How to brighten up a black dress for a wedding?

Are you thinking of wearing a black dress to a wedding, but worried it might come across as too somber? Are you looking for tips on how to style a black dress for a celebratory occasion?

I'll help you.

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

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

To brighten up a black dress for a wedding, you can pair it with vibrant colours. If you choose a bold colour (like bright red or orange, or even white), try to incorporate it across several items of clothing and accessories. Alternatively, if you prefer neutral tones such as brown or grey, you can create a lovely chic gradient by wearing your black dress with a darker accessory and others in lighter shades. Also, consider the contrasts created by garments made from two materials or with cut-outs, which can add flair to a dark dress and make it the focal point of an elegant outfit! Lastly, don’t forget to wear beautiful jewellery, as the metallic tones will add a lovely sparkle to your ensemble!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

• Which black dress styles to choose for attending a wedding,
• What colours to pair it with to brighten it up,
• What jacket to wear with it for contrast,
• How to accessorise with a bag, jewellery, shoes, and more,
• And plenty of examples of original outfits featuring a black dress for this occasion!

3 Perfect Black Dress Styles for a Wedding

The black dress is a timeless and classic piece of clothing that many of us have in our wardrobes. Traditionally, it’s true that it’s not usually the first choice for a wedding, as festive and bright colours are typically worn for such occasions. However, it’s entirely possible to choose a black dress that doesn’t feel too formal, that suits your style, and that can be worn to a wedding. Read on to find out how!

A Sheer Dress

If the wedding you're attending is taking place in the summer, you'll be able to 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 cheerful touch. Some well-designed inserts, especially around the neckline, also give your dress a smart look, which is ideal for such festivities.

A textured or shiny dress

Another option available to you is to choose a two-tone dress. The combination of two different types of fabric will create the illusion that your dress is bicolour, adding 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 style that is different from a 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 bohemian dresses. This style, which highlights loose and flattering cuts, is often seen 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 represents an elegant simplicity. It can indeed be adorned with floral patterns, which will add a touch of cheerfulness to your outfit. Some chic bohemian dresses also showcase lightweight and stylish fabrics like lace, or feature backless cuts, which, as we've seen, are perfect for wearing at a wedding.

👉 Are you on the lookout for a bohemian black dress to wear to a wedding or any other occasion? Head over to our online store dedicated to this style. You'll find a wide range of dresses, including black or dark options that you might love!

Bohemian Dress

What Colours to Pair with a Black Dress to Brighten It Up?

Once you've picked your dress, it's absolutely possible to put together a stylish and vibrant outfit by pairing it with accessories, shoes, or a jacket in a colour that contrasts with black. Here are a few examples of colour combinations: it's up to you to choose the one that best matches your tastes and style!

Bright Tones 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 easily pair it with vibrant shades such as:

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

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

White for a Stylish Contrast

The combination of black and white typically results in a very elegant look, reminiscent of haute couture outfits. Since your dress is black, you can incorporate a bit of white without overshadowing the bride. This will brighten your complexion while adding a touch of cheer to your outfit.

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

Metallic Tones for a Festive Touch

Sequin clothing and metallic shades have a fabulous ability: they capture and reflect light! This makes them the perfect choice to elevate a simple black dress with a touch of elegance.

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 will enhance your features the most, simply take a careful look at certain aspects of your appearance:

🔸 If you tend to tan easily and have a warm, sun-kissed complexion, you have what’s known as a warm undertone. Therefore, opt for gold or copper jewellery.

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

🔸 If you have platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and tend to burn rather than tan when you're out in the sun, it’s better to choose cool tones.

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

What jacket to wear with a black formal 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 give your outfit a casual chic vibe, 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 smart and polished outfit. For the more romantic among us, a pastel wool cardigan will add a touch of softness to your look.

5 Accessory Ideas to Elevate Your Little Black Dress!

As I’ve mentioned before in this guide, accessories are essential for elevating a black dress. By selecting them carefully, you can create a style that enhances your look and makes you feel unique.

Sheer tights or stockings

If you’re attending a wedding in winter or during mid-season, go for sheer patterned tights or stockings, as they will add some flair to your outfit.

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

Statement or Colourful Jewellery

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

👉 For a smart and elegant outfit, you might choose a matching set. This could be a necklace and bracelet, or a necklace paired with earrings.

A flower crown or a hat

An original hairstyle is a simple and stylish way to look lovely for an event. You might choose a simple hat or a flower crown, which will add freshness and cheerfulness to your outfit. This can be made with fresh flowers by a skilled florist or could consist of synthetic flowers, which have the advantage of lasting longer.

👉 If you’re interested in this type of floral hairstyle, be sure to check out our collection of flower crowns on our online shop! We offer numerous colourful designs that will be ideal for brightening up a dark outfit!

A lovely clutch

Chic and refined, the clutch is perfect for carrying your essentials at a wedding. Opt for a vibrant colour or one adorned with a lovely pattern, contrasting with your dress. This will draw attention and add character to your outfit.

Remember to match it to your style:

🔸A clutch with floral embroidery, fringes, or even pearls will be the perfect accessory to complement a bohemian dress.

🔸For a classic and smart outfit, you can choose a simple design in leather or fabric (with or without lace) in ivory, white, or even black, in a tone-on-tone style.

A Fancy 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 choose a wider style that defines your waist nicely. If you're wearing colourful shoes, I recommend creating a cohesive look by opting for a belt in the same hue.

Our final tip: Embrace your unique style!

It's true that when you mention you're planning to wear a black dress to a wedding, it might raise a few 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! To do this, it's essential to have confidence in yourself and to select an outfit in which 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 radiates from you!

Some brides are daring enough to choose a black dress, resulting in a unique and stylish look that brings a breath of fresh air and modernity to the traditional wedding scene!

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas to accessorise your little black dress and create a stunning outfit that truly highlights you for this festive occasion! To find out what shoes to wear with your little black dress, check out our dedicated guide on the topic, which was published earlier on our blog!

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

If you want to take it a step further, why not treat yourself to a new accessory to complement your stunning black dress? An event like a wedding deserves your utmost attention, and you won’t be able to overlook the outfits of other women attending the occasion. By choosing to invest in a piece of jewellery like a multi-layered necklace in stainless steel, you can be sure to steal the show!

This is quite an original idea for women who want to stand out from the crowd while treating themselves to a beautiful piece of jewellery that they can wear for other occasions in the future. Moreover, a layered necklace is also very practical for wearing during nights out with friends or even on a romantic evening... You’ll never have to wonder how to dress for a party again, as this layered necklace isn’t just suited for a little black dress. It can elevate any other outfit in your wardrobe!