If there's onedressI believe everyone needs to own, it's a black one. Worn by trendsetters ranging from Audrey Hepburn to Gwyneth Paltrow, it's the dress that will always look effortlessly elegant. Short or long, embellished or understated, the black dress is your most loyal fashion friend. And, now that winter is here, there's a fresh drop of temptingnew styles to explore.
(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)
The hero black dress style for winter is aknitted one, which this season comes in a wide variety of silhouettes. From micro jumper dresses to ribbed, figure-hugging styles, these wool and cashmeredesigns can be taken from the office to the co*cktail party with just a few simple accessory switches. Thanks to their understated yet luxurious fabrication, knitted dress can look casual and cool when paired with trainers, or refined and polished with heels or tall boots.
(Image credit: @abimarvel)
But with the festive season on the horizon, how could we not highlight the ultimate black evening dresses? From dancefloor-readyparty dresses to black tie-apppropriate gowns, a black dress is there to see you through every event. And with help froma rotation of different accessories, you'll be able to find new ways to wear your favourite dress again and again. Scroll on to discover our pick of the very best dresses for every budget.
1.BEST BLACK MIDI DRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)
Style Notes:A midi dress is a winter must-have, and a black version can act as the foundation for so many looks. Add chunky boots and a jacket for day, or heels and a long coat for evening.
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& Other Stories
Pleated Midi Dress
The panelling adds just a hint of texture.
Raey
Cowl-Neck Silk Dolman Dress
This dress is draped from heavy double-faced silk, and it's elegant silhouette makes it perfect for work.
Arket
Off Shoulder Dress
This is such an elegant silhouette for a high street piece.
Norma Kamali
High-Neck Jersey Gown
For those who like a figure-hugging fit.
Anthropologie
Maeve Cap-Sleeve Slim Midi Dress
This would look so beautiful with a long trench or wool coat.
2.BEST BLACK MINIDRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @rosiehw)
Style Notes: Keep the hemline high with a mini dress this winter. Follow Rosie's example and style with black tights and super tall boots to make it seasonally approproate.
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H&M
Rib-Knit Dress
The neckline on this mini dress is universally flattering.
Mango
Belt Wrap Dress
This would look great with knee high boots and tights.
Reformation
Radlee Knit Dress
With loafers or boots, this mini dress looks effortlessly cool.
COS
Long-Sleeved Asymmetric Mini Dress
This is the kind of mini dress that you can feel confident wearing to the office, and to after-work drinks
& Other Stories
Straight Gold Buckle Mini Dress
I love the gold buckle detail on these, which is reminiscent of Gucci's signature horsebit embellishment.
1.BEST BLACKMAXI DRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)
Style Notes:Maxi dresseshave remained the trending silhouette all year—this winter, style yours with a teddy or long wool coat to emphasise the silhouette. Keep it casual with trainers or loafers, or elevate the look with knee-high heeled boots.
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COS
Pleated Knitted Turtleneck Maxi Dress
I'm obsessed with the way this knitted turtleneck top shifts into a floaty, semi-transparent skirt.
Raey
Round-Neck Cotton-Blend Jersey Maxi Dress
Made from super soft cotton with just the right amount of stretch, this dress can be used as the base layer for so many looks.
Staud
Sweetheart-Neckline Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress
This dress could easily go from day to night with a few accessory switches.
H&M
Long Sleeved Rib Knit Maxi Dress
The easiest black maxi dress you can own.
Arket
Silk Slip Dress
Layer with boots and a jumper or think shearling jacket, as styled by Jessica Skye.
4.BEST BLACK KNITTEDDRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @aidabadji_)
Style Notes: Short or long, ribbed or smooth, a knitted dress is a brilliant layering piece that can be dressed up or down.
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& Other Stories
Belted Mini Knit Dress
I love the built-in belt on this dress (and the price tag.)
COS
Lightweight Merino Wool Turtleneck Dress
This could be styled in so many ways.
H&M
Knitted Off-The-Shoulder Dress
The off-the-shoulder neckline makes this feel extra elevated.
Raey
Cashmere-Blend Ribbed Roll-Neck Dress
A long cashmere dress is so luxurious.
Reformation
Wallis Cashmere Midi Dress
The leg split means this dress work look especially great with a knee-high boot.
6.BEST BLACK PARTYDRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)
Style Notes:Whetheryou're headed to aco*cktail party ora dancefloor, going out is made so much easier when you have a reliable black dress to reach for. Stand out from the crowd with sheer panelling or intricate embellishment.
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Mango
Semi-Transparent Panel Ruffle Dress
Sheer panelling is very on trend this season, and this floaty style fromJen Ceballos' collaboration is spot-on.
Rixo
Lena
This dress is more than ready for a party.
COS
Asymmetric Draped Mini Dress
The neckline on this is so, so good.
Reformation
Pia Velvet Dress
The embellishment detail will catch the light so well.
Mango
Shoulder Pad Velvet Dress
The shoulder pads give this mini dress a strong silhouette.
7.BEST BLACKEVENING DRESSES FOR WOMEN
(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)
Style Notes: For more formal affairs, a black dress will always make you feel confident and fashionable. I particularly love Jeanette's slinky silk maxi, which just looks so effortlessly sophisticated.
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Reformation
Casette Silk Dress
Reformation always does slinky silk dresses so well, and this cleverly ruched number is no exception.
H&M
Tie-Strap Satin Dress
The contrast of the satin and velvet is really gorgeous.
16Arlington
Adelaide Asymmetric Feather-Trim Crepe Midi Dress
Those feathered sleeves, the asymetric neckline, the split—this isthe statement dress to own this festive season.
Reformation
Ziggy Velvet Dress
Velvet is a great choice for elevated winter evening wear.
LoveShackFancy
Elizabella Maxi Dress
The frayed hem and flower detail is such a lovely touch.
Next Up:Not All Dresses and Jackets Go Together, But These 5 Timeless Combinations Work
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