I Love a Chic Black Dress—These Are the 23 Styles Worth Bookmarking for Winter
Much like a pair of jeans, or a crisp shirt, a black dress is a fashion piece that keeps on giving. It’s become the hero garment for year-round dressing and both luxury and high-street brands are forever in a bid to create the perfect black dress, whether that's a show-stopping maxi or holiday-ready mini.
The classic LBD cemented its place as a fashion staple many moons ago. Although the origin of the LBD is ascribed to eveningwear, the versatility of a black dress is something that’s been carried throughout the decades. Now, black dresses—little or oversized, short or long—are a staple in every fashion person's wardrobe. The current offerings are aplenty, so you’ll most definitely find something in keeping with your taste.
A black dress is the one item that I can pull out for most eventualities—whether that’s a much-needed injection of confidence, time-sensitive dressing, or simply a contender for the unreliable British forecast. When searching for transitional black dresses, I have a few elements that I look out for—length and fabric. My preference is for midi-length dresses with the addition of sleeves. The Baserange Shaw Kaftan and Another Tomorrow dress, for example, are exemplary. Comprised of natural fibres, both allow for comfort and coverage and the sweeping lengths are appropriate for most weather conditions. Midi and maxi-length dresses ensure breathability in humid conditions, yet they look equally chic with trainers or knee-high boots now.
As we’re becoming increasingly discerning about our clothing purchases and wardrobe capacities, our need for hard-working pieces is surpassing trend-led designs. This is why the black dress shines—classic, understated and sultry (if desired). Here's my edit of 23 stand out black dresses. Layer up, or down as appropriate but keep it close by and you’ll be guaranteed low cost per wear.
Shop My Edit of the Best Black Dresses:
Trust Ninety Percent to make a stylish and winter appropriate dress.
I always head straight to Reformation for sleek pieces I know I'll feel great in.
The boat neck cut and slightly fluted hem makes this piece look incredibly premium.
If you're a fan of linen like I am, instead of retiring your linen pieces in the winter, wear them in the evening (Given it's not too chilly). I'd pop this style on with a blazer.
Party season is upon us, so why not get ahead of the invites by investing in classic cuts you can wear year after year.
This dress is right at the top of my current wish list.
The cream version of this dress sold out, so I have no doubt the black will too.
A knitted dress will work so hard in your wardrobe all year round.
You'll never need to buy another black knitted dress again.
Thanks to 2023's polka dot resurgence, we're seeing many a cute patterned frock.
Baserange is one of my favourites for everyday dresses. I own this in black and cream.
Rixo's 2023 party edit had entered the char and this velvet number is one of my favourite pieces. Luckily for us, they've just launched a no-strings-attached try-before-you-buy service, so you can try these gorgeous frocks from the comfort of your own home.
I guarantee you'll get so much wear out of this slinky midi. It's fashion-forward yet classic.
I always opt for ballon-sleeved dresses during the winter months.
Up Next: These Anti-Trend Boots are Still as Popular Now as They Were Years 6 Years Ago
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.
She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
-
5 Classic Work Outfits That Make Dressing for the Office Totally Effortless
You'll always know what to wear.
By Avalon Afriyie
-
Welcome to the Great Try-On: Every Key Buy of the Season Tested IRL
We did the hard work for you.
By Poppy Nash
-
A Suede Tote Bag Is Top of My Wish List—Here Are the Best for Every Price Point
It's all in the detail.
By Florrie Alexander
-
Trust Me: This Elegant, Anti-Trend Handbag Brand Is About to Be Everywhere
And it's celebrity-approved.
By Florrie Alexander
-
Everywhere I Look, Celebs Are Carrying Timeless It Bags From This One Brand
True classics ahead.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I'm Building My Forever Wardrobe—These Are the Classic Pieces I'm Considering
A very 2024 capsule wardrobe.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I'm an Influencer in My 50s—These 6 Ageless Trends Have Refreshed My Wardrobe
Timeless style for all ages.
By Remy Farrell
-
It's Official: These Are the 5 It Brands Fashion People Are Shopping in 2024
Only the crème de la crème.
By Humaa Hussain