A wedding is a solemn celebration surrounded by rituals and signs. The traditional symbol of the event is the bride's white dress. Modern fashion and the trend for originality make it clear that a black wedding dress can be just as luxurious and memorable. The special symbolism of this color and the established cultural background turn ceremonial clothing into a challenge to society, emphasizing the bold views and taste of the bride. How to choose such a dress, who will it suit and what does the black "color code" promise to newlyweds? Let's take a closer look at all the nuances of choosing a dress.
Is it possible to use this color?
There are many superstitions associated with the color black in culture. For example, among Europeans and Slavs it is a symbol of mourning, and in the East white is considered mournful. Cultural traditions are formed historically, under the influence of fashion and thousands of other factors. It is important to understand that regardless of whether the wedding dress is white, blue, red or black, it is still a beautiful outfit designed to distinguish the bride from all those present at the ceremony.
Yes, black can be used when choosing a wedding dress. It is original, beautiful and elegant. This color suits absolutely everyone and with a good silhouette, it will hide any figure flaws.
Color has a psychological effect on a person, causing mood swings. In psychology, black color has the following characteristics:
- Symbolizes female sexuality and femininity in general;
- Helps to collect one’s feelings, discipline oneself, calm down and get into a serious mood;
- Represents challenge, rebellion, desire for change, thirst for attention.
It may happen that a girl wonders whether it is possible to go to a wedding in a black dress and worries about the “bad reputation” of this shade. It would be appropriate to recall examples of famous marriages, where the bride was dressed in noble anthracite. Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kirsten Bell, Tina Turner, Avril Lavigne – all these talented women got married in luxurious black dresses. Not one of them was left a widow or experienced anything more than what girls who chose “traditional” white experience in marriage.
A black dress can be worn as a guest at a wedding if there is no dress code. Special rules for choosing outfits for invited persons may exist if the celebration is planned in a certain style and color scheme. Usually, guests are warned about such details in advance. To avoid a gloomy effect, the image is diluted with bright accessories.
What styles are there?
Wedding fashion offers brides a wide range of shapes and silhouettes. The only difficulty is choosing a dress that suits your figure. In the case of a black wedding dress, things are a little easier. This color helps to hide figure flaws, smooths out body lines and, thanks to the contrast with the skin, emphasizes the advantages. Black suits absolutely all color types of appearance.
So, a wedding dress comes in the following styles:
- A-silhouette ("Princess") - a tight-fitting top, the skirt smoothly flares from the waist to the bottom, forming a "triangle" or resembling the letter "A". A universal model for any type of figure. Satin, chiffon, lace are ideal;
- A ball gown is a wide skirt with pleats, flounces, and different types of fabric. The top is traditionally a corset. This style is not suitable for a petite figure because it visually reduces height due to the full skirt. However, it helps to hide wide hips, adjust the waist, and emphasize the bust;
- "Mermaid" - a narrow dress, diverging from the knee line or mid-thigh. Visually resembles a fishtail. Suitable for a proportional figure with a narrow waist. This dress practically does not hide any flaws, emphasizes the hips and chest;
- Empire style – reminiscent of antique dresses. Sewn from light, flowing fabrics. The skirt starts almost under the chest. The silhouette hides the waist and hips, emphasizing the bust, shoulders and arms. A very comfortable model, usually does not involve wearing a veil. Combines with wreaths and tiaras;
- Straight dress – a laconic, minimalistic silhouette. Allows for various forms of neckline (including deep), as well as an open back. There are options for drapery and cutouts that can emphasize the bust, lengthen the neck, hide imperfections in the lines of the arms and shoulders;
- Midi - these are mostly classic sheaths and mid-length dresses with a full skirt and a fitted top. The length of the skirt allows you to move comfortably, the silhouette is not only comfortable, but also looks elegant;
- Short dress – any design options for the skirt and top are possible, as well as the presence or absence of sleeves. Suitable for practical brides who want to wear the dress more than once. Draws attention to the legs.
When choosing a black dress, keep in mind that it should still remain elegant. Give preference to high-quality fabrics with special effects: shine, texture, relief, embroidery. All this will favorably emphasize the silhouette. Black does not reflect light well, so the highlights in the form of small bows can simply be “lost” on a dark background.
According to the rules of good manners, a wedding guest should not choose a dress that is too luxurious, so as not to distract attention from the bride. Preference should be given to elegance and sophistication. And good shoes, a handbag and appropriately selected jewelry will add a festive touch to the image.
Pros and cons
When choosing black wedding dresses in a salon or on the Internet from a photo, a girl may encounter the approval of her uninhibited friends and the utmost misunderstanding of her relatives. It should be noted right away that the dress, first of all, should please the bride, and not everyone around her. If the choice becomes too difficult, weigh the pros and cons.
Advantages of a black dress:
- Originality – perhaps none of your friends or acquaintances will have an outfit like this;
- Courage – the bride demonstrates her bright, independent taste and independence from the opinions of others;
- Sophistication and conciseness – the charcoal shade looks aristocratic, restrained and elegant;
- Such an outfit will certainly be remembered by all guests and even random passers-by who may meet you during the photo shoot;
- Practicality – dark fabrics are not easily soiled, so you can safely choose long skirts and full silhouettes, because the outfit will retain its perfect appearance until the very end of the celebration.
In fact, there are no disadvantages to a black dress, but there are various prejudices that make you wonder: "Is it possible to wear such dark clothes at a wedding?" For example, it is believed that a black dress promises early widowhood, but no scientific research or official statistics confirm this. The only real obstacle that you will have to face is the lack of understanding of older relatives. Therefore, believing in omens or good taste is the choice of the bride.
How to choose shoes and accessories
The same clothes can look different depending on the details, decorations, bag and shoes. This is especially true for formal attire. A black wedding dress really risks being very gloomy, “getting lost” in photographs (where all the highlights and textures of the fabric will not be visible). For this reason, it requires a competent selection of accompanying decorative elements.
One of the important elements of the image is shoes. The requirements for shoes are very high, because, in addition to appearance, they must be comfortable so that the bride can endure a busy day, during which she will have to walk and dance a lot.
If you have chosen very beautiful but uncomfortable high-heeled shoes, buy another more comfortable pair that matches your outfit. After the formal part, change your shoes.
Helpful thoughts on choosing shoes:
- Consider the height of the heel and the length of the dress so that the skirt does not drag on the floor and is not too short;
- Match the material of the dress and accessories with the shoes, for example, glossy shoes will not work if the bride has a small textile handbag or matte leather jewelry;
- The decoration on the shoes and dress should be in harmony.
Of course, not all brides wear black dresses to their weddings, so there are no strict rules for choosing shoes. In fact, shoes can be in the same color, as well as beige or white, if such decorative elements are present on the dress itself. According to superstitions, sandals are not worn at weddings (a bad sign that promises widowhood), but whether to believe superstitions or not is a separate question.
Correctly selected accessories for a black dress can completely set the tone of the image. The same silhouette can be made elegantly romantic by adding pearls a la Coco Chanel, or create a vintage look in the style of the 50s with a hat with a delicate veil. A black dress is also used at themed Gothic or Victorian weddings (these styles are common in subcultures) and then they are complemented with special decorations.
All classic jewelry will go with black:
- Gold;
- Silver;
- Pearl;
- Stones that match the tone of the eyes or harmonize with the decor on the corset or skirt.
Be careful with disposable jewelry that will attract attention against the black fabric. Bright accessories made of non-precious metals can darken and fade from humidity and contact with the body, the elegant effect will be lost. Do not get carried away with too voluminous jewelry, massive bracelets, huge rings and earrings, because a wedding is not just a party, but a special ceremony. Always remember what the great Coco Chanel said about accessories. She suggested putting on all the jewelry you wanted before going out, and then taking off the last one you put on. This is the whole secret of style, beauty and elegance.
If you are a guest and are choosing a black dress for a friend's wedding, then take a responsible approach to choosing jewelry. Everything should be in moderation, consider the style of the event. If it is not a vintage or gothic wedding, refrain from flirty gloves and fishnet tights, prefer classics and you will be irresistible.
A black wedding dress is bold, original and very beautiful. If you decide to choose such an outfit, then listen only to your own taste. Dark dresses are always in trend, they are definitely elegant. If it suits the bride, she and the groom like it, then why not show the world what you really want on this most solemn day?
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