The “Naked" Dress Trend Your Wardrobe Is Crying Out For

Party dresses. Remember those? We're not talking about those with oversize silhouettes or cosy, woollen textures. Instead, we're reminiscing of a time when we had a reason to party in our fanciest frock. But with any luck, we won’t need to reminisce this year. Now that we’re in October, we think talking about party season is fair game, and boy, are we excited at the prospect of wearing something glam. We’ve been anticipating it so much that we already know what we'll wear to such an occasion—an update on a bonafide wardrobe staple.

Black dresses are classic—this we know—and it seems our favourite designers have been inspired by its timelessness, for the most noteworthy collections all feature a unique take on the black dress. Boasting design details like asymmetric hems, thread-like straps, alluring necklines, and figure-hugging cuts, these are no everyday black dresses. They're incredibly sexy black dresses, which were literarily made for, hopefully, a party season to remember. 

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

"Across the new collections, we saw designers playing with the idea of a 'naked dress,' using slinky silhouettes, body-con, and racy cutouts, however, it was the black dresses that really stood out to us—and buyers," says Who What Wear UK editor Emma Spedding. "According to Moda Operandi, Jacquemus's black slip dress was its top-selling piece from the pre-orders. Designers such as Khaite and Victoria Beckham created dresses that played with cutouts on the neckline, strap detailing and a mix of knits and light fabrication. This is a post-lockdown dress to have in your wardrobe on standby for when you want to wear something truly fabulous."

If you're in any need of further encouragement, scroll below to see the sexy black dresses designers showcased this year, then proceed to shop our favourite options. 

2021'S SEXY BLACK DRESSES

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Jacquemus
(Image credit: JACQUEMUS)

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Khaite
(Image credit: KHAITE)

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Victoria Beckham
(Image credit: VICTORIA BECKHAM)

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Rosetta Getty
(Image credit: ROSETTA GETTY)

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Gabriela Hearst
(Image credit: GABRIELA HEARST)

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Victoria Beckham
(Image credit: VICTORIA BECKHAM)

SHOP BLACK DRESSES

Next: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.