The Ultimate Wedding Attire Question: Can I Wear Black to a Wedding?

Can you wear black to a wedding? Yes, but only if it is a Goth theme… just kidding! We are in an age of where almost anything goes. However in an effort not to give the middle finger to centuries of tradition, it is best to avoid wearing black to a wedding. There are exceptions that may allow you to skirt around this rule. This is your lucky day because here are the exceptions, loopholes, and fine print to allow you to break this fashion rule that was once written in stone.

You can wear black to a wedding if:

• It is a black tie or white tie formal affair. This is one of the circumstances in which you may be able to get away with wearing black as many formal dresses are only available in black. If you have no other option, you can accessorize with color. Do you have a beautiful emerald or coral necklace to wear with the dress? Do you have a bright blue or hot pink clutch to wear with your outfit? You can also try to break up the black in the midriff area by wearing your all black outfit with a rhinestone or colored belt.
• You mask it with your outerwear. Can you wear a sequined cardigan or a colored shawl around the outfit? Again, accessories are going to be your best accomplice in downplaying the black and making the dress more appropriate for something other than viewing a casket.
• It is part of a print. For example, you can wear a dress to a wedding that is a geometric black and white print. That would be considered proper wedding attire as it breaks up the black and prevents you from looking like Morticia Addams in the couples’ wedding album.
• You are a nun. This should be self-explanatory.

Wearing black to a wedding is not the best option, but if it is your only option add a splash of color wherever you can, such as your jewelry, shoes, belts, outerwear, purses, and even your nail color. Many fashion rules such as not wearing white after Labor Day and always matching your shoes and your handbag have been thrown out by fashionistas everywhere. Despite the pro-black wedding attire lobbying efforts, the wearing black to a wedding rule is pretty stubborn and still lingers in many social circles. To be safe, don’t wear black to a wedding and if you must, wear it fabulously!