Designer Evening Gowns

Black tie dresses and gowns

Black tie calls for a floor-length gown in a formal fabric, and black tie optional allows a dressy midi as well. Read what each dress code means in our guides to black tie dresses, black tie gowns and black tie optional dresses.

Gowns for galas, weddings and red carpets

For a gala, choose drama: beading, sequins and sculpted bodices from the houses in our gala dinner guide. For an evening wedding, pick a jewel tone and browse wedding guest dresses and black tie wedding guest dresses. Mothers of the couple can start with mother of the bride dresses.

Shop evening gowns by silhouette

• Column and sheath: close to the body in crepe and satin, the cleanest line for black tie.
• Ball gowns: a fitted bodice and a full skirt in tulle and taffeta; see our ball gown guide.
• Mermaid: fitted to the knee, then flared; see mermaid evening gowns.
• Long sleeves and capes: covered, elegant and warm for winter; see modest evening gowns and cape gowns.
• Corset and off the shoulder: structured bodices and bare shoulders; see corset gowns and off-the-shoulder evening gowns.

Shop evening gowns by colour and finish

Black is the largest colour in the edit; start with black evening gowns, then red, gold, white, emerald green, burgundy and navy gowns. For sparkle, see sequin evening gowns and beaded gowns; for winter, velvet evening gowns.

Evening gowns: FAQs

What is the difference between an evening gown and a cocktail dress?

An evening gown is floor length and is worn to black tie events, galas and formal evening weddings. A cocktail dress is knee to midi length and suits semi-formal parties and early evening events.

What should a woman wear to a black tie event?

A floor-length evening gown in a formal fabric such as silk, satin, crepe and velvet. Keep accessories polished: a small clutch, fine jewellery and a heel. Our black tie dress code guide covers the rules.

What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional?

Black tie means a floor-length gown for women. Black tie optional gives you more room: a gown is still the safest choice, but an elegant midi, a dressy jumpsuit and a polished cocktail dress also work.

What should I wear to a gala?

Most galas are black tie, so choose a floor-length gown with some drama: beading, sequins, a sculpted bodice and a strong colour all suit a gala. See our gala dresses guide for ideas.

What is the difference between a ball gown and an evening gown?

A ball gown has a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt, and is the most formal choice. An evening gown is any floor-length formal dress, including slimmer column, sheath and mermaid shapes.

What colour gown should I wear to a wedding?

Any colour except white and ivory, unless the couple asks for it. Jewel tones, deep blues and black are safe choices for an evening wedding.

Which designers make the best evening gowns?

Coveti’s evening gown edit includes Safiyaa, Marmar Halim, Simkhai, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packham and Rebecca Vallance. Our guide to the best designer evening gowns compares them.

How should an evening gown fit?

An evening gown should sit smoothly at the bust and waist without pulling, and the hem should just skim the floor in the shoes you will wear. Choose your shoes before any alterations so the length is right.