midi black cocktail dress with sleeves Ruffle Stretch Crepe Formal in shapewear and construction that smooths Sequin Corset Midi Glitter Cocktail

How we chose the best black-tie apparel The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best formal dresses and accessories by enlisting the recommendations of wedding experts from The Knot and Zola

I slipped the graphic tee over my dress and cinched it with a Bra Clip for a fitted look

Shop now to find your ideal dress and stand out in style

For workdays that blend into after-hours events, look for dresses with subtle tailoring and versatile prints that can be easily dressed up or down

Click any image below to learn more about the engagement where Kate wore black

Lydia Deetz Beetlejuice is one of my absolute favorite movies (who can forget those possessed dancing scenes and that unhinged artistic decor?), and Lydia Deetz is everyone's favorite angsty teen