When it comes to finding the best black wedding guest dresses, you’ll be pleased to hear I’ve found not one… not two… but 21 of them. It may sound excessive, but the fact is, black is universally flattering, and if anyone has ever told you it’s not appropriate to wear black to a wedding, I’m here to tell you that you can, and most certainly should, ignore them.

As someone who has broken every wedding guest dress myth out there, I’m well versed to ripping up the somewhat-dated rulebook. I’ve worn a black midi dress, a slightly sheer dress, one with an open back and a small train (it was green, don’t worry) and I’ve even worn a red dress – which I didn’t know until afterwards supposedly means you’ve slept with the groom! All of course exactly that, old wive’s tales, which is why we should stick to the modern way of dressing for a wedding, where nearly anything goes.

In my opinion, the best way to know what’s appropriate for certain weddings is to consider your surroundings. What’s the destination? What time of year will it take place (is it a summer wedding or winter nuptials?)? And what colour are the bridesmaid dresses? If you’re still in doubt, ask the soon-to-be newly weds – trust me, they’d rather you checked than chanced it.

Firstly, black is a colour I know I’ll feel confident and sophisticated in, and who doesn’t want that when you’re trying to set a good impression amongst the bride and groom’s friends and family? Plus I know I’m bound to wear it again – which can’t often be said when it comes to occasionwear, can it? As we all know, whether it’s a mini dress, a midi dress, or a maxi dress, if you get it in black then it’ll be a mainstay in your wardrobe. And much like your favourite blazer or jeans, you can rest assured you’ll wear it on heavy rotation for years to come. Don’t believe me? You only need to look at celebrities to see the power of the humble black dress.

While red carpet events aren’t an everyday thing for us mere mortals, and black tie soirées not being a regular occurrence, all the more reason to don your new black dress to an upcoming wedding. So I say, ignore the age-old saying that black is inappropriate or bad luck at a wedding because it’s traditionally worn at funerals. If a man can wear a black suit or tux, then we can all wear a black frock if we want to.

So let’s get some inspiration, shall we? Sydney Sweeney wore a cut out halter neck slinky maxi dress with bow detail, Ashley Graham has been spotted in a ruffle strappy slip dress and can we take a moment for Zöe Kravitz? The actor wore a long sleeve bodycon gown that just so happens to be the perfect winter wedding guest look. Lastly, we have Kendall Jenner who recently wore a ruched maxi dress with a-line hemline – simple, yet so so sleek.

The best part about a black dress is that the colour suits everyone, so it’s the details you can play around with. And I’ve found the styles that are anything but boring. There’s the bardot off-the-shoulder long sleeve style by Pretty Lavish with a touch of cream, the ASOS DESIGN Curve one shoulder velvet style that’s perfect for plus size women and Reiss‘ asymmetric neckline midaxi dress is made for those who are 5″4 (like me) and under. And that’s just the ‘new in’ sections on the high street.