How to Brighten Up a Black Dress for a Wedding?

Would you like to wear a black dress to a wedding, but are worried it might be too somber? Are you looking for tips on how to style a black dress for a festive occasion?

I will help you.

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

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

To brighten up a black dress worn for a wedding, you can pair it with colorful tones. If you choose a vibrant color (like bright red or orange), it's best to wear it in multiple pieces 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 pairing your black dress with darker and lighter accessories. Also, consider the contrasts created by two-tone or sheer fabrics, which can add style to a dark dress and make it the centerpiece of an elegant outfit! Lastly, don't forget to wear beautiful jewelry, as metallic hues will add a radiant touch to your ensemble!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Which black dress styles to choose for attending a wedding,
• What colours to pair with it to brighten it up,
• What jacket to wear for contrast,
• How to accessorize it with a bag, jewellery, shoes, etc.,
• And lots of original outfit ideas 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 wardrobes. Traditionally, it's true that it isn’t usually the first choice for a wedding, as people typically wear bright and cheerful colours for such events. However, it's entirely possible to choose a black dress that doesn't feel too formal, that aligns with your style, and that can be worn to a wedding. Find out how in the following lines!

A Lace Dress

If the wedding you're attending is in the summer, you'll be able to take advantage of the nice 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 lively touch. Some crafted details, especially around the neckline, also give your dress a dressy flair that's ideal for such festivities.

A Textured or Shiny Dress

Another option available to you is to choose a two-tone dress. Indeed, combining two different types of fabric will create the illusion that your dress is bicolour and add a touch of sophistication. This effect can also be achieved with sequins or a shiny fabric that has cut-outs. The idea is to select a style that differs from a simple solid black dress to achieve an original and elegant outfit!

A Bohemian Dress

When thinking about boho fashion, black isn’t usually the first colour that comes to mind. However, there are some really beautiful styles of black bohemian dresses. This aesthetic, 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 at all synonymous with sadness; rather, it represents an elegant simplicity. It can even be adorned with floral patterns, adding a touch of cheer to your outfit. Some boho-chic dresses also highlight lightweight and stylish materials like lace or backless designs, which, as we have seen, are perfect for wearing at a wedding.

👉 Are you searching for a bohemian black dress to wear to a wedding or any other occasion? I invite you to visit our online store dedicated to this style. You'll find many dress styles, including black or dark dresses that you might love!

Bohemian Dress

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

Once you've chosen your dress, it's completely possible to create a chic and vibrant outfit by pairing it 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 tastes and style!

Bright Hues to Enhance 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 definitely pair it with vibrant shades such as:

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

Instead, choose one single shade that is vibrant and can be worn multiple times in your outfit. For example, if you go for a bright red clutch, you can create a subtle echo with a hair accessory or jewelry in the same colour!

White for a Stylish Contrast

The combination of black and white usually results in a very elegant look, reminiscent of high fashion attire. Since your dress is black, you can add a touch of white without overshadowing the bride. This will brighten your complexion while enhancing your outfit.

If you prefer, you can also opt for natural shades, such as camel, cognac, and ecru. The contrast will be more subtle, giving you a more understated look. In this case, feel free to create a gradient or add small pastel details to bring a touch of cheerfulness and softness to the ensemble!

Metallic Shades for Their Festive Touch

Sequined clothing and metallic shades have a wonderful power: they capture and reflect light! This makes them an ideal choice for adding elegance to a simple black dress.

There are two main categories of metallic tones:

• Warm tones: gold, rose gold, copper…
• Cool tones: silver, metallic white, or glittery…

To determine which ones will highlight your features the best, simply pay close attention to certain characteristics of your physique:

🔸 If you tend to tan easily and have a medium or bronzed complexion, you have what is known as a warm tone. Therefore, it’s best to choose gold or copper jewellery.

🔸 Warm tones will also look great on redheads and women with auburn highlights in their brown hair.

🔸 If you have platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and tend to burn rather than tan when exposed to the sun, choose cooler tones instead.

🔸 Finally, if you have very dark skin, you can wear all the light metallic shades, such as gold and silver, which will beautifully enhance your complexion.

What Jacket to Wear with a Little Black Dress?

Choosing the right cardigan or jacket is a strategic decision when you're wearing an elegant outfit with a little black dress. This piece of clothing 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 customized or not.

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

5 Accessory Ideas to Elevate Your Little Black Dress!

As I've mentioned earlier in this guide, accessories are essential for adding a touch of flair to a little black dress. By carefully selecting them, you can achieve a style that enhances your appearance and makes you stand out.

Sheer tights or stockings

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

Simple polka dot tights are perfect for showing off your legs in a sexy yet chic manner!

Oversized or Colourful Jewellery

To add some flair to your outfit, don't hesitate to wear jewellery with it. Certain types of bold jewellery can really brighten up a dark outfit. This could be a lovely colourful brooch, a long necklace, or even multiple bracelets worn as a set.

👉 For a chic and dressed-up look, you can choose a matching set. This could be a necklace with a bracelet, or a necklace paired with a set of earrings.

A Flower Crown or a Hat

An original hairstyle is a simple and elegant way to look beautiful for an event. You can choose a simple hat or a floral crown, which will bring freshness and cheer to your outfit. This can be made with fresh flowers by a skilled florist or made of synthetic flowers, which have the advantage of being long-lasting.

👉 If you’re interested in this type of floral hairstyle, feel free to check out our collection of flower crowns on our online store! We offer many colorful designs that will be perfect for brightening up a dark outfit!

A lovely pouch

Chic and refined, a clutch is perfect for holding your small essentials at a wedding. Opt for a colourful one or one embellished with a beautiful pattern, contrasting with your dress. This will catch the eye and add personality to your outfit.

Don't forget to match it to your style:

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

🔸For a classic and sophisticated outfit, you can choose a simple model in leather or fabric (with or without lace), in ivory, white, or black, in a monochromatic tone.

A Stylish Belt

Wearing a belt over your dress not only highlights your curves but also adds a chic detail to your outfit. Feel free to opt for a wider style that defines your waist nicely. If you're wearing colourful shoes, I recommend creating a coordinated look by choosing a belt in the same colour.

Our Final Tip: Embrace Your Unique Style!

It's true that when you announce your intention to wear a black dress to a wedding, it can raise some eyebrows! However, depending on the style you choose and how you carry yourself, you can achieve a very chic look that isn't depressing at all! To pull this off, it's crucial to have confidence in yourself and to select an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. You will look radiant, and the colour of your dress will matter less than the joy of living that shines from within you!

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

I hope this article has provided you with plenty of ideas for pairing your little black dress and creating a stunning outfit that will make you shine at this festive event! To learn how to choose the right shoes for your little black dress, take a look at our dedicated guide on the topic, which was published earlier on our blog!

Our bonus tip: buy a layered necklace to pair with your little black dress!

If you want to take it a step further, why not grab a new accessory to pair with your beautiful little black dress? An event like a wedding deserves to be approached with the utmost attention, and you definitely won’t be able to overlook the dresses or outfits, in general, of the other women attending the event… By choosing to buy a piece of jewellery like a multi-layer necklace in stainless steel, you can be sure to make a statement!

This is quite a unique idea for women who want to stand out, while also treating themselves to a beautiful piece of jewelry that they can wear for future events. Additionally, a multi-strand necklace is very versatile, making it perfect for evenings out with friends or even a romantic date night... You’ll never have to worry about what to wear for a festive occasion again, because this multi-strand necklace isn’t just for pairing with a little black dress. It can enhance any outfit in your wardrobe!