Among the list of true closet essentials, the best little black dresses are perennial standouts. No matter the occasion, LBDs are capsule-wardrobe staples that never lose their fashion-forward appeal. Whether a cocktail-attire invite has you scrambling for a party dress or you’re looking for something to freshen up your weekly workwear edit, little black dresses have the power to fill in the blanks with just the right amount of polished versatility and easy elegance.
The best little black dresses, at a glance
I often find myself reaching for an LBD when faced with the nagging question of what to wear. As a New Yorker, my closet is literally stocked with them. Work event? I’m most likely reaching for my trusty black midi to go from day to night with ease; I usually add a leather jacket and boots for extra edge. Fall wedding? A lace-trimmed slip dress is my forever go-to, instantly upping the chic factor—just add strappy heels and sleek earrings. (Rewear it to work or brunch under a white button-down shirt and ballet flats.)
The best part about investing in little black dresses is that they act as styling centerpieces with the ability to be reworked over and over, usually with a simple swap of accessories. From classic minis to bold maxis and every hemline, shape, and material in between, shop my favorite LBDs to bring your wardrobe together.
1. Best black minidresses
There is nothing else quite like a little black minidress, a seasonless staple that can be worn year-round. Whether you like the fit and feel of a bodycon dress or prefer the A-line silhouette of a shift or sheath, rely on these favorites to guide the way. You’ll find Staud’s Wells dress, a longtime bestseller among Glamour readers with the subtlest seamed corset, high on the list. Reformation’s sleeveless, knitted take, meanwhile, is the perfect transitional shape to wear with knee-high boots and a leather jacket in the fall, then a sleek, kitten-heel sandal come summer.
2. Best black midi-dresses
Black midi-dresses run the gamut of shape and vibe, and so do their many styling possibilities. You’ll find both cocktail-appropriate attire and everyday mainstays within this category. Evenings out call for Norma Kamali’s ruched Diana dress, a go-to for decades now, while J.Crew’s pleated taffeta number works for all those dressy fall events on your calendar. Simple jersey options from Quince, Old Navy, and Hill House make for versatile workhorses—pair them with a blazer and your favorite sneakers, ballet flats, or boots for everyday wear.
3. Best black maxidresses
If you’re looking for length, a black maxidress offers a polished problem-solver—there’s no extra styling required. Choose from simple styles that feel like your favorite tank top or T-shirt, like Cotton Citizen’s tank dress or Free People’s long-sleeved maxi—the perfect accompaniments to those new suede boots. For occasion dressing, special details, like Amanda Uprichard’s serious slit skirts and Zara’s festive frock in crepe, are the way to go.
4. Best black dresses with sleeves
A little black dress with long sleeves is fail-proof in the colder months, offering just the right balance of coverage and sophistication. Go for something on the casual side with Another Tomorrow’s short-sleeve dress. Or perhaps a sweater dress is more your speed; both Éterne’s turtleneck number and Dôen’s ruffled take pair perfectly with knee-high boots and a wool coat for everyday outings. For evening, Helsa’s open-back gown in deep noir is the winter wedding-guest dress worth investing in for all those upcoming black-tie affairs.
5. Best black dresses with embellishments
Although a little black dress can be worn for any occasion, it really comes alive at night. Don’t be afraid to load up on options with plenty of extra-special design details to make your picks really stand out. From Mango’s strapless dress with a structured fit and jeweled buttons to Kika Vargas’s voluminous minidress with bow straps, little touches make all the difference. Silhouettes and shapes can also be impactful, like Max Mara’s striking cutout dress and Reformation’s backless gown. Heads will surely turn for these, whatever room you find yourself in.
6. Best black dresses on Amazon
If you need a little guidance on where to begin in a sea of black dresses, our vetted favorites from Amazon are a good place to start. Find versatility with effortless black slip dresses from Alice & Olivia and City Chic (a great plus-size option), which are flexible enough for laid-back moments with a simple jacket and flats or polished looks with strappy heels. Contemporary designer steals like Staud’s cap-sleeve dress and Norma Kamali’s Maria dress are top priorities on my wish list as well.
By Kristina Rutkowski
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