These Black Bridesmaid Dresses Are Utterly Breathtaking

dresses
Photographed by David Sims, Vogue, September 2015

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Pastel or floral designs may seem like the unanimous choice for wedding parties, but black bridesmaid dresses are a timeless and sophisticated option to consider year-round. The allure of the little black dress says it all—no matter if you’re drawn to a halter neckline, full-length satin gown, strapless midi, or simple slip dress, a noir silhouette always exudes elegance for events. Weddings are no different, from black-tie affairs to casual nuptials.

Black bridesmaid dresses can be beautiful at venues of all kinds, from city scenes to the outdoors, such as lush gardens, a charming farm, or a woodsy location. But, of course, the fabric is for capturing the right bridesmaid tone. Cotton and linen designs work well for daytime or more casual ceremonies, perhaps with frilled detailing like ruffles or a flutter sleeve to feel wildly romantic for I dos. Likewise for midi dresses or floral-printed designs. Lustrous satin, lace, or embellished designs are well-suited to more formal weddings and evening affairs, as are more dramatic silhouettes with a voluminous skirt or ample sleeves.

Even more, black is a universal solution for wedding parties who can’t agree on a shade or those less inclined to invest in a new dress that doesn’t feel as versatile as a black one absolutely will be long after the wedding. So keep scrolling for 30 stunning options, ranging from relaxed silhouettes to minimally sleek and spectacularly fanciful.

Strapless

You can’t fail with a strapless black dress with a sweetheart or straight neckline. Plus, it’s one of the most versatile cocktail dresses you can own for events after the I dos.

Image may contain: Clothing, and Apparel

Markarian Lottie cocktail dress

Staud Honeydew dress

Image may contain: Dress, Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Evening Dress, Fashion, Gown, and Robe

Veronica Beard Colebrook cocktail dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Khaite the Nerissa dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Dress, Skirt, Fashion, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Cloak

The Row Pau strapless gown

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Dress, and Home Decor

Reformation Arta dress

Satin

What’s more elegant than a black satin dress? Options run the gamut from versions with sleeves to languid gowns.

Image may contain: Clothing, Evening Dress, Gown, Apparel, Robe, and Fashion

Ann Demeulemeester Sara slip gown

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Coat, Overcoat, Dress, Human, and Person

Khaite the Carlanda dress

Fame and Partners the Ashe halter dress

16Arlington Santana halterneck gown

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Coat, Overcoat, Dress, Suit, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Tuxedo, Human, and Person

By Malene Birger Ettienne ruched maxi dress

Vince satin slip dress

Lace and Frills

Lace touches are synonymous with romance—why not embrace a darkly romantic mood with a bridesmaid dress featuring delicate appliqué, floral lace panels, chantilly layers, or eyelash-fringed tulle trim?

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, Fashion, Costume, Sleeve, and Dress

Reformation Chania dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, Fashion, and Dress

Johanna Ortiz Romance Entre Boleros maxi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Khaite the Alix dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Sleeve, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, Fashion, and Long Sleeve

Self Portrait Taffeta midi dress

Aje Jacinto pleated midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Dress, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, Fashion, Sleeve, Costume, and Skirt

Sachin Babi Candace slip dress

Floral

A black floral-print dress tends more whimsical than others, feeling especially delightful for fall and winter daytime I do’s.

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Plant, and Tree

ML Monique Lhuillier tiered midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Cecilie Bahnsen Julauta Marguerite dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Robe, Fashion, Pajamas, Gown, Kimono, and Dress

Les Rêveries floral midi dress

Markarian Sweet William dress

Brock Collection Talayah floral midi dress

Dauphinette Bleeding Hearts Scrapbook linen dress

Gowns

Whether you’re channeling ’90s minimalism or old Hollywood glamour, a black gown is eternally chic.

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, and Apparel

Eve by Laurel Berman maxi dress

Image may contain: Dress, Clothing, Apparel, Evening Dress, Fashion, Gown, Robe, Human, and Person

Norma Kamali mermaid gown

Brandon Maxwell silk gown

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Dress, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Vera Wang Diane sleeveless gown

Cinq à Sept Korine ruched dress

Fanciful

For your festive whims, seek out an embellished black bridesmaid dress featuring rhinestones, sequins, or dotted tulle.

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Saloni Rachel crepe dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Red Valentino pleated midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Sleeve, Apparel, Long Sleeve, Overcoat, and Coat

Safiyaa Catalina convertible midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, and Apparel

16Arlington Adwa crepe dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Apparel, Sleeve, Long Sleeve, Lace, Evening Dress, Gown, Robe, and Fashion

Needle Thread Tempest ankle gown

Jason Wu satin apron gown