royal blue flowy dress Elegant Silk Evening Gown: Handcrafted Luxury Maxi with Slit Royal Blue Royal Blue Sweetheart A-line Backless

Dont go overboard and descend into full costume wear here, of course, and remember that a little bit goes a long way

Use texture Velvet, satin, chiffon, pleating, ruching, lace trim, or a sculptural neckline makes black feel considered instead of plain

For brides who want something bold, stylish, and unforgettable, black wedding dresses are the perfect choice

The round sand paper discs easily stick to the head via a Velcro-type hook and loop so changing the paper takes less than two seconds

"Favoured by many great, glamourous divas from Maria Callas to Celine Dion and Lady Gaga black gowns are an empowering choice as they create dramatic, often sculptural, silhouettes on stage, with a timeless simplicity that sharpens the focus of the audience on the singer and their voice," says Kate Bailey, the senior curator of theatre and performance at the Victoria & Albert Museum

Make a luminous statement in this long-sleeved mother of the bride dress, where shimmering sequins catch the light with every movement