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 Simple Styling Trick That Turns Pencil Skirts From Corporate to Chic in 5 Seconds or Less
It's completely free and ready to copy.
-
The Curvy Girl's Guide to Finding Pants That Fit Flawlessly
Waist gap, begone.
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This Spring
Here's your outfit inspiration.
-
Suddenly, Women With The Row Style Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
You should too.
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.