If you’re like us, every wedding invitation and special occasion (on the more formal end, that is) provides an excuse to buy a new summer black-tie dress and comfortable heels to match.

We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Of all the wedding dress codes, black tie is the most formal of the bunch. As a rule of thumb, swankier affairs call for elegant ...

And though each dress is different ... “I think Ciara chose black as a bridesmaid color because every woman feels confident in black — you cant go wrong,” Costello says.

Another twist on the traditional bridesmaid’s dress is to wear separates, such as a skirt and top. This can be customized for ...