The Best Black Dress For Women
A little black dress is a fashion must-have for every woman. First popularized in the 1920s by Coco Chanel, this iconic wardrobe staple has evolved over the years. Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, and Beyonce have all made it their own at one point or another through the decades, making it an inspiring and chic piece of clothing in every era. If you want to add a black dress to your own closet, we suggest focusing on a few key qualities: the piece's versatility, its silhouette, and its length. With all that in mind, we landed on a few favorites. We love the Exlura dress for its square neckline and casual-yet-fashionable style that can easily transition from day to night. The Guberry velvet dress, on the other hand, is a stunner that will elevate your look for formal events like cocktail parties or nights on the town. Explore these black dresses and our other favorites to find the perfect new addition to your closet.
Exlura Square Neck Dress
Crafted from soft, comfortable polyester, this little black dress is one you can wear anywhere. The square neckline is perfectly on-trend, giving you the perfect blank slate to accessories with your favorite jewelry. The subtle puff sleeves add some body and volume to the look, too, while the defined waist helps to accentuate your shape. Try pairing it with sneakers or combat boots for an edgy look, or add heels or wedges for a more formal affair.
Pros:
- We love that it’s offered in a variety of different shades, making it easy to find the right fit for your wardrobe. You can even buy two for added variety.
- The back is smocked, making it comfortable enough to wear all day. The stretchy elastic also ensures you get the perfect fit.
Cons:
- It’s very short, so it isn’t the best option for those who are taller.
Verdusa Ribbed Knit Bell Sleeve Midi Dress
Flare up
This classic dress is one that is unlikely to ever go out of style. The soft knit fabric is cool and comfortable enough to wear year-round, and the midi length makes it a classy option. A mock-neck adds a modest feel to the dress, while the elbow-length sleeves are finished with a ruffled hem for a stylish touch. It can be worn as the perfect complement to simple black pumps for a timeless ensemble, or you can pair it with colorful patterned heels for a more fashion-forward look.
Pros:
- The fabric is made up of rayon, polyester, and spandex, making it the perfect mix of structured and stretchy.
- We love that the mock neckline helps to bring attention to your face. It’s the perfect complement to a pair of statement earrings.
Cons:
- It tends to run small, so consider sizing up.
Sarin Mathews Off the Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Elevate your formal attire with this versatile dress. The thick, high-quality material gives the skirt the perfect amount of body and bounce, while the off-the-shoulder neckline adds an elegant overall look. A high-low hemline is a trendy touch that lends a modern edge, combining the best of past and present for a timeless dress.
Pros:
- It’s offered in a wide variety of rich shades, ensuring there’s the perfect color for any occasion. While black is a versatile option, there are also more statement-making hues like bright yellow or cobalt blue.
- The fabric is 60% cotton for maximum breathability. That way, you can wear it in any season and still feel cool and comfortable.
Cons:
- It tends to run large, so be sure to consult the sizing guide and consider sizing down.
Guberry Ruched Party Dress
This little black dress is the perfect way to level up your going-out attire. The stretch velvet fabric effortlessly hugs your curves, accentuating your shape and giving you a perfect hourglass figure. The V-neckline elongates your frame, and the ruched side seam helps hide any problem areas. The best part? Even though it’s made of velvet, you can machine-wash it, making this a sexy, low-maintenance addition to your wardrobe.
Pros:
- We love that the material is super stretchy, so even after hours of wear, you’ll feel confident and comfortable.
- It’s the perfect option for those with curvy or athletic builds as it helps accentuate curves. If you’re looking for an instant confidence boost, this dress can provide it.
Cons:
- The dress isn’t lined, so the lighter colors may be a bit sheer. If you opt for black, though, you won’t have a problem.
Unbranded Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt Dress
Throw on and go
Long sleeves and a swing hemline give this black T-shirt dress a whimsical look. Made from rayon and spandex, the fabric is the perfect all-weather weight, making it a year-round closet staple. And thanks to the simple shape and flowing fabric, the styling options are nearly endless. For example, you can pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers for an effortless weekend look, or add over-the-knee boots and a leather jacket for an edgy, cool-weather alternative.
Pros:
- It’s available in a huge assortment of colors and patterns, so you can pick and choose the perfect design to match your existing wardrobe. Because of the affordable price, you can even buy multiple dresses without breaking the bank.
- The synthetic fabric can be washed in the washing machine and will come out looking brand new, so you can wear it over and over again.
Cons:
- Certain colors may be a bit sheer and require a slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a little black dress casual?
While many black dresses can be worn for formal occasions like cocktail parties or weddings, many black dresses are more casual. Consider a T-shirt-style dress or something made with cotton or jersey knit for a more laid-back take on the little black dress.
Are black dresses okay to wear at a wedding?
Black dresses are a classic and timeless option for weddings. Especially for formal or black-tie occasions, black dresses are a stylish and on-trend ensemble. It’s best, however, to avoid all-black outfits for daytime or afternoon weddings.
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