There seems to be a prejudice and taboo around black lipstick in formal settings.

I've had people tell me before that it looks unprofessional, and yet a dark blood red lip doesn't for some reason. When I'm out of the house, kids stop me and love the black lips, then their parents pull them away because they think it looks 'creepy'.

This taboo is very reminiscent to the one around tattoos and piercings at professional jobs. If you think your doctor isn't as good as someone else because they have a tattoo sleeve, this is not the article for you.

Yes, black can be associated with fear and death and evil. But black is also symbolic of power, strength, sophistication, and elegance. Most men's formal wear is black and they look sleek and stylish. Why when men wear black is it black tie, but when women wear it it's a funeral?

So, as the goth I am, I wanted to wear black lipstick and get dressed up for the wedding of one of my beloved co-workers. She knows I'm goth, but since it was her big day, I still asked her if I could wear black lipstick to her wedding. She said yes.

Tamed down goth attire for the weddingMaddy McKeever

Rather than wear head to toe black, I decided to go with my dark lipstick and a bright dress, as shown above. However, I did bring a black leather jacket to throw over top of the outfit during the reception. In fact, there were at least three black leather jackets at the wedding, AND one of the bridesmaids wore black instead of sapphire blue. And you know what? She looked amazing.

My +1 to the wedding, CthulhuMaddy McKeever

Honestly, I think people judge too much based on appearance. The wedding went spectacularly, the bride and groom were happy, and everyone had a good time. I don't think my black lipstick ruined the wedding for anyone there, because the day wasn't about me at all. The black helped me blend into the background, and nobody was able to outshine the bride with how lovely she looked.

The only time what makeup someone is wearing matters is if they are selling you makeup. Otherwise, my lipstick color isn't going to change my expertise at my job for the day.

I'm probably going to wear black lipstick to my own wedding down the line. And if anyone else at the marriage wants to wear it too, then the more the merrier.