17 Black-Tie Looks You Can Wear for Decades to Come

Though some of the most memorable black-tie looks worn by celebrities are clear cases of “peacocking,” in other words, wearing something outlandish just for the attention, there are others whose timelessness we predict will still be relevant (and chic) for years to come. Whether you need some inspiration for your next black-tie event or simply wish to admire these totally classic looks, you’ve come to the right place. Click through to see which black-tie looks we think will stand the test of time.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHO: Zoë Kravitz

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(Image credit: Diane Cohen/Backgrid)

WHO: Hari Nef

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(Image credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images)

WHO: Margot Robbie

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(Image credit: Gisela Schober/Getty Images)

WHO: Julia Roberts

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(Image credit: Diane Cohen/Backgrid)

WHO: Sarah Jessica Parker

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(Image credit: Getty Images/JB Lacroix)

WHO: Gwyneth Paltrow

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Frazer Harrison)

WHO: Maggie Gyllenhaal 

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(Image credit: Spread Pictures/Backgrid)

WHO: Bella Hadid

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHO: Angelina Jolie

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

WHO: Kendall Jenner

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(Image credit: Getty Images/John Phillips)

WHO: Meryl Streep

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(Image credit: Getty Images/JB Lacroix)

WHO: Erin Foster

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(Image credit: Getty Images/SGranitz)

WHO: Diane Keaton 

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Jon Kopaloff)

WHO: Octavia Spencer

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(Image credit: Getty Images/JB Lacroix)

WHO: Zoe Saldana

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(Image credit: Getty Images/Angela Weiss)

WHO: Olivia Wilde

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHO: Alicia Vikander

Next up, your guide to black-tie formal wear (and exactly what to wear).

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.