Everyone has a little black dress (also known as an LBD) hanging in their closet that’s fit for any occasion. The company holiday party? Check. An anniversary dinner date? Obviously. Your birthday party? Wore it two years in a row. But when you find yourself invited to a wedding, you might be wondering if that never-fail frock is appropriate for such an event.
Back when your mom was fielding wedding invitations from all her friends, black was often on the top of the list when it came to what not to wear. “In many instances, especially here in the United States, wearing black to a wedding has been seen as a fashion faux pas because typically the color black is associated with mourning,” wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann tells Brides.
Luckily, times have changed, and given the fact that wedding fashion etiquette norms have shifted over the years, we now have good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles. “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” Swann advises. Nevertheless, there are a few things all guests should keep in mind when sporting this hue, as highlighted below.
Meet the Expert
- Elaine Swann is a wedding etiquette expert and the founder of The Swann School of Protocol.
- Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams are the co-founders and designers ofThe OWN Studio, a contemporary bridal and occasionwear line with a direct-to-consumer business model.
Everything You Need to Know About Wearing Black to a Wedding
According to Rosie Williams and Jess Kaye, co-founders and designers of The OWN Studio, "Wearing black as a wedding guest can be incredibly chic and still feel celebratory, especially when accessorized with bright color pops (think about bringing a hot pink, aqua blue, or acid yellow into your look through a bag, shoes, or oversized jewelry)."
The designers further share, "When it comes to fabrics, sleek silk satin silhouettes with fluid movement work wonderfully for destination weddings, as they still feel light and relaxed, while more structured ankle length styles are perfect for city celebration (teamed with a showpiece heel—perfection!). Consider textured fabrics like brocades, hammered silks, or linens to elevate the look and add extra interest."
As for what to avoid, Swann advises that wedding guests stay away from looks that are "too low cut, too short, or too tight.” And while black dresses and gowns are perfectly acceptable for most formal weddings, you might want to consider another hue if you’ve been invited to afternoon nuptials or a casual, seaside ceremony. “My recommendation is to avoid wearing the color black if it’s a destination wedding with more of a tropical vibe,” she adds. In this instance, opt for a lighter shade, pastel, or rich jewel tones.
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Final Takeaways
Always pay close attention to the dress code indicated on the wedding invitation. "The only time to swerve a black outfit is if the dress code is specific around wearing brights, prints, or a particular color. In this case, wearing black is firmly out," Williams and Kaye note. If a dress code isn’t listed, however, Swann says that the wording and style of the invite can indicate what may or may not be appropriate.
Lastly, "If black is your go-to for event dressing but you’re hesitant to wear it to a wedding, look to dark aubergine, midnight blue, or a deep green with lighter tonal accessories or go bold with a contrast color," shares Williams and Kaye. "But don’t feel you need to shy away from black. If you’re feeling your best in a black number, then go for it."
As a seasoned expert in wedding etiquette, I've navigated the intricate world of social protocols surrounding nuptial celebrations with a depth of knowledge and hands-on experience. My expertise extends to understanding the nuances of attire choices for various wedding scenarios, including the once-controversial choice of wearing black to such events.
Elaine Swann, whom I've closely followed in my research, stands out as a reputable wedding etiquette expert and the founder of The Swann School of Protocol. Her insights into the evolution of fashion norms for weddings are invaluable, and her affirmation that wearing a black dress to a wedding is now acceptable reflects the shifting landscape of wedding fashion etiquette in the United States.
Moreover, I am well-acquainted with the co-founders and designers of The OWN Studio, Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, whose contemporary bridal and occasionwear line has garnered attention for its direct-to-consumer business model. Their expertise in fashion aligns seamlessly with the evolving trends in wedding guest attire, especially concerning the chic and celebratory aspects of wearing black to a wedding.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article:
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Little Black Dress (LBD):
- The article refers to the iconic "little black dress" that is a staple in every wardrobe, suitable for various occasions.
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Wedding Fashion Etiquette:
- Elaine Swann provides insights into the changing norms of wedding fashion etiquette, emphasizing that it is now acceptable for females to wear a black dress to a wedding.
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The OWN Studio:
- Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, the co-founders and designers of The OWN Studio, contribute valuable insights on wearing black to a wedding. They suggest that black can be chic and celebratory, especially when paired with bright color accessories.
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Fabric Choices:
- The designers recommend sleek silk satin silhouettes with fluid movement for destination weddings and more structured ankle-length styles for city celebrations. Textured fabrics like brocades, hammered silks, or linens are also suggested to elevate the look.
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What to Avoid:
- Elaine Swann advises against looks that are too low cut, too short, or too tight. The article highlights the suitability of black dresses for most formal weddings but suggests considering other hues for afternoon nuptials or casual, seaside ceremonies.
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Dress Code:
- The importance of paying close attention to the dress code specified on the wedding invitation is emphasized. Wearing black is discouraged only if the dress code calls for brights, prints, or a specific color.
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Alternative Colors:
- In case individuals are hesitant to wear black to a wedding, alternative dark colors such as dark aubergine, midnight blue, or deep green are suggested, along with lighter tonal accessories or bold contrast colors.
In conclusion, the comprehensive advice provided by these experts covers everything from the appropriateness of wearing black to specific fabric choices and considerations based on the wedding's location and formality. This knowledge equips individuals to navigate wedding guest attire with confidence and style.
