September wedding - all black dress code

[HotGazpacho]

I’m attending a family friend’s wedding in Italy in September and have been informed it’s an all black dress code. Nobody other than the bride will be wearing colour.

I’m finding it so hard to identify something that I can wear that will be suitable for a wedding, but isn’t black tie. I’d imagine the weather will be quite warm.

Mid-40s, 5’ 8, size 12, if that makes any difference. I’d quite like something structured and that accentuates my waist. Budget up to £300. I’d love something McQueen or Westwood adjacent, but without the hefty price tag. Is this a dream too far?

An all black dress which is smart and demure enough to wear for a wedding is always going to look quite glam/cocktail so i wouldn’t worry about that.

I would pair a simple elegant black dress with pared back make up, simple hair style such as a good blow dry, delicate jewellery and understated bag and shoes.

Here are a few (a lot of 😅) dresses which i would consider for what you describe.

Hope that helps.

https://clubllondon.com/products/parina-black-strappy-volume-hem-midi-dress-cl135424002?variant=42046216110122&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23148500531&gbraid=0AAAAADCHewLYRSXbDb1_Ab760mFGrtf_Z&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlJ2F9realAMVV5ZQBh04fh9kEAQYCCABEgKAOvD_BwE

https://clubllondon.com/products/clarissa-black-lace-short-sleeve-midi-dress-cl135834002

https://app.houseofcb.com/naima-black-hand-beaded-embellished-corset-maxi-dress

https://clubllondon.com/products/tasmin-black-high-neck-maxi-dress-with-drop-waist-cl137487001

https://app.houseofcb.com/lilou-black-ruffle-hem-dress

https://clubllondon.com/products/to-me-black-bandeau-midi-dress-with-oversized-bow-cl132339002

https://clubllondon.com/products/muriel-black-boat-neck-volume-hem-midi-dress-cl135356002

https://oddmuse.co.uk/products/high-waist-square-neck-midi-dress-black-1?variant=45361859035354&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20276490716&gbraid=0AAAAAoM3uLlkf0zIAdiZxECGU0oplgw6Z&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm-WxnLmalAMVlpRQBh3gyQBfEAQYAyABEgImrvD_BwE

https://app.houseofcb.com/samaria-black-corset-midi-dress

https://app.houseofcb.com/juniper-black-peplum-maxi-dress

I’d be tempted to try and pick up a black dress on Vinted or from the charity shop and spend the rest on a Westwood bag in the summer sales.

In which kind of building is the wedding taking place, OP?

It sounds quite unusual for all the guests to be asked to dress in black on the day.

Do you know why guests are all wearing black?

Probably because the couple are wearing colour. I’ve been to two weddings where guests were asked to wear black or white/cream - one where the grooms wore purple and one where the bride wore red.

I hate dress codes, but I think that's quite an easy dress code, as they go. If you're worried about heat, pick a natural fabric with an over garment (scarf/wrap, cardigan, jacket) you can remove.

Something classic in the shape that suits you best is going to look better than a less good shape in a flashier fabric.

Which shops do you usually like?

Could you rent a VW (or similar) dress? Loads of good rental sites.
Eg
https://byrotation.com/products/vivienne-westwood-black-dresses-cm331psc300022p3nsio1t3fz

Oh renting is a good idea!

Smart black dresses are an easy option, don’t you have anything already? I wore a black shift dress to the before wedding party and it fitted in perfectly (knee length, fitted) just dress up with jewellery so it does look like a work dress. Added bonus is that any dress you buy will be suitable for other things.

https://johnlewisfashionrental.com/women/dresses

Since when did it become a thing that weddings guests were told what they could/not wear?

I have never heard of this IRL and wouldn't adhere to it anyway.

Is it another "Only ever seen on MN thing?"

How about a top and skirt combo

Pic

Nice! This is my dream dress code

This looks like something to be worn for sweeping the corridors of a village hall, not a chic wedding in Italy.

It is a thing, although relatively uncommon.

I also dislike it, but you'd have to be a pretty unashamed arsehole to turn up to an invitation event in the wrong colour!

😂

What a fabulous selection from @Cherrypie0210 There's got to be one there that takes your fancy - and that you will be able to wear again.

@IceStationZebra love your name. That really takes me back. Used to be my favourite book, though I haven't read it for 50 years. I still remember the ending so clearly. "Throw me the rope . . . "

@Cherrypie0210Some great links here, thank you! Loved one of the corset style ones but sadly OOS in my size.

It’s in a villa that’s been hired for the occasion. Apparently the dress code has been requested by the bride specifically. I’ve been told via second hand sources it’s so that the focus can remain on them throughout the event. I make no comment on this!

@IceStationZebraMy understanding is that the bride will be wearing traditional white.

@hahabahbagI don’t unfortunately, the only black dress I have is a dress I bought from Boden for a funeral, so not quite in the celebratory vein I’m looking for, alas! Shame as it’s super flattering and comfortable. 😂

I dont wear black so I'd be declining.

What a useful comment!

Same to you with knobs on.

I was going to expand to say I'd be markedly pissed off to be informed of the dress code after I'd accepted and booked and paid for flights and accommodation. I hope that further pontification is more helpful.

I just wouldn't go.

Thankfully nobody I know is such a diva unashamed arsehole that they'd tell everyone what to wear.