Yahoo Lifestyle Yes you CAN wear black to a wedding, as long as you follow these style rules
If, like me, black clothing makes up at least 90% of your wardrobe, the thought of finding a wedding guest dress for basically any season that isn't winter may fill you with dread. Though, even in winter and depending on who you ask, the thought of wearing a black dress to a friend's nuptials may raise a few eyebrows. Yes, it's the age-old debate: Can you wear black to a wedding?
We're here to officially tell you, once and for all, yes, you *can* wear black to a wedding – as long as you abide by certain style rules. Sorry ppl, there's always a catch. So before you go wearing any old black dress, it's important to think about the big fat ‘but’ that follows our ‘yes.’ Things like the wedding venue, the time of year and the type of wedding should all influence your sartorial decisions anyway, but this is even more important when you're opting for a black dress.
To avoid any fashion faux pas moments, we've got you covered with top tips on how to nail wearing a black wedding guest dress (and what not to wear to a wedding, too).
Can you wear black to a summer wedding?
Yep, black dresses are totally acceptable for summer weddings. It should (hopefully) be warm weather, so it's good to keep in mind that black attracts the sun. If you're expecting to be outside for a large portion of the day or you're attending an abroad wedding, you may feel the heat in your black dress. Make sure you're dressing for the season with short-sleeve, sleeveless or strapless styles – depending on the dress code and venue, of course. Religious ceremonies may require you to cover up a little more.
As well as the neckline, think about the fabric of your black wedding guest dress. While black linen dresses are everywhere come summertime, they're not necessarily suitable wedding attire. You'll want something a little more formal for a traditional wedding, like a black satin slip dress, and a black-tie dress code will warrant something even fancier.
Astoria Dress
Aurelia Dress in Black
Can you wear black to a winter wedding?
Black dresses are well-suited to winter weddings as most guests will likely dress in more muted tones associated with the colder seasons. Think navy, green and jewel tones, along with black. To ensure your black dress matches the occasion, it again comes down to your fabric choice. Save the knit jumper dress for the office. You can't go wrong with a black velvet dress or feather trim detailing.
Plunge Front Velvet Flutter Sleeve Midaxi Dress
Vivien Black Feather Midi Dress
Can you wear a little black dress to a wedding?
As with all wedding guest dresses, you don't want to upstage the bride with your look. LBDs are often associated with date night attire and can easily fall into ‘sexy’ territory, so it's definitely worth thinking about your hemline and the silhouette. The general rule of thumb? If you'd wear your LBD on a night out to the club, it's probably not wedding-appropriate.
That's not to say mini dresses are totally off limits. We'd just recommend avoiding silhouettes that are too figure-hugging. Look for A-line skirts or interesting necklines, all design details that add an element of formality to a dress.
DREAM Oyster Jacquard Mini Dress
Babette Dress
Can you wear a black and white dress to a wedding?
A black and white dress – or a black and any other colour dress – is also totally acceptable for a wedding guest outfit. Patterns and prints are a great way to stay in your neutral comfort zone while feeling dressed up for a special occasion. We love a black and white polka dot moment or black-backed floral print for a black wedding guest dress.
Ruffle Polka Dot Midi Dress
Bandeau Mono Side Split Maxi Dress
Is wearing black to a wedding bad luck?
For modern Western weddings, absolutely not! In Victorian England, black was reserved for wearing during times of mourning when you wouldn't leave the house, so to be at an event dressed in the colour was not socially acceptable at all. Luckily, times have moved on since then and wearing black to a wedding is now a big yes.
How to wear black to a wedding:
Style with colourful accessories
To avoid looking like you're actually attending a funeral, not a wedding, don't wear black head-to-toe. Instead, use your accessories to add pops of colour to your look. Even metallics will lend your look a party feel. At the very least, opt for a red lip! You could also add texture to your look for more interest by carrying a bag in a different fabric to your dress.
Wear a black jumpsuit or suit instead
Who said you *have to* wear a dress? A black jumpsuit or black suit are both great options to wear to a wedding too, though it's even more important to style with colourful accessories when wearing such a big block of one colour. A white or cream camisole layered under your blazer is another good way to break up the colour, and statement earrings will stop it looking too ‘business.’
Long Jumpsuit with Draped Neckline
Black Short Sleeve Corsage Jumpsuit
Always look to the dress code
The best place to find clues as to whether it's okay to wear black to a wedding is in the dress code. Most couples will include information on their invite or wedding website on what to wear. If it's a casual affair, then a simple black dress will likely be well suited, while a black-tie wedding is the perfect time to wear formal cocktail attire.
Black Puff Sleeve Zora Midi Dress
Premium Scuba Maxi Dress with Exaggerated Sharp Neckline
If in doubt, ask the bride!
If you're still unsure, just ask the bride. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.
When to avoid wearing black to a wedding:
If the bridesmaids are wearing black, pick another colour
You don't want to look like an addition to the wedding party by showing up in a black dress that blends in with the bridesmaids' dresses. The invitation will usually give a hint at the wedding theme and colours, but you can always ask the bride if there are any colours to avoid when selecting your wedding guest dress.
If it disrespects the couple's culture
While it's fine to wear black to a modern Western wedding, it could be disrespectful to wear the colour to some cultural or religious weddings. For example, at traditional Indian and Chinese weddings, black is still closely associated with mourning.
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