The Little Black Dress: Wedding Edition

how to dress up lbd for wedding

While wearing black to a wedding was once considered a fashion faux pas, it is now widely accepted. The little black dress (LBD) is a wardrobe staple and a versatile option for wedding guests. To dress up your LBD for a wedding, consider the time of year, the time of day, and the dress code. For a formal wedding, opt for accessories with texture or lace, and a clutch bag. To avoid a sombre look, add a pop of colour with your nails, a shawl, or a statement necklace. For an evening wedding, a more formal shoe style is appropriate, such as a pair with rhinestones or a metallic finish.

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Add colour with accessories and shoes

The versatility of the little black dress means that it can be dressed up or down with accessories and shoes to match the requested attire for the wedding. For a casual wedding, an LBD can be styled with a blazer or sweater vest for a more relaxed look. For a black-tie wedding, guests can pair their LBD with complementary jewellery and accessories to fit the formal dress code.

To add colour to your LBD, consider accessorising with a colourful scarf, statement jewellery, a hat, or a purse. You can also pair your LBD with colourful shoes to lighten up your entire look. For a glamorous and elegant outfit, pair your dress with colourful high heels. If you prefer a more casual or edgier style, try colourful chunky biker boots, loafers, or even a pair of trendy trainers.

If you're attending a simple outdoor or daytime wedding, a thin, strappy LBD can be a great choice. To balance out the dark hue, especially if you expect most other guests to be in bright colours, add a pop of colour with your accessories. For a more formal wedding, a drapey-style LBD can be paired with playful fabrics like a lacy overlay to lighten the look.

For a sexy, glamorous look, add a low v-neckline, a gold belt, or some red lipstick.

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Wear a statement necklace

Wearing a statement necklace with your little black dress (LBD) is a great way to dress it up for a wedding. Statement necklaces can add a touch of glamour and elegance to your outfit, and are perfect for formal events.

When choosing a statement necklace, consider the neckline of your dress. The right necklace will draw attention to your décolletage and enhance your overall look. If your dress has a high neckline, opt for a necklace that doesn't sit too close to the neck. You could also consider the material of your LBD. If it's a simple and sleek black dress, a statement necklace can be the perfect opportunity to showcase exquisite and intricate jewellery.

The type of statement necklace you choose will depend on your personal style and the occasion. For a wedding, you may want to opt for something more refined and luxurious, such as fine jewellery made from precious metals and gemstones. This can elevate your black dress to new heights of sophistication. If you're attending a black-tie wedding, a more sophisticated approach to your jewellery may be appropriate.

However, don't be afraid to add a pop of colour to your LBD with your statement necklace. This can be a great way to make your outfit more festive and less sombre, especially if the wedding is during the day or in the summer. You can also pair your statement necklace with other colourful accessories, such as nails, shoes, or a shawl, to add even more colour to your outfit.

Finally, when wearing a statement necklace, consider your other jewellery pieces. Ensure your statement necklace complements, rather than competes with, your earrings, rings, and bracelets. If your necklace is the focal point, opt for more subdued earrings and vice versa.

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Opt for brightly coloured shoes

While wearing black to a wedding was once considered a fashion faux pas, it is now an accepted and stylish option for guests. If you're planning on wearing a little black dress (LBD) to a wedding, you can dress it up and make it fun and colourful by opting for brightly coloured shoes.

Brightly coloured shoes are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit and make a statement. You can choose a shade that complements the other colours in your outfit, such as a bright pink or yellow, or go for a contrasting colour like a bold blue or green. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try mixing and matching different shades of the same colour family.

The style of shoe you choose can also vary depending on the formality of the wedding and the time of day it is held. For a more casual or early evening wedding, open-toed sandals or short heel pumps in a bright colour can be a great option. For a more formal or evening wedding, you could try a classic pump or a shoe with rhinestones or a metallic finish in a bright shade.

Remember, the key to dressing up your LBD with brightly coloured shoes is to have fun and be creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and styles to find the perfect look that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

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Choose an evening bag or clutch

When choosing an evening bag or clutch to go with your little black dress (LBD) for a wedding, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to ensure that your chosen bag is functional and can fit all your essentials, such as keys, lipstick, cash/cards, and a phone. Steer clear of styles that are too casual, like crossbody belt bags, and avoid overstuffing your clutch, as this can make it look bulky and ruin the overall aesthetic.

The type of bag you choose can depend on the style of the wedding. For a vintage-themed wedding, opt for a clutch bag with a vintage design or a knot clutch featuring a decorative knot or twist detail. A sleek bag with clean lines or metallic finishes is perfect for a modern wedding, while box clutches adorned with pearls, crystals, or other embellishments are ideal for formal weddings. If you plan to wear a heavily embellished or patterned outfit, choose a clutch with a simple design, and if you'll be wearing a simple outfit, you can opt for a statement clutch to elevate your look.

When it comes to colour, there are a few things to keep in mind. While it's not necessary for your clutch to match your dress exactly, it should complement the overall colour scheme of your outfit. Bright colours can work well with neutral outfits, and vice versa. If you're wearing a formal gown or cocktail dress, consider an evening clutch with metallic tones. You can also match your clutch to your accessories, such as your shoes and jewellery, but don't feel pressured to match it with everything. Look for complementary textures and colours to create visual interest.

Finally, don't forget the power of a clutch to elevate your guest attire. A stylish clutch or purse can tie your entire look together while also serving a practical purpose. If you're looking for a universal set that will go with any dress for a formal occasion, invest in a pair of nude or black pumps and a matching evening clutch or dinner purse.

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Wear a colourful scarf

Wearing a colourful scarf with your little black dress (LBD) is a great way to dress it up for a wedding. A colourful scarf can add a pop of colour and texture to your outfit, making it more festive and fun.

When choosing a scarf, consider the time of year and the wedding venue. If it's a winter wedding or an evening wedding, opt for a scarf in a thicker fabric, such as wool or cashmere, to keep you warm. You can also choose a scarf with a festive pattern or a bright colour to add a touch of cheer to your outfit. If it's a summer wedding or an outdoor wedding, go for a lighter fabric such as silk or chiffon, and choose a scarf with a fun, colourful print or a bright, solid colour.

You can also style your scarf in different ways to change up your look. Try draping it loosely around your neck, or wrapping it once or twice for a more snug fit. You can also tie it in a knot at the front or side, or even wear it as a headscarf or a belt.

Additionally, you can coordinate your scarf with other accessories. For example, you could match the colour of your shoes or handbag to one of the colours in the scarf, or wear statement jewellery that complements the scarf's colour palette.

Frequently asked questions

While it used to be considered a fashion faux pas, wearing a little black dress to a wedding is now generally considered acceptable. It is a good idea to pair it with colourful accessories and avoid a lace veil or a floor-length gown.

The type of shoe you should wear with your little black dress depends on the time of day and formality of the wedding. For a casual or early evening wedding, open-toed sandals, short-heel pumps, or classic pumps are ideal. For a formal or evening wedding, a more formal style is appropriate, such as shoes with rhinestones or a metallic finish. You could also try a brightly coloured shoe to add a pop of colour to your outfit.

Accessories are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit. You could wear a brightly coloured shawl, a statement necklace, or a colourful scarf. Don't forget about your purse! An evening or clutch bag can also add a formal touch to your outfit.

If you are hesitant about wearing a black dress to a wedding, a brightly coloured cocktail dress or a floral sundress are great alternatives.

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