My future daughter-in-law has chosen red, black and white as their wedding colors.?

Question

For a mother's dress I was thinking of going with black as I don't think I look as good in red. Is a black dress appropriate for a mother to wear or will I be breaking some unwritten wedding fashion law?

Answer 1

A black dress would be fine. She chose it as one of her colors, so you are automatically granted permission to wear black. Besides, fashion do's and don'ts have lightened over the years. It's not such a big deal to wear non-traditional colors anymore.
As long as the dress flatters you, both in body type and age, you'll be fine. Just don't let yourself get stuck in something that is more suited to a teen or 20 year old. :-)

Just a few examples of nice mother's dresses in black:
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=36960&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0ee3e43&ProdSeq=1&Cat=long+gowns&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Dresses%2bSuits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=17&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28248&RefDeptID=597&Page=1&CmCatId=597|28247|28248|36960
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35051&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=1007b86&ProdSeq=14&Cat=little+black+dress&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=dresses%2bsuits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=34&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28248&RefDeptID=597&Page=2&CmCatId=597|28247|28248|35051
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35051&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0fca57e&ProdSeq=28&Cat=little+black+dress&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=dresses%2bsuits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=34&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28248&RefDeptID=597&Page=4&CmCatId=597|28247|28248|35051
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35051&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0fc51e1&ProdSeq=32&Cat=little+black+dress&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=dresses%2bsuits&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=34&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll.aspx&RefCatID=28248&RefDeptID=597&Page=4&CmCatId=597|28247|28248|35051

Answer 2

Black with either white or red accents would be fine as long as its an evening wedding. If its an afternoon wedding, I would maybe find a shorter(knee length) dress in a black and white print...or a black dress with a white wrap and a red corsage. These are really tough colors to work with for the mother and mother-in-law. Good Luck and Congratulations !!!!!

Answer 3

If you look good in white, go with something white with a lot of black accents...perhaps vice versa. A black dress isn't bad, depending on the style. Obviously you don't want a somber outfit, but the classic LBD is always a winner. Accessorizing can make a big difference in how the whole outfit comes together.
There are tons of variables you can play with and have fun, and still look the part without either upstaging the bride or looking like a funeral attendee.

Answer 4

My mother in law wore absolute black on the day of my wedding and I didn't think anything of it, you shouldn't either, because you are actually complying with the bride's wishes, instead of breaking tradition you are being an excellent mom in law by accepting and respecting her wishes.

There are tons of dresses you can take a look at, both in full black or with white or red accents, you can always wear a black dress and accesorize with red jewelry or platinum jewelry.

www.theknot.com has a collection of dresses you can look at by color, designer and prize.

Hope this helps, and congratulations on your son's wedding and on being a great Mother in Law.

http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress/bs_main.aspx?gowntype=5

Answer 5

I asked my daughter if I could wear black to her wedding and she thought it was fine, so I wore a black crepe pantsuit with a duster jacket in black and copper crepe. I wore topaz jewelery and my flowers were copper and gold roses. Her colors were golden tones with deep red roses. If your daughter choose those colors she must have realized some would choose to wear black. But I would definitely ask first just in case. For that matter I have never seen anyone mistake the mother of the bride for the bride just because she was wearing white. It may have something to do with the veil.

Answer 6

I think the black would be fine. Find shoes that are black and red. I would assume the flowers will be red and white. Your corsage would tie the whole outfit together. Choose a dress that is anything but matronly...maybe a deep v neck or a choose one that has a skirt with a leg revealing slit.

Answer 7

There is no fashion law...I think people should be able to pick whatever colors they want to for their wedding...it doesn't always have to be lavenders, pinks, and baby blue. It sure won't be when I get married. sometimes breaking the tradition is fun...when/if I get married I wanna wear a black dress.

Answer 8

Even if there were a fashion law for weddings, that's no reason for you to place any merit in it whatsoever. The bride wishes for these colors, and if you think black is your color, then I say go for it. Ultimately, it's your family's day to celebrate, not care what others think of you. Congratulations!

Answer 9

I think black would be fine, just make sure it's got a little bit of glitter or something festive. It should not look appropriate for a funeral. Even a dark gray or silver would not clash but not be as dark as black.

Answer 10

same for my son's wedding....I wore a black skirt....(slit up the side so it did not look so harsh)...............a white top...... and a tailored (in at the waist) red jacket ...then wear very comfortable shoes of any of the 3 colors. It looked cheerful on top and my butt looked smaller on the bottom..............if you are a boot girl that would look great too.

Answer 11

I think it would be fine. Maybe a black dress with red trimming?

Congratulations to the happy couple. :)