Well, it's July, which means I'll have at least one friend in Italy for a wedding for the foreseeable future—all requiring outfit recommendations for what are promising to be both extremely chic and extremely sweaty events. The dress codes range from cocktail to black tie to garden party, with weather forecasts landing anywhere from uncomfortably hot to full-blown heat wave.
Between this sticky humidity and the fact that we love things we can wear on repeat, I'm here to remind everyone that you absolutely have permission to wear black to weddings. So long as you're staying respectful of dress codes, cultural traditions, and requests from the couple, black is fantastic for weddings, and if you don't enjoy laughing at your fashion time capsules, it's excellent to wear in photos that will undoubtedly reemerge on whatever social media looks like in the decades to come. Since we're in the thick of the season, what better time for a roundup of black dresses that are perfectly appropriate for wedding guests? (I also strongly support non-dress looks for weddings, but we'll save that for a future story.)
A dress that will save you from even the most ambiguous dress code.
She's absolutely in Italy.
Show me a sweeter, more romantic dress.
That ruffle is ready to party.
Bless a dress that works with flats or heels.
I love the top version of this ruched SIR dress, which is perfect for a coastal wedding.
I mean.
Here for the rosette.
Florals on black are a yes.
A silhouette for anyone who just can't with this heat.
You'll want to click through to see the back of this dress.
The pearl accent makes this satin dress feel particularly daytime-friendly.
We love a black lace dress that doesn't venture into lingerie territory.
As above!
Cecilie Bahnsen knows how to make a black dress fun.
Vineyard ready.
Just a little drama!
When La DoubleJ does black.
Elegant and effortless.
Reformation x Laura Harrier should tell us everything we need to know.
Pockets!
Ideal for a less formal wedding and then for so many future occasions.
Excuse me with this neckline.
Black tie on a budget.
A longtime Australian go-to brand for occasion dresses you'll wear more than once.
Equally excellent from the front.
I've never regretted a one-sleeve moment.
This on-sale find is going to sell out in a flash.
We love a dress that's not trying to do too much.
Nothing like a halter to make it all about your earrings.
It's a 10/10 for breeziness.
-
I Basically Live in Skirts and Dresses—These 22 Are on My Wish List Right NowFrom knee-length skirts to floor-length dresses.
-
From Engagement to Holiday Parties, My Closet Is in Need of Some Fancy Dresses—32 Chic Options I'm EyeingHere are the standouts.
-
I'm a Bridal Stylist—These Are the Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses Under $500The couple is sure to approve.
-
It's Boho Chic on a Budget—29 Gorgeous Free People Sale Finds I'm Absolutely LovingUp to 70% off!
-
Selena Gomez's Wedding Dress Has Me Suddenly Rethinking 2025's Most Popular Bridal TrendSee the jaw-dropping photos.
-
I Just Attended a Black-Tie Wedding in Montecito—Here's Everything the Best Dressed Guests WoreShop the edit.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—Here Are 30 Fall Finds That I'm Hands Down Most Excited About Right NowGet ready to answer, "Where'd you get that?"
