9 Black Wedding Dresses For the Unconventional Bride
The LBD (little black dress) has officially gone bridal.
It is safe to say that the classic white wedding dress will never go out of style, but who is to say white is the only way? Challenging the traditional white wedding is a look so chic, even Wednesday Addams would wear it: Black wedding dresses. Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Christine Quinn sought a different kind of "something new" on their wedding days, sporting the most unconventional of looks in the most sophisticated manner.
As of recently, there is a tendency among celebrity personalities to learn towards a more intimate, understated wedding that allows them to disconnect from their life in the public eye. If your hesitancy to partake in the black wedding dresses trend and embrace a darker tone is fear of regret, L'OFFICIEL has compiled 9 of our favorite selections below to help you find the little black dress of your dreams. Whether your mood board is that of a minimalistic bride, or you are looking to make a statement with feathers and sequins, your unconventional lookbook of black wedding dresses awaits you.
L'OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.
In November of 2007, Greys Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo eloped with current husband Chris Ivery in a black Saint Laurent dress she purchased in Paris, France a year prior. Despite the fact that Pompeo's gown is no longer sold, the Saint Laurent Strapless Smocked Gown is similar as it is equal parts untraditional as it is tasteful. The strapless design boasts an elongating bodice, ultimately leading to the ruffled, semi-sheer skirt to elevate the look while still remaining simple and understated. For the soon-to-be bride in the market for unconventional black wedding dresses that fit in all the right places, the Saint Laurent Strapless Smocked Gown is what you have been looking for.
Saint Laurent Strapless Smocked Gown, $11,500, Farfetch
In honor of the designer's Savile Rowing training, the Stella McCartney Bridal Embellished Halterneck Gown is designed to add a visual interest to a sleek silhouette. Featuring a crystal embellished neckline, an open back, and a flared train, Stella McCartney caters to the minimalistic bride who can't help but love a little sparkle every once and a while.
Stella McCartney Bridal Embellished Halterneck Gown, $5,500, Mytheresa
Reigning as the master of the wedding dress, designer Oscar de la Renta's multi-faceted career is famed for his innovative designs in womenswear. Inspired by the global sense of liberation after the lockdown during March of 2020, Oscar de la Renta's Strapless Ruffle Silk-Faille Gown is an ode to the return of luxury in a post-pandemic world. Despite the somber clichés associated with black wedding dresses, this piece is designed with playful textiles and fabrics to bring a sense of optimism to the unconventional, non-white bridal look. The draped side straps are complimentary to the wraparound ruffle detailing at the neckline, contributing to the modest but feminine spirit Oscar de la Renta intended to exude.
Oscar de la Renta's Strapless Ruffle Silk-Faille Gown, $2,907, Saks Fifth Avenue
With early fall peaking slowly around the corner, so is wedding season. Perfect for a variety of wedding occasions, the Giorgi Armani Long Dress in Pleated Stretch Jersey is an elegant and sophisticated approach towards traditional femininity. Channeling 1990s Armani, the look of a longsleeve wedding gown is a match made in heaven for the bride looking for a unique dress to wear on her speical day. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies in the colder months, the Giorgio Armani Long Dress in Pleated Stretch Jersey is a sleek, sexy, and most importantly, stunningly black wedding dress.
Giorgi Armani Long Dress in Pleated Stretch Jersey, $2,795, Armani
An LBD is appropriate for any event, especially if it's an Alexa María. Taking a twist on timeless femininity and modern bridal standards, the Alexa María Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress challenges the misconception that every bride should wear a long, white dress on their wedding day. If you are planning a private, intimate ceremony or elopment, the look of an LBD is the perfect way to make an unexpected statement and challenge the status quo.
Alexa María Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress, $1,075, Saks Fifth Avenue
The Sachin & Babi Keira Bow Column Gown features a jaw-dropping secret on the back: a giant bow lined in pearls. For the bride obsessed with detailing, this simplistic gown will bring a pearly shimmer to an otherwise simplistic dress. Tie the look together with pearl earrings and a pair of black kitten heels, finished with a ballerina bun to achieve the ultimate aura of elegance.
Sachin & Babi Keira Bow Column Gown, $895, Sachin & Babi
The Aria Illusion Gown from Chiara Boni La Petite Robe features a fitted stretch bodice with a sweetheart neckline, and is a perfect fit for the form-fitted-loving bride. To add a bit of fun detailing to an otherwise classic look, the voluminous ruffled tulle lining the sleeves of the gown exudes feminism and undeniable sophistication. Unlike other black wedding dresses, Italian designer Chiara Boni places a large focus on the female body to cater to a variety of body types, aiming to design pieces that transport the wearer to the Amalfi Coast.
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Aria Illusion Gown, $1,090, Saks Fifth Avenue
Taking a spin on the LBD trend is luxury designer Emilia Wickstead. Known for her modern silhouettes, the Charlie Dress is sure to become a wardrobe staple for the minimalistic bride. Whether you plan to tie the knot in the backyard of your childhood home or on the beach at sunset, Emilia Wickstead designs are the epitome of class. Cut from figure-sculpting fabric with a sensual off-the-shoulder neckline, the Charlie Dress is a proper fit for a bride looking for tea-length black wedding dresses. Finished with a subtle slit in the back, Emilia Wickstead designs are perfect for those intimate moments with your partner-to-be.
Emilia Wickstead Charlie Dress, $1,077, Emilia Wickstead
Solace London is famed for its striking eveningwear, and the Dakota Off-Shoulder Dress includes a minimal amount of white for brides feeling hesistant about committing to black wedding dresses. Designed to sit off-the-shoulder, the contrasting monochrome between the bodice and the pearly sleeves will be the look of the upcoming wedding season, and is destined for the bride that marches to her own beat. The Solace London Dakota Off-Shoulder Dress can be paired with muted pumps, or a more exotic pair to incorporate your "something blue" into your bridal look.
Solace London Dakota Off-Shoulder Dress, $1,139, Farfetch
