31 Black Dresses That Are Actually Wedding-Appropriate

Well, it’s July, which means for the foreseeable future I’ll have at least one friend in Italy for a wedding at all times—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 we love things we can wear on repeat, I’m here to remind everyone that you absolutely have permission to 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 particularly enjoy laughing at your fashion time capsules, it's excellent to wear in photos that will no doubt 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 round-up 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.)

Norma Kamali

Bias Strapless Gown

$325

A dress that will save you from even the most ambiguous dress code.

Reformation

Annabelle Silk Dress Es

$448

She's absolutely in Italy.

Bernadette

Serena Dress

$760

Show me a sweeter, more romantic dress?

Coperni

Ruffle Dress

$710

That ruffle is ready to party.

H&M

Flounce-Trimmed Dress

$75

Bless a dress that works with flats or heels.

SIR.

Dorian Strapless Midi Dress

$460

I love the top version of this ruched SIR. dress, which is perfect for a coastal wedding.

Anna October

Anjea Maxi Dress

$825

I mean.

Yumi Kim

Nova Dress

$198

Here for the rosette.

Reformation

Jeany Silk Dress

$348

Florals on black are a yes.

BERNADETTE

Zaza Belted Off-The-Shoulder Floral-Print Linen Maxi Dress

$960

A silhouette for anyone who just can't with this heat.

TOTEME

Twisted Draped Satin Maxi Dress

$750

You'll want to click through to see the back of this dress.

Elliatt

Rendevous Dress

$225

The pearl accent makes this satin dress feel particularly daytime-friendly.

SIR.

Aries Lace Slip Dress

$520

We love a black lace dress that doesn't venture into possible lingerie territory.

MISHA

Anita Dress

$413

As above!

Cecilie Bahnsen

Posy Matelassé Gabriella Dress

$1700$850

Cecilie Bahnsen knows how to make a black dress fun.

The Wolf Gang

Casella Maxi Dress

$420

Vineyard-ready.

Elliatt

Norma Dress

$260$182

Just a little drama!

La Double J

Roy Dress

$1200

When La Double J does black.

ELOQUII

Asymmetric Cutout Maxi Dress

$130$104

Elegant and effortless.

Reformation

Cavallo Dress Es

$348

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

Reformation

Kastoria Dress

$378

Pockets!

City Chic

Bea Wrap Front Tiered Dress

$119

Ideal for less formal wedding—and then for so many future occasions.

SOLACE LONDON

Eve Strapless Crepe Gown

$685

Excuse me with this neckline.

ELLIATT

Isadora Gown

$260

Black tie on a budget.

Shona Joy

Claude Cut Out Maxi Dress

$480

A long-time Australian go-to brand for occasion dresses you'll wear more than once.

Norma Kamali

One Shoulder Bias Gown

$325

Equally excellent from the front.

ELOQUII

Gathered Single Sleeve Column Maxi Dress

$120$96

I've never regretted a one-sleeve moment.

ZARA

Satin Midi Slip Dress

$60$20

This on-sale find is going to sell out in a flash.

Reformation

Casette Silk Dress

$328

We love a dress that's not trying to do too much.

Sachin & Babi

Kayla Halter Gown

$171

Nothing like a halter to make it all about your earrings.

City Chic

Lidia Lace Trim Maxi Dress

$99

It's a 10/10 for breeziness.