Can you wear black to a wedding as a guest?

Black is widely accepted for wedding guests today, especially for evening, cocktail and formal weddings. The old rule against it has faded in most places, though some families and cultures still avoid it, so follow the invitation and the hosts' wishes if they say otherwise.

In the example below, a draped black mini dress with black pumps scored 89, exactly the same as a lilac satin slip dress worn at a daytime garden wedding. Neither lost points for color; the suggested fixes were finishing touches, like a metallic clutch or a softer shoe.

To keep black festive rather than somber, add one light or metallic element: a silver or gold clutch, nude or metallic heels, or statement earrings. For a daytime outdoor wedding, a colored or pastel dress is the easier choice.

ATE scores the visible outfit for the Wedding guest occasion. It can't see the venue, the dress code or what the people involved expect, so treat the score as a second opinion, not a rule.