A Definitive Ranking of Black-Tie Dresses I Want
When an invite comes in the mail and the fine print reads black tie, it always gives me pause. Truth be told, I often find dressing up a bit, well, boring. I can't say that I own many fancy dresses, so I wear one of the three simple, sweeping maxi dresses gathering dust in the back of my closet. Don't get me wrong, dressing up is fun, but sometimes the formality of a buttoned-up dress code up can keep me away from styles that fit my full-on personality. But with a goal set to embrace unique black-tie dresses (and prove that yes, they do exist), I decided to do a little online sleuthing (and by that I mean shopping).
After getting down to business, I rounded up my favorite unique black-tie dresses and decided to rank them all in order of, well, "uniqueness." From simple with a small twist to a major statement dress, I found a style that fits the bill. That way, no matter how bold you're willing to go (aka will grandparents be attending?), you'll have an option available.

-
The Ashley Olsen Way to Make Simple Black Coats Look Chic, Not BoringIt's so easy, yet so impactful.
-
Looking Stylish This Fall Means Wearing Your Pretty Dresses With This Unexpected ItemHere's how to master the look.
-
Anyone Can Wear a Cardigan, But Only Fashion People Wear Them Like *This*Take note.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This FallTake notes.
-
This Dated Denim Pairing Is Suddenly the Chicest Way to Wear Jeans for Fall 2025Easy and stylish.
-
Everything Who What Wear Editors Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFWLet's dive in, shall we?
-
Paris Hilton's World: Her Pink Motorola Razr, Favorite Y2K Looks, and What 11:11 Media Means to HerA glimpse into the life of this savvy entrepreneur.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.

