Discover 21 stunning black tie wedding guest hairstyles that will turn heads and elevate your style. From elegant updos to chic waves, find the perfect look for your next formal event!
When it comes to attending a black tie wedding, your hairstyle is just as important as your outfit. A polished, sophisticated look can truly elevate your entire ensemble and help you feel confident all night long. Whether you prefer classic updos, soft waves, or modern braids, there are endless ways to impress as a wedding guest.
In this blog post, we’ve curated 21 glamorous black tie wedding guest hairstyles that are sure to inspire your next formal look. Keep scrolling to find your new favorite style!
Elegant Low Chignon
For a timelessly chic look, the elegant low chignon is a perfect choice. Positioned gracefully at the nape of the neck, this style exudes sophistication and polish. It beautifully showcases statement earrings or a delicate necklace, while keeping hair impeccably off your face and shoulders all evening. Sleek and refined, it’s the ultimate hairstyle for making a memorable entrance at any formal black-tie affair.
High Sleek Pearl Bun
For a look that exudes timeless sophistication, the high sleek pearl bun is a perfect choice. This elegant updo pairs beautifully with statement earrings and an off-the-shoulder neckline. Achieve a glass-smooth finish with a strong-hold gel, then meticulously wrap your hair into a tight, high bun at your crown. The defining touch? Artfully nestle a few lustrous pearl pins into the style. It’s a polished, red-carpet-ready look that will make you feel utterly luxurious all night long.
Deep Hollywood Waves
For a timeless look that screams old Hollywood glamour, deep, cascading waves are your perfect match. This effortlessly chic style adds instant volume and romance, beautifully framing your face and complementing any elegant neckline. A touch of shine serum will make your locks look luxuriously glossy under the ballroom lights, ensuring you feel like a true star on the dance floor.
Twisted Updo
For a look that’s both elegant and modern, a twisted updo is the perfect choice. This style offers a beautiful, textured finish that feels romantic and refined. Whether you opt for a low, sleek twist or a softer, looser version with delicate face-framing pieces, it keeps your hair securely in place all through the celebrations. It’s the ideal complement to a glamorous gown, ensuring you look polished and feel confident from the ceremony to the final dance.
Voluminous Curly Ponytail
Elevate your look with a voluminous curly ponytail, the perfect blend of elegance and playful charm. This style beautifully showcases your natural texture while keeping hair gracefully off your shoulders. Gently pull back your curls, leaving some soft tendrils to frame your face. Secure it with a sophisticated silk scarf or a delicate jeweled hair accessory. It’s a stunning, red-carpet-worthy choice that promises to turn heads all night long.
Sleek Low Ribbon Ponytail
For a timeless black-tie look, the sleek low ponytail is effortlessly chic. Elevate this classic style by weaving a luxurious satin ribbon through your hair, tying it into a refined bow at the base. This detail adds a soft, romantic touch that perfectly complements formal gowns. It’s polished, sophisticated, and ensures you dance the night away with flawless grace.
Romantic Half Up Twists
For a look that’s both dreamy and refined, romantic half-up twists are a perfect choice. This style beautifully balances loose, flowing locks with elegantly secured sections, adding softness and dimension. It works wonderfully with various hair textures and lengths, offering a touch of whimsy while keeping your hair neatly off your face. Accessorize with delicate pins or fresh flowers to elevate the entire ensemble, creating a timelessly charming vibe for the evening’s festivities.
Retro Side-Swept Waves
Channel old Hollywood glamour with retro side-swept waves. This timeless style, featuring deep, luxurious waves brushed dramatically to one side, exudes effortless sophistication. It perfectly balances polished elegance with a touch of sensual allure, ensuring you look and feel like a silver-screen star. Ideal for complementing statement earrings and an off-the-shoulder neckline, this hairstyle is a guaranteed showstopper at any formal affair.
Textured Low Braided Bun
For a sophisticated yet relaxed look, the textured low braided bun is a perfect choice. This style beautifully balances the formality of a black-tie event with a touch of effortless, bohemian charm. Begin by creating soft waves for volume, then craft a loose braid—a simple three-strand or a fishtail works wonderfully. Wrap it into a low, imperfect bun at your nape, allowing gentle tendrils to frame your face. The effortless texture ensures you look polished while feeling completely at ease to dance the night away.
Loose Barrel Waves Half Up
Effortlessly elegant, the loose barrel waves half-up is a perfect balance of polished and playful. This style keeps hair off your face while showcasing beautiful, voluminous waves cascading down your back. It works with almost any hair length and adds a touch of romantic glamour that complements a formal gown. A few strategically placed pins and a touch of texturizing spray are all you need for this red-carpet-ready look that lasts from the ceremony to the final dance.
Loose Blonde Bun with Velvet Bow
For a look that’s effortlessly chic, try a loose blonde bun paired with a velvet bow. This style strikes the perfect balance between polished and romantic. The soft, textured bun feels modern and relaxed, while the rich velvet bow adds a touch of timeless elegance. It’s an ideal choice for complementing a formal gown without looking overdone. Simply elegant, this hairstyle will ensure you look and feel absolutely stunning all evening long.
Polished High Straight Ponytail
For a sleek and sophisticated look, nothing beats a polished high straight ponytail. It’s the ultimate blend of elegance and modern edge, perfectly complementing a formal gown. Start with silky-smooth, straightened hair, then gather it high at the crown for an instant lift. Secure it tightly, wrapping a small section of hair around the base to conceal the band. The result is a crisp, clean style that exudes confidence and lets your dress and accessories shine. It’s effortlessly chic, guaranteed to last all night from ceremony to dance floor.
High Voluminous Half Up Waves
For a glamorous yet effortless look, high voluminous half-up waves are a perfect choice. This style masterfully balances elegance and relaxation, keeping hair off your face while showcasing beautiful, bouncy curls. It adds instant sophistication and pairs flawlessly with statement earrings. Ideal for dancing the night away, it’s romantic, red-carpet-ready, and guaranteed to turn heads at any formal affair.
Braided High Bun With Face Framing Curls
Elevate your black tie look with this romantic yet refined updo. A sleek, braided high bun creates an elegant foundation, exuding sophistication. The magic lies in the soft, face-framing curls left loose around your temples and jawline. This deliberate detail adds a touch of effortless glamour, softening the style for a beautifully balanced and photogenic finish. It’s the perfect harmony of polished and pretty.
Sleek High Top Knot Bun
For a modern twist on classic elegance, the sleek high top knot is your ultimate go-to. This polished style effortlessly elevates any black-tie ensemble, offering a clean and sophisticated silhouette. It keeps hair impeccably off your face, allowing your statement earrings and gown’s neckline to shine. Perfect for dancing the night away without a single hair out of place, it’s the epitome of chic, confident glamour.
Deep Side-Parted Side Bun
For a look that’s both dramatic and refined, try a deep side-parted side bun. This style creates instant glamour, elegantly sweeping hair away from the face to highlight your features and jewelry. The deep part adds a modern, editorial edge to the classic updo. It’s perfect for showcasing statement earrings and works beautifully with all hair textures. Simply smooth back your tresses, gather them low at the nape, and secure into a chic, polished bun. It’s sophisticated, red-carpet ready, and absolutely unforgettable.
Romantic Side-Swept Curls With Accessory
For a timeless black tie wedding look, romantic side-swept curls are a perfect choice. This elegant style adds a touch of soft, old-Hollywood glamour to any formal gown. Elevate the look by incorporating a delicate accessory—think a sparkling hairpin, a dainty pearl clip, or a jeweled comb nestled into the cascading curls. It’s a beautifully polished yet effortlessly romantic hairstyle that ensures you’ll feel absolutely stunning from ceremony to last dance.
Sleek High Ponytail
For a modern twist on classic elegance, the sleek high ponytail is a perfect choice. It’s effortlessly chic, keeps hair off your face for dancing, and pairs beautifully with statement earrings. Achieve a polished look by smoothing hair with a serum, securing it tightly at the crown, and wrapping a small section of hair to conceal the band. This sophisticated style ensures you look refined and feel confident all night long.
Voluminous Side Fishtail Braid
For a romantic yet modern vibe, the voluminous side fishtail braid is a showstopper. This style beautifully balances intricate detail with soft, loose texture. Begin by creating gentle waves throughout your hair for maximum body. Then, sweep it all to one shoulder and craft a relaxed fishtail braid, gently pulling it apart for that coveted, full-bodied look. It’s elegant, effortlessly chic, and perfectly complements a dramatic neckline or statement earrings.
Sleek Straight Middle Part Lob
For a timeless look that exudes modern elegance, the sleek straight lob with a middle part is a flawless choice. This polished, shoulder-grazing style offers a sharp, sophisticated silhouette that perfectly complements a formal black-tie gown. The deep center parting and glass-like, straight texture create a clean, intentional look that is both chic and incredibly red-carpet ready. It’s the ideal balance of effortlessness and high-impact glamour.
Defined Waves With Middle Part
For a timeless look that commands attention, defined waves paired with a sharp middle part are your ultimate red-carpet secret. This sophisticated style offers the perfect balance of old Hollywood glamour and modern polish. The deep part frames your face elegantly, while the soft, structured waves add volume and movement. It’s a chic, intentionally crafted look that ensures you’ll feel impeccably dressed from ceremony to final dance.