Occasion Dress Colours Explained: What to Wear & Why

Choosing the right colour for an occasion dress isn’t about rigid rules anymore  it’s about intention. The best colours feel modern, photograph beautifully and work across different settings, seasons and skin tones.

This guide breaks down the most popular occasion dress colours and explains when they work best, whether you’re attending a wedding, styling bridesmaids or dressing for a special event.

Sage Green: The Modern Neutral

Sage green has become one of the most loved colours in modern occasionwear  and for good reason.

It’s soft without being sweet, neutral without being boring, and flattering across a wide range of skin tones. Sage works beautifully for spring and summer weddings, outdoor ceremonies and relaxed but elegant celebrations.

Why it works:

• Easy to mix and match across a bridal party

• Photographs softly in natural light

• Feels contemporary rather than traditional

Sage green is especially popular for bridesmaids and wedding guests who want something fresh, wearable and timeless.

 

Champagne: Soft, Elevated & Effortless

Champagne is the go-to choice when you want something light, refined and quietly luxurious.

It offers the elegance of a neutral without the starkness of white or cream, making it ideal for weddings and formal events when styled intentionally.

When champagne works best:

• Summer and destination weddings

• Black tie or evening celebrations

• Bridesmaids looking for a cohesive but modern palette

The key is fabric,  satin champagne dresses feel polished and occasion-ready rather than bridal.

 

Black: Modern, Confident & Now Fully Accepted

Yes — you can wear black to a wedding.

Once considered controversial, black is now a widely accepted and stylish choice for evening weddings, city ceremonies and formal events. The key is keeping the look elevated.

Black works best when:

• Styled in satin or fluid fabrics

• Paired with refined silhouettes

• Worn for evening or formal settings

A black satin occasion dress feels confident, modern and timeless — never funereal when done properly.

 

Pastels: Soft Colour Without the Sweetness

Pastel occasion dresses have evolved. Today’s pastels are muted, modern and grown-up.

Think pale blue, soft rose, lilac or butter yellow — colours that feel light but still intentional.

Why modern pastels work:

• Ideal for spring and summer weddings

• Beautiful for daytime ceremonies

• Easy to coordinate across groups

Muted pastels photograph beautifully and feel romantic without leaning overly traditional.

Bold Colours: Statement Dressing, Done Right

Brighter shades-  from deep olive to rich jewel tones are perfect for guests who want to make an impact while staying occasion-appropriate.

These colours shine at:

• Evening weddings

• City venues

• Autumn and winter events

The secret is balance: let the colour do the talking and keep the silhouette clean and contemporary.

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What Colours Photograph Best for Weddings?

Soft, mid-tone colours tend to photograph best. Sage, champagne, muted pastels and deeper saturated tones all capture beautifully without overpowering the scene.

High-shine fabrics like satin enhance movement and light, creating a polished finish in photos that still feels natural.

Rewritten London’s Approach to Colour

At Rewritten London, colour is never an afterthought. Our occasion dresses are designed to work together  across shades, silhouettes and seasons.

We focus on:

• Modern, wearable colour palettes

• Satin fabrics that reflect light beautifully

• Shades that can be reworn long after the event

Whether you’re dressing bridesmaids, attending a wedding or styling for a special occasion, our colours are designed to feel confident, flattering and modern.

Choosing the Right Colour for You

The best occasion dress colour is one that feels like you. Consider the setting, season and dress code, but trust your instincts. Modern occasionwear is about confidence, not conformity.

Explore our colour-led occasion dresses to find a shade you’ll want to wear again and again.