I Consider Myself a Little Black Dress Expert—These Are the Only Ones Worthy of Your Attention

If I believed in such a thing as too many black dresses, I (well, my husband) would say I have far too many of them. But, as it stands, I firmly believe there is no such thing.

In fact, I'll double down and say I need different LBDs for different occasions — think a black date night dress, a work event LBD, even a black summer dress for sunny days. Add to that, sometimes I'm feeling something sleek and minimal, other times I fancy a big sleeve and full skirt for extra drama. Now you see why I need so many.

To further support my point, I must add that I wear them all on repeat, and have done so for several years now. Much like a good winter coat, the best black dresses are a wardrobe staple that is absolutely worth the investment. There will always be an occasion to wear an LBD, and the beauty of them is that they're timelessly elegant, hence their everlasting appeal.

And, it's pretty clear I'm not the only one who thinks so. On the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, designers such as Alberta Ferretti, Bottega Veneta and Chanel all highlighted the sartorial staple, updating it for the new season with exaggerated silhouettes and sheer materials.

And make no mistake, while the little black dress is, of course, a staple for party season, it should by no means be confined to evening wear alone. Yes, it might seem unconventional, but black summer dresses are a fantastic choice for warm days, especially if you choose lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton.

There's even a strong argument for wearing black to a wedding, if you're so inclined. Just think carefully about your fabric choices to ensure the darker tones still feels elevated, or, if you're worried about the shade appearing too sombre, try a printed black dress. Polka dot styles are hugely popular right now, and a monochromatic palette will bridge the gap between your favourite LBD and the playful print.

So, have I convinced you? If you're in agreement and are ready to add (possibly another) black dress to your collection, I'm here to help. I've done a lot of digging, and here are the black dresses that deserve your attention right now.

Shop black dresses