long black dress halter neck The Bowknot Cutout Maxi Hand Wash Cold Embellished Halter Neck Black Gown

Bonus: We're also sharing some of our favorite outfit examples for both men and women that you can buy for your upcoming black-tie-optional event

Plus, with sleeves having a real moment lately (from balloon sleeves to embellished sleeves), these dresses are anything but boring

Here we take a look back at some of the most memorable black gowns in fashion history: Pretty (elegant) woman Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her part in Erin Brockovich in 2001, wearing a black velvet vintage Valentino dress, it came from their Haute Couture autumn-winter 1992/93 collection

Be it decorations, gift giving or what to wear