Shopping for a black tie event is possibly the Marmite of dressing up, you love it or hate it. Perhaps you RSVP yes with a flurry of excitement at the novelty of black tie dressing, only to find yourself in ribbons over what to wear. While buying a black tie gown is expensive, there’s a plethora of options coming to the fore, with mid-range brands like Rixo launching red carpet ranges, with floor-skimming dresses that run up to a size 20 and prices in the region of €500. The high street is kicking in with contemporary updates on traditional formalwear, too: see brands like Mango, Massimo Dutti and Warehouse. Elsewhere, renting is a strong – and far more conscious – option. Rental destinations like Designer Room offer a good selection of evening dresses that fit the bill, stocking designers like Roksanda, Solace London and Badgley Mischka. Scroll for an edit of high drama, high glamour dresses that will have you red carpet ready. 

Main image: The new red carpet inspired range of gowns by Rixo, which runs up to a size 20. 

Carmen plum maxi-dress, €559.59; www.solacelondon.com.

Long sleeved velvet bow gown, Saint Laurent, €4,890, at Brown Thomas. 

Halter dress with velvet details, €169, at Massimo Dutti. 

Camille hearts bow dress, €2,800; www.saloniworld.com. 

Satin slip dress, €22.99, at H&M.

Doutzen one-shouldered gown, €595; www.rixo.co.uk.

Red striped velvet maxi-dress, €128.80; www.warehousefashion.com.

Mrs Ross sequinned crêpe kaftan, Taller Marmo, €2,000; www.net-a-porter.com.