How Can I Wear Black To A Wedding? 3 Styling Tips for Wedding Guests

Wedding season is officially underway. The Saves the Dates are arriving through the letterbox, and it's time to find the perfect wedding guest outfit. As much as we LOVE to celebrate love, finding looks for multiple weddings can be a little expensive and let's be honest, stressful.

This is where a trusty black dress and accessories come in. The failsafe staples are no doubt waiting in your wardrobe, or if you're looking to purchase, a timeless black dress and accessories can be worn throughout the seasons.

But can I wear black to a wedding, we hear you ask? Absolutely! If you follow these three styling tips, you can ensure your outfit looks fab over drab.

Image credit: @SofiaRichieGrainge | Hailey Bieber Daily Mail | @LaurenIreland | @NicoleRichie 

Tip One: Winning Silhouettes

When wearing a black dress to a wedding, opt for refined silhouettes and fabrics for a polished finish. Dependent on the dress code - and the weather! - a maxi-length dress is an obvious choice, especially for a black-tie affair. If prefer a sky-high hemline, fashion-forward silhouettes still look classy but add fun to your outfit. Luxe loves an exaggerated shift dress for a style that is universally flattering but still looks on-trend. Adding voluminous details from bows to puffy sleeves screams effortlessly cool and adds intrigue to a simple LBD.

Take style tips from celebrity wedding guests who have used a black dress to radiate old-school Hollywood glamour. Nicole Richie’s recent look for sister Sofia Richie’s wedding (swooning, swooning, swooning) is one of our favourites. The archival Donna Karen gown, with the dramatic asymmetrical bodice, also featured ruching and a long train to deliver ultimate goth-glamour.

A little too formal for your taste? Lauren Ireland's Christopher Esber number gave effortless elegance. The high-neck, backless dress featured oversized resin-chain link detailing making for a real photographic moment. Emma Roberts' also opted for a lighter take on black for friend Paris Hilton's nuptials. Her black chiffon dress with voluminous skirt gave a softness and movement that would be perfect for a Spring wedding guest outfit.

Tip Two: Perfectly Paired Black Accessories 

Okay, your outfit has been chosen, now it's time for those all-important details. All-black everything always looks super chic and takes the guesswork out of accessorising your outfit. Great for your wardrobe, bank balance and the environment, preloved black accessories add a touch of luxury and can be re-worn for different occasions and seasons. 

Featured products: Mach & Mach heeled pumps | Jimmy Choo Feather Diamante Heels | Dolce & Gabbana Gold Heart Lace Bag

Remember, black does not mean boring! Jimmy Choo is synonymous with bridal footwear, but the brand's black pumps make the perfect wedding guest shoe. This preloved pair of Jimmy Choo heels feature a decadent feather and crystal-embellished trim; that take you effortlessly from the ceremony to the dance floor.

Need more sparkle? Say no more. These pre-loved Mach & Mach heeled pumps with beautiful pearl and crystal detailing are sure to turn heads and dazzle. 

Image credit: @amelialiana   Featured Products: Bottega Veneta Silver Chain Pouch | Saint Laurent Heeled Sandals 

A bag is a non-negotiable; how else will you carry confetti, tissues and lipgloss? A black designer handbag can pair perfectly with black shoes for a magic monochromatic moment. 

Black designer clutch bags or pouches, like this preloved Chanel Classic pouches, are great for event dressing. We also love this beautiful preloved Bottega Veneta pouch, which can be styled as a clutch bag or worn over the shoulder with the chunky silver hardware chain strap.

At Luxe Collective, we would style with a pre-loved Saint Laurent silver heeled sandal or preloved glitzy Miu Miu heels for a silver spin of Amelia Liana's recent wedding guest look.

Featured Products: Mach & Mach Double Bow Heels | Chanel Classic Flap Patent Pink | Christian Louboutin So Kate Pump | Chanel Classic Double Flap Blue Chevron | Chanel Micro 22s Heart Bag 

Tip Three: Add Spring to your Step

If you want your accessories to do the talking, sunshine-bright shoes and bags make the perfect choice for a Spring wedding and will lighten up a black dress. These preloved Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Toe heels bring all the colours of Spring, whilst So Kates in canary yellow and raspberry Saint Laurent platforms turn up the saturation.

Colour blocking is always a good style rule to follow. When working with colour, choose contrasting tones or tonal hues to ensure your outfit looks polished and fun. We love this combination of pre-loved Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps in bubblegum pink with the beautiful baby-pink pre-loved Chanel small chevron chic top-handle bag for a spring wedding.

You may be a guest, but why not add something blue for the special day? Preloved Gucci Marmont mules or preloved Mach & Mach silk satin double bow heels do just that.

Follow our Luxe style tips to get wedding-guest ready this wedding season. Our full Occasionwear Edit is full of beautiful preloved luxury designer accessories and footwear ready to be styled for the wedding season or any big celebration you have RSVP'd this Spring.