31 Black Dresses That Are Actually Wedding Appropriate

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.)
Reformation x Laura Harrier should tell us everything we need to know.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
-
From Engagement to Holiday Parties, My Closet Is in Need of Some Fancy Dresses—32 Chic Options I'm Eyeing
Here are the standouts.
-
I'm a Bridal Stylist—These Are the Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses Under $500
The couple is sure to approve.
-
It's Boho Chic on a Budget—29 Gorgeous Free People Sale Finds I'm Absolutely Loving
Up to 70% off!
-
Selena Gomez's Wedding Dress Has Me Suddenly Rethinking 2025's Most Popular Bridal Trend
See the jaw-dropping photos.
-
I Just Attended a Black-Tie Wedding in Montecito—Here's Everything the Best Dressed Guests Wore
Shop 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 Now
Get ready to answer, "Where'd you get that?"
-
Sure, Trousers Are a Fall Staple, But IMO, Dresses Are So Much Better—33 Gorgeous Styles From Mango, Reformation, and Anthropologie
An underrated essential.