How do you accessorize a black dress for a summer wedding? BLACK? REALLY?! Your first thought might be, “whoa, you can’t wear black to a wedding! ” Can you? Well, it depends on how you wear it. We’ll get to that. But first, why would you want to wear black?
There are many good reasons to mach your black dress with new accesoars for a summer wedding
- You have a small wardrobe, and the only appropriate dress is black. Maybe your only dress is black.
- You are a color minimalist, and all your clothes are in black or white. (No, don’t even think of wearing a white dress!)
- You’ve gained or lost weight and it’s the only thing that fits.
- Your Little Black Dress is your go-to favorite, and you want to look your best (perhaps for that handsome groomsman you met at the rehearsal party?).
- Maybe it’s a formal evening wedding, and all your other outfits are flowery, fluffy numbers that just aren’t right.
Traditionally, there were two colors a guest could never wear to a wedding: White, because that’s reserved for the bride, and black, because it is associated with mourning. But times change, and wedding etiquette experts now say wearing black to a wedding is no longer taboo. But if you do, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Classy Black dresses for a summer wedding
The dress should be simple and stylish, not flashy or Avant-guard. It is not the time for your goth studded leather or your frilled crinoline gypsy dress. Your outfit shouldn’t attract attention away from the bridal couple or the wedding party. You also don’t want to go the other way and look like you are dressed for a dowdy day at work.
And as a thoughtful guest, you should also apply the usual courtesies no matter what color you wear: Stay away from wearing dresses that are too revealing. Save those low, low cut, thigh-high sexy ensembles for the nightclubs! A dress like these would be perfect.
How to accessorize a black dress for a summer wedding?
So, you are convinced it’s OK to wear your black dress to the wedding. How do you ensure your look veers away from the dressed-for-a-funeral vibe? Accessorize!
Are you wondering how to accessorize a black dress for a summer wedding? Here the options are endless. First, take your cues from the type of wedding and the location. Is it a casual outdoor ceremony? A significant event in a formal banquet hall? Also, consider your comfort.
A shawl or light scarf may be necessary if you are outside and it could be chilly. Alternatively, if it is hot, a colorful fan or light parasol would be pretty and practical. Will there be dancing? Think of your feet. They won’t be happy in mile-high stilettoes. Then there are purses, jewelry, and even hair accessories to consider. The right accessories can make your black dress festive but elegant and utterly appropriate wedding guest attire.
Shawls and scarves and parasols are great for accessorizing a black dress to a summer wedding
Many summer weddings are outdoors, from formal venues like a golf or country club to the park or back yard. Scarves and shawls can add a pop of color to your black dress while keeping you comfortable. Consider choosing shawls and scarves with some color in them. Plain white can make your black dress look too stark. Since it’s summer, flowers, pastels, and light colors are good choices.
Accessorize the black dress with colorful scarves
If it could be chilly, a light pashmina like this will keep you warm and add soft flowing color.
Accessorize the black dress with scarves in gold or silver
A gold or silver shawl is also an elegant choice and looks fabulously layered against black. A very light fabric like this is perfect for summer, and the gold shimmer makes it appropriate for more formal weddings.
Complement the black dress with a parasol
If it is hot and sunny, a small parasol might be just right: a little quirky but pretty, and it will keep the sun at bay. This would be a great choice if the reception is outdoors and you could be standing in the sun. Remember to shut it during the ceremony, though. You don’t want to block the view of guests behind you or the photographer.
Purses and bags and shoes
Here is where a black dress opens up your chance to be creative with brightly colored or patterned shoes and purses. Almost any bright color goes gorgeously with black. A colorful clutch provides a pop of color as you hold it against your dress, but a bag with a strap is more practical, especially if you will be standing for some of the reception and nibbling on canapes or holding a glass. Pink or red are the first colors that come to mind to pair with a black dress, but bright purple or blue can be just as striking.
Complete the black dress with flowers and color
As for shoes, remember you will be wearing them for hours, and you will likely be dancing. Choose your heel and style wisely, so you don’t ruin your fun by torturing your feet! Because it is summer, anything from pumps to strappy sandals will be suitable.
A handbag or purse are the perfect accessoar for your black dress
Your black dress is a canvas that you can mix and match colors between your bag and shoes.
The black dress will look perfect with a pair of metallic high-heals
Metallic is so fashionable with black. You’re not limited to silver and gold: think rose gold, copper, or colored metallic too.
Jewelry and hair accessories
Bright, bold jewelry is another way to take your black dress from dinner-with-the-boss to wedding-ready. Here you can have some fun with your bold statement pieces to break up the black. Sparkle, color, tassels, big shapes are all possibilities you might not have if you wear a more traditionally colored or patterned summer dress.
You can be creative and wear a belt as jewelry, like a gold link chain belt or a beaded cummerbund type belt. Put your discreet gold chain and tennis bracelet aside and pull out some vivid costume jewelry, or borrow something from a friend with a dashing style.
Use some lovely hair accessoris to compleat your outfit for the summer wedding
Don’t forget your hair. You could try matching clips or bands with some colors from your other accessories, or go for jeweled combs.
My best tip on how to accessorize a black dress for a summer wedding are flowers
Have you ever wanted to try a fascinator? Your black dress could be the perfect backdrop for it!
So yes, you certainly can wear that black dress to a summer wedding. I hope this has given you ideas on how to accessorize a black dress for a summer wedding. With well-thought-out accessorizing, you could be the most elegant, stylish guest there. You may even start a trend!