Your big day is quickly approaching and you’re looking for the perfect complementary bridesmaid dresses to suit your black tie affair. The problem is: you want glam…on a budget. Don’t we all! Luckily, we’ve got an easy solution for you! With Bill Levkoff’s flattering silhouettes and elegant designs, you’re sure to find exactly what you’ve been looking for! So keep reading to learn more about what exactly is considered black tie wedding attire, plus 15 of our favorite black tie bridesmaid dresses from Bill Levkoff...all under $200! [caption id="attachment_33731" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Jessica Renae Photography[/caption]

The rules of black tie bridesmaids attire.

Ah. The age old question. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve encountered an invitation with a dress code and thought to myself, “what the heck does that even mean?” I mean…I once went to an event and the dress code was ‘Snappy Casual’. Really? So what exactly IS appropriate when it comes to black tie bridesmaid dresses? It’s quite simple really and probably not to all that far off from what you were already planning to outfit your ‘maids in. Choose dark colors for understated, flattering fashion. Black tie attire is all about creating a classic, timeless look. That being said, avoid trendy colors when picking out your black tie bridesmaid dresses. Deep hues, such as navy, black, charcoal, or plum, look sophisticated and regal. These options perfectly complement a formal affair, adding to the ambiance rather than detracting. Pick classic cuts that will never go out of style. V-necklines and long, a-line silhouettes are timeless designs that combine to create fabulous, formal gowns. Choose a one-shoulder neckline or cap sleeves for a unique style, without losing support. Luckily, Bill Levkoff dresses were literally made to flatter. From the cut of their waistlines to their use of soft ruching and cummerbunds, these are styles that your girls will feel 100% comfortable and beautiful in. Also, if your ‘maids are are looking to really flatter their mid-section, search for looks with plenty of ruching to highlight what you love and hide what you don’t. Long gowns are forever chic. There’s just something so classic and elegant about a floor length bridesmaid dress. Typically, a long gown is preferred for a black tie event, so no matter the silhouette – a-line, sheath, fit-n-flare, etc. – floor length dresses are the most appropriate. However, a short, chic cocktail dress is totally okay too! Just keep the cleavage to a minimum and just know – when it comes to weddings, there is such a thing as showing too much leg!

15 affordable black tie bridesmaid dresses you’ll love.

A ‘Black Tie Wedding’ may sound spendy, but trust me – it doesn’t have to be! In fact, Bill Levkoff offers elegant, timeless designs that won’t break your bridesmaid’s banks! The best part about the Bill Levkoff collection? Variety! From the various necklines, fabrics, silhouettes, and more – each bridesmaid can choose a style that works best for her, or you can style each ‘maid in the same dress! Whether you’re looking for strapless, lace, sequins, or straps, you’re sure to find a style you’ll love! This classic V-neck style is the epitome of a timeless bridesmaid dress. The flowing chiffon fabric of Bill Levkoff 768 is extremely elegant and the ruched waistband creates an extra flattering figure. Available in 40+ colors, you’re sure to find the perfect hue for your black tie event! Your ‘maids will adore the sophistication of style 1114. This long chiffon gown has a high, sheer neckline that not only looks completely classic, but offers extra support and comfort for a long day of festivities! Bill Levkoff 1114 has a pleated waistband around the tummy area to hide those imperfections that so many of us are looking to cover up! It’s definitely a style your ‘maids will thank you for!   Not to sound cheesy, but Bill Levkoff 1172 is literally what bridesmaid dress dreams are made of! With the lace-top bodice and long chiffon skirt, this gown is the perfect combo of romantic and chic. Not to mention, this gown is available in all of the dreamy deep hues you could possibly want for a black tie affair! Bill Levkoff 1178 isn’t your normal one-shoulder gown. This glamorous sheath style hangs close to the hips and gathers at the waist for that perfect hour-glass shape! Our favorite detail of this gown is the chic cut-out in the one-shoulder neckline. Looking for a style to flatter all of your ‘maids? With its high-cut waistline and cap-sleeve straps, Bill Levkoff 1124 is the perfect option to style all of your girls. The back is covered in a sheer chiffon and has a row of buttons that go down the middle – can it get any more chic than that? If you’re searching for something unique and sparkly, you’ll adore this sheath style made of a sequin net fabric – perfect for metallic weddings! Bill Levkoff 1419 has elegant cap sleeves and a high, bateau neckline that creates the perfect combination for an elegant event! Available in 8 stunning shades, this gown is picture-perfect! There’s just something about a V-neck bridesmaid dress that every girl loves. And rightfully so! Bill Levkoff 1162 is stunning chiffon, A-line gown that’s available in 40+ colors to outfit your big day. The best part about this dress? The high waistline forms a slight V-shape, which makes it extra slimming and is especially fitting for pregnant bridesmaids! Is is just me or do one-shoulder bridesmaid dresses just scream class to you? The Bill Levkoff 1203 gown looks like something straight off of a red carpet, making it perfect for your black tie wedding! The sheer one-shoulder is off-set with a sexy, yet totally sophisticated side-slit that your ‘maids will love! For those modern brides who want something a bit daring, Bill Levkoff 178 is definitely your dress! This sweetheart satin gown brings you red carpet wow-factor with a classic neckline! Sequins are the epitome of glamour and feminism so what better than to style your ‘maids in sparkles for your black tie event? Bill Levkoff 1416 is a sheath gown with a high square neckline finished with super delicate spaghetti straps. It’s comfortable, moveable, and available in 8 gorgeous colors for your big day. I’m a sucker for a high, illusion neckline so Bill Levkoff 1403 definitely hits the mark for me! This chiffon gown is a flattering style to outfit all of your girls and with the support neckline, there’ll be no need to worry about hiking up your dress all night long! Perfect for warm-weather black tie events, Bill Levkoff 7012 is made of a soft, breathable English net that’s literally picture-perfect. The gorgeous V-neckline is perfectly flattering for any figure and the wrapped straps come together to create a halter top. Bill Levkoff 7007 is the perfect option if you’re looking for a gown that’s sleek and sophisticated. The flat chiffon bodice and skirt is unlike most bridesmaid gowns on the market that are covered in ruching, pleating, and cummerbunds. This sleek style features a halter, spaghetti strap neckline and is one of the most inexpensive from the collection! Strapless gowns are becoming a rare find these days as straps have really taken over the bridesmaid market. However, if you’re looking for an elegant strapless bridesmaid dress, this long chiffon gown featuring a ruffled slit is the perfect combination of timeless and trendy. Bill Levkoff 1134 is definitely a style your girls will love to wear! Bill Levkoff 1405 is a strappy bridesmaid dress that combines unconventional details with timeless fashion. The spaghetti strap, criss-cross neckline is perfectly unique, but flows into an elegant A-line skirt. I can guarantee, this is a style your bridesmaids will be excited about!

Accessorizing bridesmaid dresses for a black tie wedding.

When it comes to accessorizing your bridesmaid dresses for a black tie affair, it totally depends on your wedding style and how glam you plan for the event to be! We all know that less is more, but if you’re going full Hollywood-glam, you might want your girls to complement that as well. Consider a chic strand of pearls or a sparkly pendant necklace to really jazz up a simple chiffon gown. Personally, I would stray from doing anything overly trendy, such as a chunky necklace or anything that’s too colorful. For shoes, stick with classic shades such as nude, black, silver, or gold. Besides, those will be the easiest colors for your ‘maids to find! Obviously, shoes are a fun and easy way to incorporate a pop of color, so if you do so, I’d recommend having each girl in the same shoe for a timeless, cohesive look. Hair and makeup should be kept classic and elegant. Up-do’s and large, glamorous curls are always a great choice and are definitely black-tie appropriate. For makeup, stick to minimal color on the eyes, black eyeliner, bold lashes, and either a neutral or classic red lip.

Finding your perfect bridesmaid dress.

Black tie weddings are forever classic and trust me – they aren’t going anywhere! When searching for the perfect bridesmaid dresses for the big day, be sure to choose a style that not only perfectly flatters each and every one of your girls, but complements YOU as well. Tell us – would you outfit your ‘maids in any of these gorgeous Bill Levkoff gowns for you wedding day? Leave a comment below letting us know which styles speak to you or if you’re going with something entirely different for your black tie event!