How to Brighten Up a Black Dress for a Wedding?

Would you like to wear a black dress to a wedding, but are concerned it might look too gloomy? 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 personalise my outfits and add that little something extra that makes all the 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 cheerful. That's why I'm sharing some tips with you today on how to achieve that.

To brighten up a black dress worn to a wedding, you can pair it with colourful shades. If you choose a vibrant colour (like bright red or orange, or even white), make sure to reflect that colour in several garments and accessories. 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 that are lighter. Also consider the contrasts created by outfits made from mixed materials or perforated fabrics, which can add style to a dark dress and make it the centrepiece of an elegant outfit! Lastly, don’t forget to wear beautiful jewellery, as the metallic hues will add a lovely shine to your ensemble!

Want to know 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 it with a bag, jewellery, shoes, and more,
• And plenty of examples of unique outfits featuring a black dress for this occasion!

3 Perfect Black Dress Styles for a Wedding

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

A lacy dress

If the wedding you’re attending is in 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 embellished sections, especially around the neckline, also give your dress a sophisticated look that's ideal for these kinds of 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 bicolour and will add sophistication to it. This effect can also be achieved with sequins or a shiny, sheer material. The idea is to select a design that stands out from a basic solid black dress, in order to achieve a unique and stylish 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 really beautiful styles of black bohemian dresses. This style, which features 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 at all synonymous with sadness, but rather with elegant simplicity. It can also be adorned with floral patterns, which will add a touch of cheer to your outfit. Some chic bohemian dresses also highlight lightweight and stylish materials such as lace or backless cuts, which, as we've seen, are perfect for wearing at a wedding.

👉 Are you in search of a bohemian black dress to wear to a wedding or any other special occasion? I invite you to visit our online store dedicated to this style. You'll find many stunning dress styles, including black or dark options that you might really like!

Bohemian Dress

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

Once you've chosen your dress, it's definitely 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 choose the one that best fits 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 look dull, you can easily pair it with vibrant shades such as:

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

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

White for a Chic Contrast

The combination of black and white usually results in a very elegant look, reminiscent of high fashion 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 ensemble.

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, feel free to create a gradient or incorporate small pastel details to add a touch of brightness and softness to the overall ensemble!

Metallic Shades for Their Festive Appeal

Sequinned clothing and metallic shades have a wonderful power: they capture and reflect light! This makes them an ideal choice to dress up a simple black dress with a touch of elegance.

There are two main families 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, simply take a close look at certain characteristics of your physique:

🔸 If you tend to tan easily and have a darker or tanned complexion, you have what is known as a warm undertone. So, opt for gold or copper jewellery.

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

🔸 If you have platinum blonde hair, fair skin, and tend to flush instead of tan when exposed to the sun, it's better to choose cool tones.

🔸 Lastly, if you have very dark skin, you can wear all the light metallic shades, such as gold and silver, which will look stunning on you.

Which jacket to wear with a little black dress?

The choice of your waistcoat or jacket is crucial when you're wearing an outfit featuring a little black dress. This piece of clothing will highlight your dress, and if the dress is classic, it will also 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, either customised or plain.

A light blazer is perfect for those who want to wear a stylish and smart 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 discover a style that enhances your look and makes you feel unique.

Thin tights or stockings

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

Simple polka dot tights are perfect for showcasing 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 statement jewellery can be enough 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 classy and elegant outfit, you can choose a matching set. This could be a necklace and bracelet or a necklace and a pair 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 to wear 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 skilled florist or made from artificial flowers, which have the advantage of lasting longer.

👉 If this type of floral hairstyle interests you, feel free to check out our collection of flower crowns on our online store! We offer many colourful designs that are perfect for brightening up a dark outfit!

A lovely clutch

Chic and stylish, a clutch bag is perfect for keeping your essentials at a wedding. Opt for a colourful one or one adorned with a lovely pattern, providing a 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, fringing, or beads will be perfect 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 black, preferably in tone-on-tone shades.

A funky belt

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

Our final tip: Own your unique style!

It’s true that when you say you’re planning to wear a black dress to a wedding, it can 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 sombre! To pull this off, it’s essential to have confidence in yourself and to select 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 are daring enough to wear a black dress, resulting in a unique and elegant look that brings a fresh and modern twist to the traditional conventions of weddings!

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas on how to style your little black dress and create a stunning outfit that flatters you for this festive occasion! 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 little black dress!

If you want to take it a step further, why not get yourself a new accessory to complement your beautiful little black dress? After all, an event like a wedding deserves your utmost attention, and you won’t be able to overlook the dresses or outfits of the other women attending... By choosing to purchase a piece of jewellery like a multi-layer necklace in stainless steel, you can be sure you’ll turn heads!

This is quite an original idea for women who want to stand out from the crowd, while also treating themselves to a beautiful piece of jewelry that they can wear again for future occasions. Additionally, a multi-strand necklace is very practical for wearing on nights out with friends or even on a romantic evening... You will never have to wonder how to dress for a celebration again, as this multi-strand necklace is not just meant to be worn with a little black dress. It can enhance any outfit in your wardrobe!