20 Black Tie Dresses With Beautiful Necklines, Bows and Sparkle

Looking for black tie dresses with a little something extra? Think a sweeping black gown, pale blue pleats or a big bow down the back.

These looks include plenty of simple shapes, plus a few dressier details if you want to go all out.

You don’t have to pile on the accessories. Start with a neckline you love, then decide whether you want sparkling earrings, a little clutch or a bright red wrap.

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Black Tie Dress Ideas Worth Saving

draped neckline and gold earrings

We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous strapless black gown. I love the little dip in the neckline and the gathers across the waist.

The long skirt pools just slightly at the floor.

Pair yours with chunky gold-tone earrings like these if you want to keep the accessories simple.

square neckline and wide straps

If you are looking for something simple but still dressy, this one is for you. Wide straps frame a square neckline, with little folds across the bodice and a long black skirt.

The high bun and rounded gold-tone earrings are such a pretty pairing. I’d leave the neckline bare too.

strapless navy flare

Don’t want to wear black but still love a dark dress? This deep navy gown is a lovely option.

The fitted strapless top opens into a flared skirt near the bottom.

Try long sparkling earrings like the ones here to finish your look.

one-shoulder gold shimmer

I am obsessed with this pale gold gown. The diagonal folds across the waist and all those fine shimmering lines are so pretty together.

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There’s plenty of sparkle in the accessories too, from the dangling earrings to the wide bracelet. Choose a small silver-tone clutch if you want to follow this combination.

black gown and red wrap

How gorgeous is that red wrap? The black strapless dress is simple underneath, but the glossy red layer falls all the way to the ground.

This is one of my favorite ways to add color to black tie dresses. Try a red lip as well if you want to carry that color through.

asymmetric draping

This neckline may just be one of my favorites here. One side sits over the shoulder while the other drapes around the upper arm.

I love the gathered waist with the long, slightly flared skirt.

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sheer sleeves and sparkling earrings

Want long sleeves without a completely covered-up look? This black gown has sheer sleeves and a sheer upper panel above the solid bodice.

The large sparkling earrings are such a pretty detail. Pull your hair into a bun if you want to show yours off the same way.

deep v back

I love this low V-shaped back with the little cap sleeves. The skirt widens toward the hem and trails behind, while a small black top-handle bag keeps the accessories understated.

An updo is worth trying with this one so you don’t cover that beautiful back.

sparkling collar and hip band

If you are looking for a little sparkle without an all-over shimmering dress, then this one is for you. A wide silver-colored collar and matching band at the hips dress up the black halter shape.

I’d skip a necklace here. That collar already has plenty going on!

oversized folded shoulders

How pretty are these big folded sleeves? They sit around the shoulders and meet at a dipped neckline, with a fitted black skirt that flares at the bottom.

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The slim bracelet is a lovely little addition. You don’t need much else with a neckline like this.

feathery shoulder detail

This is another one-shoulder idea, but it’s a little different from the gold gown above. I love the feathery black trim around the shoulder.

The silver-colored bag and large sparkling earrings look gorgeous with the plain black dress. Keep those if you want a little shine without adding a necklace.

short cape and gold accents

Don’t want a low neckline or bare shoulders? No problem!

This black look has a high neckline and a short cape-style layer over the upper arms.

I especially love the square black-and-gold earrings. Try a sculptural gold-tone bracelet to follow the accessories here.

pale blue pleats

I am obsessed with this pale blue dress. The pleats gather into fan-like shapes across the front, with long folded sections cascading down the skirt.

The thin straps keep the top simple. I’d stick with small earrings like these and let those gorgeous pleats be the main detail.

gold starburst pattern

The sparkle fans are going to love this! Gold-colored lines spread across the dark gown in big starburst shapes, right down to the hem.

The off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves are so pretty together. Add a small gold-tone clutch if you want to keep the same color pairing.

open back and long bow

How cute is this oversized bow? It sits behind the neck with long tails hanging down over the open back.

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The rest of the black dress stays simple, which is exactly how I’d keep it. Try sweeping your hair to one side or putting it up so the bow stays visible.

dropped waist and full skirt

This strapless gown is another favorite. Mostly because the fitted top extends down over the hips before the gathered skirt falls into those big folds.

Read also: 20 Old Hollywood Glamour Black Dress Ideas With Gorgeous Details

The short bright necklace looks lovely against the bare neckline. A slim bracelet is all I’d add to follow this look.

sheer cape and high collar

I love this sheer black cape over the shaped bodice. The high wrapped neckline and pointed edges make it a little different from the short cape above.

Those pale drop earrings are such a pretty finishing touch. Keep your hair back if you want to show the collar clearly.

ivory shine and slim straps

If you want a lighter color, this glossy ivory dress is a beautiful idea. It has a deep V neckline, fine sparkling straps and a skirt that widens below the hips.

Save this shade for a gala or another event where ivory is welcome. For a wedding guest look, choose another color unless the couple specifically requests it.

folded neckline and front slit

This is a lovely way to wear an uneven neckline. One wide strap sits on the shoulder while the other side folds around the upper arm.

I love the pale clutch with the black gown. The front slit also shows off the beige ankle-strap heels, so try a similar pair if you like this combination.

navy gown with a sweeping hem

Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous navy gown. The strapless top stays fitted through the hips before opening into a wide, sweeping skirt.

I love the little gold-tone earrings with the blue. Keep the jewelry just as simple if you want to recreate this look.