*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more info. Is a friend’s sweet 16 party coming up? If so, here are the best dresses to wear to a sweet 16 party, plus some additional things you might want to consider.

(Pst – if you’re the star of the show, you might find better dress options for yourself from the 40 Gorgeous Affordable Prom Dresses post! Prom dresses are perfectly fine to wear on your sweet 16th – you’re in charge and make the decisions! With this said, we’re sure you’ll love the dresses featured in this post too!)

What Is a Sweet 16 Party, Anyway?

A sweet sixteen is a milestone birthday party in a teenage girl’s life that marks new responsibilities – for American youths, 16 is the age where they get to enjoy more freedom and also be able to handle more mature things. 16 is where many American teenagers get a driver’s license and their first jobs.

It’s most likely a Westernized version of the Quinceañera, which is a Mexican birthday tradition within Latino families and of their young girls turning 15. It’s usually an important birthday involving ball gowns, huge tiered birthday cakes, glamorous venues like hotel ballrooms, and a lot of guests.

How Formal Is Your Event?

TrendingBrutally Honest Chicwish Review After $900 In Orders: Is It Legit?

First, before jumping to the perfect dresses to wear to a sweet 16 party (as a guest or as the birthday girl), you must also consider the type of formality the party has. Every sweet 16 party is different, so check with the organizer first!

1. Black Tie Event

This is the most formal type of special occasion, and the dress code usually calls for long evening gowns/dresses for girls and suits for boys. Black Tie events are typically held in hotels or in extravagant ballrooms. If you have been invited to a black-tie Sweet 16 party, start looking for sleek, glamorous and long dresses or even ball gowns.