10 Of The Chicest Black Wedding Guest Dresses
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1 week ago
The LBD is getting a wedding day makeover
Dinner parties, work functions or, in this case, weddings – is there anything a little black dress can’t do? And with wedding season now in full swing, you’re going to need this wardrobe hero to do its bit to make you the best dressed guest. (After all, black never goes out of style.) These are the most beautiful black wedding guest dresses to shop now.
The Dos & Don’ts Of Black Wedding Guest Dresses
Is It Unlucky To Wear Black To A Wedding?
Now, we all know that wearing white to a wedding when you’re not the bride is a massive no-no – but what about wearing black? While today you can definitely wear a black dress to a wedding, this hasn’t always been the case.
For many years, it was considered a sign of bad luck for the marriage if guests rocked up in black. This was especially the case in the Victorian era, when the colour was reserved for those in mourning. Societal expectations dictated that, if a loved one died, their family members would dress in black for an extended period of time as a show of devotion and respect. (One of the most famous people to follow this tradition was Queen Victoria herself, who wore black for the rest of her life after her husband, Prince Albert, died.) It was also expected that those in mourning would not attend parties or celebrations – and it was considered unlucky for the host if they did make an appearance.
But thankfully this is a tradition that hasn’t stuck. Black became a more functional hue by the 1920s, worn in everyday wardrobes by all ranks of society. (We can also thank Coco Chanel and her little black dress for making the colour chic again.) And while it might still be the colour associated with funeral attire, it’s not the only function associated with black clothing. Now, it’s more synonymous with formal functions, parties and even weddings.
The rules around wedding attire have become more relaxed over the years – with even some brides and bridesmaids opting to wear black dresses – and guests are encouraged to wear what makes them feel most comfortable (while adhering to any dress codes and without upstaging the bride, of course).
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Can You Wear Black To A Summer Wedding?
You can absolutely wear black to a summer wedding – just be careful not to overheat. Black naturally attracts the sun, so when you wear black clothing in warm weather you’re likely to feel the heat more strongly. In this case, think about the logistics of your dress: short sleeves, sleeveless or strapless styles, the length of the skirt and whether it’s made from lightweight materials.
Although make sure to keep in mind the dress code, if there is one. Some religious ceremonies might require you to cover up a bit more, while a black tie event will ask you to dress a little fancier. And while black linen dresses are great for summer, they might not be formal enough for a wedding (instead, opt for black satin or chiffon).
Can You Wear Black To A Winter Wedding?
A black dress is always a win at a winter wedding. Ceremonies that fall during this season tend to opt for darker, sometimes moodier colour palettes – with a few jewel tones sprinkled here and there. This makes black a top choice for guests.
But you’ll still need to be wary of your choice of fabric. Cottons and knits are still a big no-no as they’re far too casual for a wedding. (And if it’s something you can visualise wearing to the office, then it might not be right for a wedding.) Instead, lean into velvet and crepe, as well as embellishments such as beads and sequins.
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Can You Wear A Black Mini Dress (LBD) To A Wedding?
Yes, you can wear a little black dress to a wedding – but make sure to check the style and length is appropriate for the event. While LBDs can fit right in at cocktail parties and wedding receptions, some styles can read as a little sexier and flashier. If it’s looking like your dress belongs in the club, then it’s probably not a good fit for a wedding.
Can You Wear A Black And White Dress To A Wedding?
While it’s pretty much an unwritten rule that you cannot wear white to the wedding (as this typically signals an attempt to upstage the bride), it’s perfectly acceptable to wear it in combination with other colours – including black. Patterns and prints are perfect for weddings; you can’t go wrong with a moody floral or a timeless polka dot look.
When Shouldn’t You Wear Black?
The only time it is not acceptable to wear black is if the couple has expressed they don’t want you to (usually through a specified dress code), although you might want to avoid the colour if you know the couple like to keep things traditional.
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How To Wear A Black Wedding Guest Dress
Black dresses can be a lovely choice when choosing a wedding guest outfit – but since this is an event where you’re likely to find yourself in a photographer’s line of fire, you’ll want to make sure your ensemble doesn’t visually read as flat on camera. Fabrics, textures, prints and silhouettes are key here, as they can lift the dimension of your dress while remaining within the parameters of your chosen colour palette.
