Would you wear black on your bottom half with a light coloured top for a more casual wedding?

[LeopardPrintFleece]

Yes it's another wedding one! I've bought a lovely taupe linen jacket and have taupe and black sandals, would a black skirt be OK bearing in mind a lot of people dont think black should be worn at weddings? I'd wear something white or light coloured under the jacket.

It's a second wedding in an outdoor setting so I dont feel like normal rules apply but dont want to look out of place.

If you do go for one of the darker/animal print options (in fact, any of the more neutral tops at all), I would definitely wear a strong red lipstick! I'd personally also - since you asked about what kind of footwear others would wear - go for leopard or red glamorous flats, rather than trainers ... something like these.

It’s not “nonsense” it’s a very old traditional thought - no black at weddings. Some areas of the country see it as disapproval, others lean more towards bringing bad luck in.
Just because you haven’t heard of this, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist

Oh no! I wore black to my own wedding 😫. 16 years later and here we are still going strong ( perhaps I was not in the part of the country where it’s considered bad luck or maybe it’s an antiquated throw back to the Victorians who cared more considerably about appearances but still sent children up chimneys. ).

A final suggestion from me, OP. What about a top that is part of a co-ords set, which you could then wear in full as your outfit to the second more dressed-up wedding?

This top from Mango is beigey-taupe, black & red. It looks good worn with black as shown, so would work with your skirt too. The colours would also tie the black skirt & taupe jacket together. And you could just clash & wear your leopard-print sandals ...

Then if you bought the matching skirt - & some fab (red) shoes, you could wear the outfit in full to wedding number two?

I think the outfit looks hugely more expensive than Mango.

The OP has already said that the bride & groom are arty/unconventional, so I don't think it matters in this instance.

As you said, it's a very old traditional thought (circa 180 years old). But traditions die out, & it's clear that this one has been dying out for quite some time. I don't normal use or quote AI - but think this summary is a good one:

Wearing black to weddings in the UK has traditionally been considered inappropriate or taboo since the Victorian Era (mid-19th century). This strict rule originated because black was exclusively reserved for funerals and mourning, making it appear disrespectful and a symbol of bad luck for the new marriage.
^^
However, this etiquette has significantly changed in recent years, with black now considered a widely accepted, chic choice for many modern UK weddings.
^^
Evolution of the Black Wedding Guest Taboo in the UK:
Pre-1840 (Before the Taboo): Before Queen Victoria wore white in 1840, brides often wore any colour, including black, which was practical and elegant, particularly for those with less money.
The Victorian Shift: As white became the popular standard for brides, black became synonymous with, and exclusively reserved for, mourning.
20th Century Perceptions: Throughout the 20th century, black was widely considered a faux pas, seen as sombre, work-like, or a sign of disapproval of the marriage.
Modern Day (2020s): Black is now frequently worn to weddings, particularly for black tie, evening receptions and modern or urban venue weddings.

How do colours bring bad luck? Obviously misreading green and red traffic lights could be pretty unlucky. And I suppose if you were on army manoeuvres in a conflict zone it'd be pretty unlucky to have been kitted out with standard camouflage if you're in the Arctic circle.

I feel embarrassed for grown women who can give headspace to this.

As for it being a "very old traditional thought" here's what Vogue has to say about it

By the 1920s, this tradition had fallen by the wayside. That's about the time that terrible modern notion of giving women the vote came in.

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/can-you-wear-black-to-a-wedding

What decade are some of you living in? There are no "rules" about wearing black, or any other colour, to weddings or any daytime event these days. How I would hate to be so deeply entrenched in all this nonsense - I didn't even agree with it when I was young and people believed it.

Nice jacket. For the bottom I’d suggest some pale ivory/ cream palazzo pants (loose & a bit floaty). . So with the jacket, a pale top it’d look very classic/ coffee and cream palette, goes with your shoes and I think more comfortable than black for a summer wedding. Alternatively some floaty palazzo pants in a cream/ camel/ black combo pattern. Also palazzo pants can be more forgiving than other shapes

Great ideas 🤩

I think the skirt is lovely, @LeopardPrintFleece

And that type of sandal will work well outdoors

Black is fine, worn it to loads of weddings

I don’t think the jacket goes. I’d go with what you said earlier about black top and the fancy earrings. It sounds like this is your style, so rock it!

You will look great. Enjoy the wedding!

PERFECT!

I think black is fine at a wedding, but I'd go for a black top too with that jacket, it would look more coordinated. That little leopard print cami someone has posted it also gorgeous.
Your sandals will be great, and your necklace sounds fab. (I always seem to end up wearing at least some black at weddings, and everyone has survived the experience so far!)

OP it’s fine. I have worn a black-and-white skirt to a wedding 20 years ago and I would wear it again now. Most normal people don’t care about this nonsense. Unless the bride is a bridezilla, you’ll be absolutely fine. All I cared about at my wedding was that my guests felt comfortable. I simply couldn’t have cared less what colours they were.

I haven’t read the whole thread yet. I would consider a colourful top. I reckon a bright pink or a cobalt blue could work. Or even a nice grey blouse.

There is a real difference between constructive advice and unpleasant comments, and many people here cross the line these days. It’s a real shame.

I would probably choose this kind of colour with a black skirt.

Love zebra print and the idea of clashing animal prints.

Exactly. We all have to wear what suits us. I am a fan of Cos, though have to be careful as I am a shortie. I don’t like the FarmRio/Rixo stuff that gets suggested here at all. But it’s good to see what’s out there and then make up your own mind!

OP if you feel good in the outfit you want to wear, wear it. It can be really hard to find an outfit to feel good in to an event like a wedding and what you have described and posted isn't in any way inappropriate for a guest. I don't think I've ever been to or seen pictures from a wedding where someone or multiple people haven't worn black.

If you wanted to, with the sandals and jacket you could wear almost any colour with that base. Wear what makes you feel good ❤

exactly this!

She was cool with it!

Generally black is a no except if you are going down the tuxedo for women route. Otherwise steer clear. You can get some pretty cheap lightweight trousers from supermarkets or high street shops. Linen can look nice so long as you iron it and it will feel nicer than polyester in the heat.

Odd that you think as its a second marriage it's less special. Its not to the couple and shouldn't be to guests joining to celebrate their special day. I would be sad if I knew my guests were thinking like this. 😥

@LeopardPrintFleece I like the outfit you’ve chosen, it’s a bit minimalist and I much prefer neutrals with black - don’t go for a colourful top or accessories, get a beautiful silky cream or pale grey top to wear under the jacket in case it’s warm.

A lot of wedding advice on this board seems to assume that all brides are terrifying traditionalist control freaks and that every wedding is either a) in westminster abbey, b) at a hideous mishmash of Paris fashion week and Ladies Day at the races, or c) in about 1845. Natural fabrics and clothes you feel good in are much more chic than some ‘costume’ that doesn’t feel like you.

I agree. I would go for a ‘festive’ little black dress with a flattering and fun cut 👗 , then dress it up further with suitable jewelry for the occasion :)

This!
People seem to have no concept of different styles for different people.
The OP has already said that this is as dressed up as she is comfortable with, yet they are insisting that she needs to go full Ladies Day.
OP you don't. You'd feel like the fairy on the Christmas tree, ignore them and go with your instinct. It's sound.

The skirt you chose comes in a nice dark red colour. That would go equally well with the jacket and leopard shoes (much better in fact). I don't think the black one is weddingy enough. You could put it all together with a neutral shade bag. 🌺