How to Brighten Up a Black Dress for a Wedding?

Would you like to wear a black dress to a wedding, but worry it might look too gloomy? Are you looking for tips on how to style a black dress 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 extra touch that makes all the difference.

The little black dress is a timeless classic 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 cheerful. That's why I'm sharing some tips with you today to achieve this.

To brighten up a black dress for a wedding, you can pair it with colourful shades. If you choose a vibrant colour (like bright red or orange, or even white), try to incorporate it across multiple garments and accessories. If you prefer neutral tones such as brown or grey, you can create a lovely chic gradient by teaming your black dress with a darker accessory and other lighter ones. Also, think about the contrasts created by two-tone or sheer fabrics, which can add flair to a dark dress and make it the focal point of an elegant outfit! Lastly, don’t forget to wear some beautiful jewellery, as metallic tones will bring a reflective glow to your overall look!

Want to know more? Keep reading to discover:

• What styles of black dress to choose for attending a wedding,
• Which 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 original outfit ideas featuring a black dress for this event!

3 Perfect Black Dress Styles for a Wedding

The little black dress is a classic and timeless piece that most of us have in our wardrobes. Traditionally, it's true that it may not be the first choice for a wedding, as bright and cheerful colours are usually the go-to for such events. However, it is entirely possible to select a black dress that doesn’t feel too formal, matches your style, and can be worn for a wedding. Let’s explore how you can achieve this in the following paragraphs!

A Lacy Dress

If the wedding you're attending is in summer, you'll be able to enjoy the lovely weather by wearing 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 adds a touch of cheerfulness. Well-designed features, especially around the neckline, also give your dress a sophisticated look that's ideal for such celebrations.

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 bicoloured and add sophistication to it. This effect can also be achieved with sequins or a shiny, sheer material. The aim is to select a style that is different from a plain black dress to achieve a unique 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 showcases loose and flattering cuts, is often found in long, flowy 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 also be adorned with floral patterns, which will add a touch of liveliness to your outfit. Some chic bohemian dresses also highlight light and stylish fabrics such as lace or backless designs, 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 other special occasion? I invite you to visit our online shop dedicated to this style. You'll find a variety of dress styles, 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 very much possible to create a chic and bright 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 pick the one that best suits your taste 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 come across as dull, you can easily pair it with vibrant shades such as:

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

Instead, choose a single shade that is bright and can be worn once or more in your outfit. For example, if you go for a bright red clutch, you can create a subtle link with a hair accessory or a piece of jewellery in the same shade!

White for a Chic Contrast

The combination of black and white often results in a very elegant look, reminiscent of high couture outfits. 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 some natural shades, such as camel, cognac, or ecru. The contrast will be less pronounced, resulting in a more subtle outfit. In this case, don't hesitate to create a gradient or to include small pastel details to add a touch of brightness and softness to the overall look!

Metallic Shades for a Festive Touch

Shimmering clothes and metallic shades have a fantastic ability: they capture and reflect light! This makes them the perfect choice to add elegance to a simple 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 features the best, you just need to closely observe certain characteristics of your physique:

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

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

🔸 If you have platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and tend to burn 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 any of the lighter metallic shades, like gold or silver, which will really enhance your look.

What jacket to wear with a smart black dress?

Choosing your vest or jacket is strategic when you’re wearing an outfit with a little black dress. This garment will highlight your dress, and if it's a classic piece, it will also 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, either customised or not.

A light blazer is perfect for those who want to wear an elegant outfit. For the more romantic, a wool pastel cardigan will add a touch of softness to your ensemble.

5 Accessory Ideas to Enhance Your Little Black Dress!

As I've mentioned in this guide, accessories are essential for bringing life to a little black dress. By selecting them carefully, you can discover a style that enhances your look and makes you feel unique.

Thin Tights or Stockings

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

Simple polka dot tights are perfect for showing off your legs in a sexy yet very chic 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 easily brighten up a darker outfit. This could be a lovely colourful brooch, a long necklace, or even several bracelets worn together as a set.

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

A floral crown or a hat

An original hairstyle is a straightforward and stylish way to look beautiful for an event. You can choose a simple hat or a floral crown, which will add freshness and cheer to your outfit. This can be made with fresh flowers by a local florist, or made from 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 store! We offer a wide range of colourful designs, perfect for brightening up a dark outfit!

A lovely clutch

Chic and sophisticated, a clutch bag is perfect for carrying your smaller items at a wedding. Opt for one that is colourful or 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 beads will be perfect to complement a bohemian dress.

🔸For a classic and dressy look, you could choose a simple model in leather or fabric (with or without lace), in ivory, white, or black, in a tone-on-tone style.

A decorative belt

Wearing a belt over your dress not only highlights your curves but also adds a stylish detail to your outfit. Don't hesitate to choose a wider style that clearly defines your waist. If you're wearing colourful shoes, I recommend creating a cohesive look by selecting a belt in the same shade.

Our final tip: Embrace your unique style!

It's true that announcing your intention to wear a black dress to a wedding 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 at all gloomy! To pull this off, it's essential to have confidence in yourself and to select an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. You'll look radiant and the colour of your dress won’t matter as much as the joy of life that you'll exude!

Some brides dare to wear a black dress, resulting in an original and elegant look that brings a breath of fresh air and modernity to the traditions surrounding weddings!

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas for styling your little black dress and creating a stunning outfit that really shines for your next festive event! To find out what shoes to wear with your little black dress, check out our dedicated guide on this topic, which we published earlier on our blog!

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

If you want to take it a step further, why not pick up a new accessory to pair with your stunning black dress? After all, an event like a wedding deserves to be treated with utmost care, and you certainly can't ignore the dresses or outfits, generally speaking, of the other women attending... 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 a wonderfully unique idea for all the women who want to stand out from the crowd, but who also want to treat themselves to a beautiful piece of jewellery that they can wear on future occasions. Additionally, a multi-strand necklace is very versatile, making it perfect for casual nights out with friends or even a romantic evening. You'll never have to wonder again how to dress for a night out, as this multi-strand necklace goes well with more than just a little black dress. It can elevate any outfit in your wardrobe!