Black and White Gowns: Graphic Evening Wear That Stands Out at Black Tie

A black and white gown is the most graphic thing you can wear to a formal event. It echoes the dinner jacket, it photographs sharply, and in a room full of black it is the dress people remember. Here are the black and white gowns we would choose now.

Avaro Figlio Midnight Bow Black and White Mikado Gown

The Midnight Bow Gown is the showpiece of the Avaro Figlio Fall Winter 2026 collection. A black cady bodice sits over a white cady column, and an oversized black Mikado bow wraps the hip and falls to the floor behind. It is couture in the old sense, made to order in Milan. $3,880.

Avaro Figlio Eclipse Black and White Cady V-Neck Gown with Train

A sharper line: black cady shoulders and a deep V, a white cady front panel, and a black train. The Eclipse Gown is the more wedding-friendly of the two because black dominates. $3,040.

Avaro Figlio Black Sequin Kimono Dress

A black sequinned bodice with kimono sleeves over a white cady skirt. The Black Sequin Kimono Dress is the most festive of the three, and a midi length makes it right for cocktail. $2,180.

From other houses

Rasario works often in black and white; see the Satin and Velvet Draped Maxi Dress and the Off-the-Shoulder Corset Lace Gown in Beige and Black. Alessandra Rich does a Polka-Dot Silk Midi Dress for daytime.

How to wear black and white

Keep everything else monochrome: black satin heels, a silver clutch, pearl and diamond earrings. Let one accent of colour in, a red lip in winter, and leave the rest of the look to the gown.

Black and white at a wedding

A black and white gown is fine at most weddings when black leads. If the bride has asked guests to avoid white entirely, choose black. Our guide to black tie wedding guest dresses covers the rules.

For more evening options read our guide to gala dresses and shop all evening gowns.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a black and white gown to a wedding?

Yes, as long as black is the dominant colour and the white does not read as bridal. A gown with a white bodice and a black skirt is riskier than one with a black body and a white panel.

Is black and white appropriate for black tie?

Yes. Black and white is a classic black tie combination that echoes the dinner jacket and dress shirt worn by men.

What accessories go with a black and white gown?

Keep to black, silver and pearl. A single coloured accent, such as a red lip, works on a graphic gown.