Can you wear a black dress to a wedding? Yes, is the answer, and here’s why.
When was the last time you attended a wedding? A pretty good question that takes your mind back. If you have been lucky enough to attend one or are hoping to attend one, choosing the appropriate outfit can usually be a challenging endeavor, sometimes even turning into a stressful affair. Between getting a flattering and comfy setup, to ensuring you stick to the right fashion etiquette, there’s so many details to consider when shopping for the ideal outfit.
Surprisingly, this is why black dresses are almost usually the go-to outfit for most individuals when dressing to attend an upcoming nuptial—though, numerous individuals question whether it is an appropriate hue for the occasion.
Elaine Swann, an expert in the wedding and occasion etiquette outlines that many years back, black was a fashion color associated with funerals hence was a NO for weddings since it was linked to mourning. Considering that weddings are fun, celebratory events, wearing a black/dark color was an off-limits thing and was unacceptable in the societal provisions.
Nonetheless, the situation has changed and the modern fashion age now accepts wearing of black and in some occasions even encourages it.
Black color is now usually deemed as the most polished, flattering, and formal color available. What’s more, many experts agree that black also conceals curves among other things you may not be comfortable revealing like surgery marks or a cast.
Dark tones are not only chic, but are versatile and sophisticated rendering it a dependable outfit color across multiple venues, seasons, and even aesthetics. Moreover, because black is considered a neutral color, it affords significant flexibility concerning styling—it allows you to pair this deep shade with multiple brightly-colored accessories.
Ultimately, wearing black is now an acceptable, and even fashionable wedding attire choice. However, to create that unique appeal, there’s a few things you need to consider and we’ve outlined them for you.
What Are the Best Tips for Selecting Black Wedding Attire?
Get the Correct Fabric
When choosing a black attire to attend a wedding event, it is important to consider having the right fabric. Ideally, the fabric should align with the event and give you a confident and comfortable feel and look.
Black dresses in satin or silk created a lavish look that was ideal for city soirees or ballroom. Also, the material’s breathability and fluidity render them a suitable option for laid-back, warmer-weather affairs.
Furthermore, because black is heat-absorbent, nonetheless, light linen fabric is the ideal option for humid, hot seasons and climates. However, some industry experts advise that you avoid some fabrics like leather or latex.
Accessorize Sensibly
Black is a standard black canvas and as such adorning this particular shade offers you the independence to accessorize with playful, fun pieces. You can add a flair of color by wearing some red heels, or going with a designer fuschia handbag among other options.
Furthermore, if you want a somewhat subdued look, having a metallic adornment is never a wrong move, like a silver or gold necklace or bracelet.
Check for Appropriate Lengths and Cuts
One of the biggest ‘crimes’ you can commit in a wedding ceremony besides not taking a gift is to upstage the bride! With this in mind, it is important to refrain from black-hued looks particularly those that are revealing like short hemlines, tight silhouettes, and awfully low-cut necklines. Your choice of length is dependent on your dress code.
If you are attending black-tie events, it is best to choose black gowns that extend to the floor, but knee or tea length dresses are suitable for informal dress codes like casual, cocktail, or even semi-formal.
Final Words
So, now that black is a good wedding attire color, is there any reason not to wear black? Yes, but only if the wedding dress code dictates otherwise: if you are attending a wedding with a dress code that dictates ‘bold tropics’, then you should avoid dressing in black. In the end, it is up to you to choose your wedding attire, and if black is how you want to go, get the best black dress you can find—it’s no longer faux pas!