Can I wear a little black dress to a wedding?

What you'll wear to a wedding is largely decided by the dress code , but, generally speaking, a little black dress is appropriate to wear to most weddings.

Can you wear a little black dress to a casual summer wedding?

Absolutely! Little black dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton and linen feel especially appropriate for warm-weather nuptials .

What colors go with a little black dress?

The biggest perk of a LBD is that it goes with everything. Those who want a bold look so should go for colorful and statement-making accessories, while those with minimalist tastes should consider monochromatic accents and delicate jewelry.

The 18 Best Little Black Dresses in 2023

Popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the little black dress has long been a closet staple. This iconic piece is beloved for its versatility, timeless aesthetic, and flattering silhouette. What's more, no matter the occasion, a little black dress never feels out of place. So, if you’re looking for a tried and true outfit that will carry you from one wedding season to the next, consider adding a little black dress (or two!) to your wedding guest wardrobe.

The beauty of a little black dress is that it goes with everything, and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the wedding's dress code and locale. LBDs also come in endless variations from simple silhouettes with classic necklines to body-hugging mini dresses with subtle embellishments. Plus, a classic black dress can endure the test of time making it a smart investment for years to come.

Whether you're attending a modern city wedding, a formal celebration, or seaside nuptials, read on for the best little black dresses every wedding guest will want.

Our Top Picks

Best Under $50:

ASOS DESIGN Satin Maxi Slip Dress at Asos

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Best for Dancing:

Lulus Black Ruffled Midi Dress at Lulus

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For a New Year's Eve Wedding:

Markarian Orchid Ruffled Cotton Mini Dress at Bergdorfgoodman.com

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Best for Making an Entrance:

Taller Marmo Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress at Net-a-Porter

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For a Spring Wedding:

Reformation Bridgton Linen Dress at Reformation

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For a Holiday Wedding:

Retrofête Sequin Mini Dress at Revolve

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For the Minimalist:

BHLDN Charmeuse Midi Dress at Anthropologie

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Best Mini Dress:

Lovers and Friends Heartbreaker Dress at Revolve

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Most Retro:

Reformation St. Louis Velvet Dress at Reformation

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Most Elegant:

Maeve Pearl-Strap Dress at Anthropologie

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Courtesy of ASOS

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For a perfectly polished look that won't break the bank, consider this simple slip dress from ASOS. Not only does it retail for under $50, but it looks super luxurious and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Price at time of publish: $40

Courtesy of Lulus

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This flouncy number from Lulus is perfect for twirling around the dancefloor. Thanks to a ruffled bodice and hemline this LBD feels playful yet elegant and is designed to move when you move. Follow the styling lead and go monochromatic with a black clutch and sunglasses.

Price at time of publish: $55

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Modaoperandi.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

It's all in the details when it comes to this LBD. Markarian's 'Orchid' dress is crafted from luxe velvet and features ruffled contrasting sleeves adorned with crystals making it a no-brainer for a festive affair like a New Year's Eve wedding.

Price at time of publish: $2,595

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Make an entrance in this captivating dress from Taller Marmo. It boasts an elegant one-shoulder neckline and is trimmed with wispy feathers for an eye-catching look. Play up the '70s-inspired silhouette with a pair of fun pumps and a metallic clutch.

Price at time of publish: $1,830

View On Reformation

Crafted from breezy linen and boasting details like an exquisite off-the-shoulder neckline, flowing skirt, and thigh-high slit, this LBD is a divine choice for a spring or summer wedding. Pair with wedges and loose waves for a casual wedding or sleek pumps and shoulder-grazing earrings for a more formal affair.

Price at time of publish: $248

View On Revolve View On Bloomingdales View On Fwrd.com

If you love a little sparkle or you're heading to a wedding around the holidays, a sequin embellished mini dress is the way to go. This one is sexy and comfortable, and the perfect party dress to have in your arsenal.

Price at time of publish: $675

Courtesy of BHLDN

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Simple yet elegant, BHLDN's satin charmeuse midi dress was designed with the minimalist in mind. A side slit and deep-V neckline give this classic silhouette some edge.

Price at time of publish: $220

Courtesy of Revolve

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Channel your playful side with this little black mini dress. We love how the mock neck silhouette and tie closure highlight the shoulders and draw attention to the beautiful open back.

Price at time of publish: $178

Courtesy of Reformation

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This eye-catching dress is sure to make you stand out in a sea of wedding guest outfits. Plus, the 1980s-inspired bubble hem adds the perfect amount of whimsy to the structured silhouette.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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Designed with double strap pearls that highlight your shoulders and criss-cross at the back, this black dress oozes sophistication. It's perfect for a formal wedding and comes in standard, petite, and plus sizing. We love this style with a bold red lip and delicate jewelry.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

A LBD crafted from lightweight fabrics, like cotton and airy lace, is always a smart idea for a summer wedding. We love this breezy guipure lace dress complete with a flattering shirred waist and eyelash trim for a wedding set against a seaside or countryside backdrop.

Price at time of publish: $345

Shop Mango

View On Mango.com

This dazzling number is covered in shimmering rhinestones and is crafted from soft and comfortable velvet. We love it for a formal wedding dress code that calls for a little glamour and sparkle.

Price at time of publish: $60

Courtesy of Reformation

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This Reformation dress is as sweet as ever for a warm-weather wedding. Shoulder bows and a smocked back bodice make this summer-ready dress perfect for a destination wedding or a seaside soirée.

Price at time of publish: $218

Courtesy of & Other Stories

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If the wedding calls for cocktail attire, you truly can't go wrong with this party-ready dress. The oversized ruffle and off-the-shoulder neckline make for a striking duo that will land you heaps of compliments.

Price at time of publish: $149

View On Revolve

If you're not one to shy away from a statement-making piece, then this Nookie dress definitely deserves a spot in your closet. It features a larger-than-life detachable bow that has party written all over it.

Price at time of publish: $369

Courtesy of Lulus

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If you're looking for a dress that can easily be worn to a wedding or post-work event, go for this timeless silhouette from Lulus. This simple style acts as a blank canvas and can easily be dressed up or down. For a semi-formal wedding, we love it with stilettos, shoulder-grazing earrings, and a sleek updo.

Price at time of publish: $69

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Attending a casual summer wedding? Opt for this gorgeous cotton piece from L'Academie. It's fun and flattering and feels polished yet relaxed. Plus, the plunging neckline is supremely elegant and the length is perfect for showcasing a fun pair of shoes.

Price at time of publish: $238

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

There's no doubt that this breathtaking dress will turn heads and set you apart from the rest. This curve-hugging number is crafted from velvet, and features a dazzling crystal flower brooch at the hip–talk about built-in jewelry!

Price at time of publish: $545

What to Look for in a Little Black Dress

When it comes to picking out the perfect little black dress for a wedding, make sure it's season-appropriate and adheres to the dress code. For weddings that call for cocktail attire, a little black dress is always a smart and stylish option and can easily be dressed up or down. For winter weddings, opt for silhouettes that are a little longer and crafted from warmer fabrics or feature embellishments for a festive look. And if you're wondering if you can wear a LBD to a summer wedding, the answer is yes. Mini and midi silhouettes crafted from lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and lace are great for spring or summer weddings and can easily be styled with colorful or neutral accessories.

FAQ

Can I wear a little black dress to a wedding?

What you'll wear to a wedding is largely decided by the dress code, but, generally speaking, a little black dress is appropriate to wear to most weddings.
Can you wear a little black dress to a casual summer wedding?

Absolutely! Little black dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton and linen feel especially appropriate for warm-weather nuptials.
What colors go with a little black dress?

The biggest perk of a LBD is that it goes with everything. Those who want a bold look so should go for colorful and statement-making accessories, while those with minimalist tastes should consider monochromatic accents and delicate jewelry.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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