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16 Chic Black Dresses You Can Wear as a Wedding Guest

Formal-Black-Dress-Stock-Photo
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Calendar filling up with weddings? With travel plans to make and gifts to buy, the last thing we want to worry about is what we're going to wear. If you have no clue where to start, fall back on the most trusted option in existence — a killer black dress!

No matter the theme or location, a black dress will be a safe bet for more reasons than one. It's a timeless hue, and it's a strong color if there will be photos taken. Its flattering effect can't be ignored!

But then there's the next question: Which type of black dress should you buy? There are a few different options available. If the vibe of the wedding is more low-key, you can opt for a shorter dress or a frock with a simpler silhouette. That said, some basic dresses can actually look chic and elevated with the right styling — so it completely depends on how you want to accessorize it. If the dress code is fancier, we think a full-length style is definitely the way to go!

Black dresses also have another major advantage: You can wear them over and over again! You don't want to spend serious money on a dress that's going to end up collecting dust after a wedding, but if you buy a black one, you may find yourself reaching for it more often. With that in mind, we picked out a number of black dresses that will fit the aesthetic for any wedding event you're shopping for. One of these styles could become your new go-to LBD!

Becka Formal Mesh High Slit Long Dress

windsor-becka-dress
windsor-becka-dress

Windsor

Heading to a fall wedding? It's probably too cold for a strapless cocktail dress, but it's not quite cold enough yet for a velvet gown. This mesh dress is the perfect (and we mean perfect) middle ground. It's just right in every way, from its eye-catching square neckline to its romantic bell sleeves!

Pros

  • Stretchy knit lining

  • Leaves room for all types of necklaces

  • Under $60

Cons

  • While bra-friendly, some bra styles may not work

SEE IT!

Available at: Windsor

Shelly High Slit Glitter Knit Formal Dress

Shelly High Slit Glitter Knit Formal Dress
Shelly High Slit Glitter Knit Formal Dress

Windsor

Cowl neck tops and dresses are some of our favorite styles to shop for, and this gown takes the look to the ultimate elegant level. While it's still comfy and easy to rock, the floor length and dramatic high slit make it fit for a formal affair. Plus, the fabric has a dusting of subtle glitter so you can sparkle!

Pros 

  • Affordable

  • Comfy, stretchy knit fabric

Cons 

  • Non-adjustable straps

SEE IT!

Available at: Windsor

Kimberly Formal Flocked Mesh A-Line Dress

Kimberly Formal Flocked Mesh A-Line Dress
Kimberly Formal Flocked Mesh A-Line Dress

Windsor

Lace, lace and more face! If you're a fan of this dainty and romantic material, this is the frock to rock. The floor-length gown is lined with black satin and has the most beautiful floral face overlay on top that's flowy and fabulous. The dress also gets bonus points for the slits on the front of the lining which show off your legs!

Pros 

  • Flattering empire waist

  • Comfortable fit

  • Criss-cross adjustable straps in the back

Cons 

  • Limited sizing

SEE IT!

Available at: Windsor

Petal & Pup Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Petal & Pup Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Nordstrom

If you want to go for a long and sweet garment but still look glamorous and occasion-appropriate, this is the one! It's very simple, but the one-shoulder design and flouncy, curvy hem make it feel truly special.

Pros 

  • Moderately affordable

  • Breathable polyester

  • Loose-fit for more comfort

Cons 

  • May be a bit too long for some

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

LYANER Women's Bodycon Midi Dress

LYANER Women's Bodycon Midi Dress
LYANER Women's Bodycon Midi Dress

Amazon

This dress takes the concept of a classic LBD and puts a more unique spin on the look! We adore the asymmetrical hem as well as the neckline, plus the more fitted design is incredibly figure-flattering. Shoppers say they were super impressed with how incredible they look in the dress — not to mention how comfortable it is!

Pros 

  • Affordable

  • Flattering fit

  • Tons of color options

Cons 

  • Material may be a bit sheer

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

The Drop Women's Ana Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress

The Drop Women's Ana Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress
The Drop Women's Ana Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress

Amazon

Slip dresses like this one will always look great, as they give you a ton of styling room to work with. You can put your own spin on this dress by adding different types of accessories so you can wear it in various ways. If you want a versatile dress, this is the one to buy!

Pros 

  • Simple style

  • Super versatile

  • Tons of positive reviews

Cons 

  • Slightly higher price tag

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

ZAFUL Women's Satin Cowl Neck Mini Dress

ZAFUL Women's Satin Cowl Neck Mini Dress
ZAFUL Women's Satin Cowl Neck Mini Dress

Amazon

This divine little dress was made for fun! We like the way the material drapes on the body and shows plenty of leg with the added side slits. If you're looking for a dress you can seriously party in, this beauty has your name written all over it!

Pros 

  • Super affordable

  • Tons of color options

  • Flattering fit

Cons

  • May run a bit small

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

Cosonsen Deep V-Neck Long Sleeve Ruffle Swing Dress

Cosonsen Deep V-Neck Long Sleeve Ruffle Swing Dress
Cosonsen Deep V-Neck Long Sleeve Ruffle Swing Dress

Amazon

If you want to pick up a dress with more of a boho feel, this may be the winner! The ruffle hem provides a much more carefree vibe that feels fabulously flowy. This dress may be a bit too casual for a wedding, but when you buy it in black, it immediately feels dressier and more wedding-appropriate!

Pros 

  • Comfortable fit

  • Affordable

  • Top-rated Amazon style

Cons 

  • Sizing is a bit tricky

  • May be too short for some

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

La Femme Strapless Ruched Soft Jersey Gown

La Femme Strapless Ruched Soft Jersey Gown
La Femme Strapless Ruched Soft Jersey Gown

Nordstrom

The sleek design of this full-length gown is ideal if you're a fan of the minimalist look! The high-low style on the front of the dress can actually make you look taller and elongate the body, which can complement so many figures.

Pros 

  • Incredibly versatile style

  • Figure-flattering

Cons 

  • Higher-end price tag

  • Limited sizing

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

Dress the Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress

Dress the Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress
Dress the Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom

Timeless is the name of the game with this adorable cocktail dress! Shoppers can't stop raving about how confident they feel in this dress — they adore the "classy" feel it exudes. You'll be able to wear it to so many special events that aren't just wedding-related!

Pros 

  • Plenty of positive reviews

  • Comfortable fit

  • Classic silhouette

Cons 

  • Limited sizing

  • Higher price tag

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

French Connection Whisper Ruffle Minidress

French Connection Whisper Ruffle Minidress
French Connection Whisper Ruffle Minidress

Nordstrom

Shorter dresses may look like they're better suited for the club than a formal wedding, but not this one! The added ruffles on the sleeves and the structured silhouette give this LBD a more refined look that's dreamy for any type of wedding.

Pros 

  • High-quality materials

  • Tons of glowing reviews

Cons 

  • Slightly pricy

  • Shoppers say the dress runs very small

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

Ever-Pretty Women's Off Shoulder Dress

Ever-Pretty Women's Off Shoulder Dress
Ever-Pretty Women's Off Shoulder Dress

Walmart

This is the best dress to buy if you're attending a wedding with a black tie dress code. It has a more dramatic feel, but it's still understated enough to not upstage the bride on her big day!

Pros 

  • Comfortable fit

  • Affordable

  • Positive customer feedback

Cons 

  • May be too long for some

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

Sukleet Women's V-Neck Satin Dress

Sukleet Women's V-Neck Satin Dress
Sukleet Women's V-Neck Satin Dress

Amazon

How could anyone not fall in love with this fierce mini dress? We love the silhouette and think it would be impossible for anyone to look bad in it. Shoppers say the quality that you get for the price is truly unmatched!

Pros 

  • Currently on sale

  • Impressively expansive sizing available

  • Versatile design

Cons 

  • Finding the right size may be tricky

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

Floerns Women's Plunging Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress

Floerns Women's Plunging Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress
Floerns Women's Plunging Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress

Amazon

Reviewers claim this full-length maxi dress totally exceeded their expectations! It has the unique ability to feel both covered-up while showing off some extra skin thanks to its sheer elements. Wearing this dress is certainly going to make a major statement!

Pros 

  • Super affordable

  • Tons of positive customer feedback

  • Comfortable fit

Cons 

  • May run small

SEE IT!

Available at: Amazon

Steve Madden Florentina Rosette Ruffle Georgette Halter Dress

Steve Madden Florentina Rosette Ruffle Georgette Halter Dress
Nordstrom

If you prefer to wear formal clothing that has a Y2K twist, then you'll love this halter dress. It has a beautiful rosette embellishment at the neckline and has a slight handkerchief hemline for a fashion-forward, elevated vibe.

Pros

  • Super affordable

  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • May run small

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

Chelsea28 Flirt Peplum Minidress

Chelsea28 Flirt Peplum Minidress
Nordstrom

For those who are more toned down with their formal clothing, you'll love this peplum minidress. It's the perfect flirty piece thanks to its flouncy skirt overlay and it's form-hugging skirt underneath — which allow for plenty of movement.

Pros

  • Currently on sale

  • Versatile design

Cons

  • May be too short for some

SEE IT!

Available at: Nordstrom

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas for Brides and Grooms

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