How to Brighten Up a Black Dress for a Wedding?

Are you keen to wear a black dress to a wedding, but worried it might look a bit too sombre? Are you on the lookout for tips to style a black dress that’s suitable for a festive occasion?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for ideas to personalise my outfits and add that little extra touch that makes all the difference.

The little black dress is a timeless staple that can be worn on any occasion. However, for a wedding or any other event, you might want to make it a bit more festive and joyous. That's why today I’m sharing some tips on how to achieve that.

To brighten up a black dress worn to a wedding, you can pair it with vibrant colours. If you choose a bold colour (like bright red or orange, or even white), it's best to wear it as an accent across several garments and accessories. On the other hand, if you opt for neutral shades such as brown or grey, you can create a lovely chic gradient by wearing your black dress with darker accessories and others in lighter tones. Also, consider the contrasts created by bi-material or sheer garments, which can lend style to a dark dress and make it the focal point of an elegant outfit! Lastly, don’t forget to wear beautiful jewellery, as metallic tones will add a dazzling touch to your ensemble!

keen to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• What black dress styles to choose for attending a wedding,
• Which colours to pair with it for a bit of flair,
• What jacket to wear to create contrast,
• How to accessorise with a bag, jewellery, shoes, …
• And plenty of examples of unique outfits featuring a black dress for this occasion!

3 Perfect Black Dress Styles for a Wedding

The little black dress is a classic and timeless piece of clothing that most of us have in our wardrobe. Traditionally, it's true that it may not be the first choice for a wedding, as we usually wear bright and cheerful colours for such occasions. However, it is entirely possible to opt for a black dress that doesn’t feel too formal, one that suits your style and can be worn for a wedding. Read on to find out how!

A lace dress

If the wedding you’re attending is in summer, you can take advantage of the lovely weather to wear a dress that shows off your skin. A black backless dress or one with sheer lace details would be perfect for a wedding, as the contrast between the fabric and your skin will add a touch of cheerfulness. Some intricately designed sections, especially around the neckline, also give your dress a more formal look, ideal for such celebrations.

A textured or shiny dress

Another option available to you is to choose a two-tone dress. In fact, the combination of two different types of fabric will create the illusion that your dress is bicoloured and add sophistication to it. This effect can also be achieved with sequins or a shiny material that has cut-outs. The idea is to select a design that stands out from a basic plain black dress to achieve an original and elegant outfit!

A Bohemian Dress

When we think of boho fashion, black isn't usually the first colour that comes to mind. However, there are some beautiful designs of black boho dresses. This style, which highlights loose and flattering cuts, is often found in long, flowing dresses that are perfect for wearing in spring and summer.

In this case, black is not synonymous with sadness at all, but rather an elegant simplicity. It can also be adorned with floral patterns, which will add a touch of cheer to your outfit. Some bohemian-chic dresses also showcase lightweight and stylish materials such as lace or backless cuts, which, as we've seen, are perfect for wearing to a wedding.

👉 Are you on the hunt for a bohemian black dress to wear to a wedding or any other occasion? Join us now at our online boutique dedicated to this style. You’ll find a wide range of dresses, including black or dark dresses that you might love!

Bohemian Dress

What colours can you pair with a black dress to brighten it up?

Once you've chosen your dress, it’s absolutely possible to create a stylish and vibrant outfit by teaming it up with accessories, shoes, or a jacket in a colour that contrasts with black. Here are some examples of colour combinations: it's up to you to select the one that best suits your taste and style!

Bright Colours to Elevate It

It’s often said that black goes with everything, and that’s quite true! To ensure your outfit doesn’t look dull, you can easily pair it with vibrant shades such as:

• bright red,
• teal,
• bright orange,
• bright yellow,
• pink.

Instead, choose one bright colour that you can wear multiple times in your outfit. For instance, if you go for a bright red clutch, you can create a subtle link with a hair accessory or piece of jewellery in the same shade!

White for a Chic Contrast

The combination of black and white usually results in a very elegant look, reminiscent of haute couture outfits. Since your dress is black, you can afford to add a touch of white without overshadowing the bride. This will brighten your complexion while livening up your outfit.

If you prefer, you can opt for some natural shades, such as camel, cognac, or ecru… The contrast will be less pronounced and you'll achieve a more subtle outfit. In this case, don't hesitate to create a gradient or pair it with small pastel details to add a touch of cheerfulness and softness to the overall look!

Metallic Shades for Their Festive Appeal

Sequined clothing and metallic shades have a wonderful ability: they capture and reflect light! This makes them the perfect way to elegantly dress up a little black dress.

There are two main categories of metallic tones:

• warm tones: gold, rose gold, copper…
• cool tones: silver, metallic white or glittery…

To find out which ones will highlight your best features, simply take a close look at certain characteristics of your physique:

🔸 If you tend to tan easily and have olive or bronzed skin, you have what’s known as a warm tone. So, you should opt for gold or copper jewellery.

🔸 Warm tones will also suit redheads and women with reddish highlights in their brown hair really well.

🔸 If you have platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and tend to flush rather than tan when exposed to the sun, it’s best to choose cool tones.

🔸 Lastly, if you have very dark skin, you can rock all the lighter metallic shades, like gold and silver, which will look absolutely stunning on you.

What jacket should you wear with a little black dress?

Choosing your vest or jacket is crucial when you're wearing a smart outfit with a little black dress. This piece will highlight your dress, and if the dress is classic, it will help define your style.

For example, if you love bohemian fashion or want to add a casual chic vibe to your outfit, you can pair your dress with a denim jacket, whether it's customised or not.

A light blazer is perfect for those looking to wear a stylish and dressy outfit. For the more romantic, a pastel wool cardigan will add a touch of softness to your ensemble.

5 Accessory Ideas to Elevate Your Little Black Dress!

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, accessories are essential for adding flair to a little black dress. By choosing them carefully, you can create a style that highlights your features and makes you stand out.

Sheer Tights or Stockings

If you're attending a wedding during winter or in the mid-season, choose sheer patterned tights or stockings to add some flair to your outfit.

Simple polka dot tights will be perfect for showcasing your legs in a sexy yet stylish way!

Oversized or Colourful Jewellery

To add some flair to your outfit, don’t hesitate to wear some jewellery with it. Certain types of statement jewellery can be just what you need to brighten up a dark outfit. This could be a lovely colourful brooch, a long necklace, or even several bracelets worn together as a set.

👉 For a stylish and dressed-up outfit, you might choose a matching set. This could be a necklace and bracelet or a necklace and a pair of earrings.

A floral crown or a hat

An original hairstyle is a simple and elegant way to enhance your beauty for an event. You might choose a simple hat or a floral crown, which adds freshness and cheerfulness to your outfit. This can be crafted with fresh flowers by a local florist, or made with synthetic flowers, which have the advantage of lasting longer.

👉 If you're keen on this type of floral hairstyle, be sure to check out our collection of flower crowns on our online store! We offer a wide range of vibrant designs, perfect for brightening up a dark outfit!

A lovely clutch

Chic and elegant, a clutch is perfect for keeping your essentials at a wedding. Choose one that is colourful or adorned with a lovely pattern, in contrast to your dress. This will catch the eye and add character to your outfit.

Don’t forget to match it to your style:

🔸A clutch with floral embroidery, tassels, or even beads will be perfect to complement a bohemian dress.

🔸For a classic and dressed-up outfit, you might choose a simple model in leather or fabric (with or without lace), in ivory, white, or black, in a tone-on-tone style.

A Statement Belt

Wearing a belt over your dress not only accentuates your curves but also adds a stylish detail to your outfit. Don’t hesitate to opt for a wider style that defines your waist nicely. If you’re wearing colourful shoes, I recommend creating a cohesive look by choosing a belt in the same shade.

Our Final Tip: Embrace Your Unique Style!

It’s true that announcing you’re going to wear a black dress to a wedding can raise some eyebrows! However, depending on the style you choose and how you wear it, you can achieve a very chic look that isn’t at all gloomy! For this, it’s essential to have confidence in yourself and to pick an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. This way, you’ll look radiant, and the colour of your dress won’t matter as much as the joy of life that shines through you!

Some brides dare to wear a black dress, resulting in a unique and stylish look that brings a refreshing breeze of modernity to the traditional conventions surrounding weddings!

I hope this article has provided you with plenty of ideas for styling your little black dress and creating a stunning outfit that will make you stand out at your next celebration! To find out what shoes to wear with your little black dress, check out our dedicated guide on the topic, previously published on our blog!

Our bonus tip: grab a multi-layered necklace to pair with your little black dress!

If you want to take it a step further, why not get a new accessory to complement your beautiful black dress? A special occasion like a wedding deserves your utmost attention, and you won't be able to overlook the dresses or outfits of the other women attending the event. By choosing to buy a piece of jewellery like a multi-layered necklace made from stainless steel, you can be sure to turn heads!

This is quite a unique idea for women who want to stand out, but primarily want to treat themselves to a beautiful piece of jewellery that they can wear for other occasions as well. Additionally, a layered necklace is very versatile for wearing during dinners with friends or a romantic evening out... You’ll never have to ponder over what to wear for a night out again, as this layered necklace isn’t just meant for a little black dress. It can enhance any outfit in your wardrobe!