fitted waist sits atop a mermaid Black Off-the-Shoulder Long Sleeve Maxi

And a black tie gown doesn't need to break the bank - affordable brands like Azazie or Bronze Snake offer a wide range of stylish black dresses that are perfect for weddings, galas, and other formal ftes

From heart-stealing bodycon dresses to maxi dresses that do the most our dreamy collection is guaranteed to make you center of attention

Seasonality is often overlooked in formalwear planning, but it's worth factoring in

Expect the jackets to be the most expensive items, including the La Ligne Trench Coat and the Sergio Hudsons purple wool coat and bold houndstooth faux fur jacket

Fellas, consider going with a tux in a less traditional color or fabric such as velvet, and keep in mind that fabric, color, embellishments and accessories if opting for a less traditional black-tie look, says Padilla

I went with denim, because I think it makes the look feel a little more country