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    1. Fashion

    Can you wear black to a wedding? These 5 easy to recreate looks prove yes

    It's a fashion faux pas no more

    Zoe Anastasiou's avatar
    By Zoe Anastasiou Contributions by Jazzria Harris
    Last updated 9 August 2024 In Buying Guides

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    best black wedding guest dresses
    (Image credit: @fisayolonge, @hannahstraffordtaylor, @harliebriggsart_)
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    With wedding season in full swing, wedding guest dresses have become a key topic of conversation in the Marie Claire offices recently. From floral dresses to bright-hued iterations and petite-specific designs, there is certainly no shortage of chic options around for whatever style of wedding you're heading too.

    However, while you might be inclined to think that weddings are a time for colourful looks and vibrant gowns (and they definitely have their place), a new study has actually found a more surprising trend emerging. According to a study by the fabric experts at Dalston Mill Fabrics, the most popular colour for a wedding guest dress this summer, is actually black with searches for 'black wedding guest dresses' hitting over 74,000.

    Best black wedding guest dresses Hannah Strafford Taylor in black midi dress and gold bag

    (Image credit: @hannahstraffordtaylor)

    Evidently, the choice is so popular that the shade actually beat other colour choices by over 10,000 searches. In succession were 'green wedding guest dresses,' which comparatively had a search volume of 63,000 while pink came in at third place with 48k searches. Following behind were blue and red with 44.5k searches 30k searches each.

    You may be questioning whether you can wear black to a wedding and it's not just the above data that proves you can. While historically, black has not been considered a popular colour for weddings due to its association with mourning, the tide has certainly changed over the last few years. The look is even gaining popularity when it comes to bridesmaid dresses (Sofia Richie Grainge opted for black for her service, last year).

    A post shared by NICOLE RICHIE (@nicolerichie)

    A photo posted by on

    And, when you think about it, it's no surprise that black is considered a smart choice for a wedding. Offering both an elevated and timeless aesthetic, there's nothing quite as classic as a little black dress.It can also be seen as a more eco-conscious option, given black dresses are extremely versatile and likely something you will wear again more often than other colours.

    If you're considering wearing black to a wedding ,you're most likely wondering which styles are best? Well, the great thing about black dresses is that they come in SO many different styles and can easily be adapted to suit your personal style as well as the type of wedding you're going to, whether it's a chic city wedding or something more kitsch and countryside.

    To hep you with inspiration, I've found some incredible black dresses that would look perfect at an upcoming weddings you may have, as well some the best accessories to finish the look. Keep scrolling to see you yourself...

    Shop black wedding guest dresses

    A city wedding

    Best black wedding guest dresses Hannah Strafford Taylor in black midi dress and gold bag sunglasses

    (Image credit: @hannahstraffordtaylor)

    Staud Wells cotton poplin midi dress

    Staud Wells cotton poplin midi dress
    £275 AT MYTHERESA

    Bottega Veneta Knot Minaudiere Clutch Bag

    Bottega Veneta Knot Minaudiere Clutch Bag
    £4120 AT LUISAVIAROMA

    Manolo Blahnik Leva 105 leather sandals

    Manolo Blahnik Leva 105 leather sandals
    £645 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Alona Amary Earrings

    Alona Amary Earrings
    £95 AT ALONA

    A destination wedding

    A post shared by ☼ Danielle Copperman Sersoub ☾ (@dcopperman)

    A photo posted by on

    Forever New Poppy Ruffle Gown

    Forever New Poppy Ruffle Gown
    £33 (WAS £110) AT FOREVER NEW

    Khaite Olivia medium raffia shoulder bag

    Khaite Olivia medium raffia shoulder bag
    £1200 AT NET-A-PORTER

    & Other Stories Pointed Slingback Pumps

    & Other Stories Pointed Slingback Pumps
    £87 AT & OTHER STORIES

    Epifene Hera Earrings

    Epifene Hera Earrings
    £64 AT REVOLVE

    A black tie wedding

    A post shared by Tamara Kalinic (@tamara)

    A photo posted by on

    Club L Colorado High-neck Fishtail Maxi Dress

    Club L Colorado High-neck Fishtail Maxi Dress
    £65 AT CLUB L

    Simon Miller Molded Heart metallic shoulder bag

    Simon Miller Molded Heart metallic shoulder bag
    £340 AT FARFETCH

    Charles & Keith Asymmetric Strappy Heeled Sandals

    Charles & Keith Asymmetric Strappy Heeled Sandals
    £65 AT CHARLES & KEITH

    Alaia Peplum leather belt

    Alaia Peplum leather belt
    £2490 AT MYTHERESA

    A town hall wedding

    Best black wedding guest dresses Harlie Briggs in black printed kitri dress

    (Image credit: @harliebriggsart_)

    Kitri Jacquetta Black Cygnus And Lyra Print Halterneck Maxi Dress

    Kitri Jacquetta Black Print Halterneck Maxi Dress
    £245 AT KITRI

    Charles & Keith Wisteria Elongated Top Handle Bag

    Charles & Keith Wisteria Elongated Top Handle Bag
    £85 AT CHARLES & KEITH

    Dune Hastas Pointed Patent Mary Janes

    Dune Hastas Pointed Patent Mary Janes
    £85 AT DUNE

    Miu Miu Enameled metal hair clip

    Miu Miu Enameled metal hair clip
    £260 AT MIU MIU

    A countryside wedding

    Best black wedding guest dresses Fisayo Longe in black floral dress

    (Image credit: @fisayolonge)

    Queen of Archives Cassidy Dress

    Queen of Archives Cassidy Dress
    £177 (WAS £295) AT QUEEN OF ARCHIVE

    Mango Satin bag with metal ring

    Mango Satin bag with metal ring
    £25.99 AT MANGO

    Rixo Ciervo Leather Sandals

    Rixo Ciervo Leather Sandals
    £215 AT RIXO

    Jennifer Fisher Puffy Heart Small 14kt gold-plated earrings

    Jennifer Fisher Puffy Heart earrings
    £340 AT MYTHERESA

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Zoe Anastasiou
    Zoe Anastasiou
    Social Links Navigation
    Fashion Editor

    Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire. 

    With contributions from
    • Jazzria HarrisFreelance Fashion & Beauty Writer
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