Unspoken wedding etiquette once ruled out wearing black to a wedding – particularly if you were the mother-of-the-groom, or (quelle horreur) were known to have slept with him in the past. But now that weddings have been officiated on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube, it’s high time those dusty old traditions were given a refresh. Black is also the colour of eternal, effortless chic – the classic LBD, the androgynous elegance of Le Smoking – and for those keen to invest in something they’ll get more than one wear out of, it’s the practical choice.
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Considering wearing black to attend an upcoming wedding, or even as a bridesmaid? Scroll down for what to shop to ensure a warm reception.
With black, sexy is back
To avoid looking drab, we recommend showing some skin. This doesn’t necessarily mean a Kendall Jenner Monot dress bridesmaid moment, but it’s true that black can act as a neutralising colour when you’re flashing some flesh. Look to off-the-shoulder silhouettes, or dresses and jumpsuits with subtle cut-outs, that complement your own curves without upstaging the bride. If the wedding is on a beach, you can be a little bolder with your flesh-to-fabric ratio.
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Reiss Xena Asymmetric Jersey Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Cut-Out Jersey Dress
Khaite Cerna Off-The-Shoulder Cutout Knotted Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress
Black gets suited
For more androgynous dressers, it doesn’t get better than the black tuxedo. If suiting is more your wedding style, seek out sumptuous accents in velvet, silk or satin, by brands like Tom Ford and Racil. Avoid anything that errs towards workwear, like pinstripe details or zips. For a modern take on Le Smoking, we also recommend pairing a black suit with a soft white T-shirt, instead of a shirt.
Tom Ford Silk Satin-Trimmed Wool-Gabardine Blazer
Tom Ford Satin-Trimmed Wool Tapered Pants
Racil Bianca Single-Breasted Wool-Blend Tuxedo Jacket
Racil Gentleman Wool Tailored Trousers
Black fills the floor
Keen to give it all-out glam? A floor-sweeping gown is a brilliant way to nail the brief, and can be worn again and again after the wedding is over. Look to styles in sumptuous and fluid fabrics: silk, satin, moire and lightweight crepe, and bookmark brands including Norma Kamali, Dolce & Gabbana and Miu Miu. Finally, add metallic accessories: silver stilettos, sequined clutch bags or shimmering platforms.
Dolce & Gabbana Ruched Silk-Blend Satin Gown
H&M One-Shoulder Slip Dress
Norma Kamali Cutout Stretch-Jersey Turtleneck Maxi Dress
Miu Miu Faille Cady Dress
Black gets embellished
Make embellishment your maxim. Amp up black ensembles with outré accents – particularly if a wedding dress code calls for black-tie or cocktail – like diamanté, crystals, beading and sequins. Brands including Saint Laurent, Andrew GN and Ganni all deliver on this front. Make sure to offset your look with pared-back make-up – so less smoky eye, more a simple slick of mascara.
Andrew Gn One-Shoulder Cotton-Blend Lace Mini Dress
Ganni Organza Fringe Jacquard Sleeveless Top
Max Mara Priamo Feather-Trimmed Minidress
Saint Laurent Feather-Trimmed Wool-Blend Jumpsuit
Black in bloom
For more romantic dressers, a floral black dress emphasises elegance. From full-scale blooms to a more subtle flourish of florals, a bouquet of brands is channelling petal power for wedding season, including Oscar de La Renta, Erdem, Natasha Zinko and Cos.
Natasha Zinko Pixel Flower-Print Draped Maxi Dress
Oscar De La Renta Floral Cross-Stitch Midi Dress
Erdem Roisin Ruffled Pleated Floral-Print Georgette Midi Dress
