If you're the kind of person who jumps at the chance to throw on a fuchsia frock or rainbow-hued separates at the merest hint of sun, then it might be best to look away now. This is an ode to the black summer dress and is dedicated to anyone who has found the prevailing summer aesthetic at odds with their personal style. My relationship with summer clothing has been an ever-evolving one, and while I think I have finally found a happy equilibrium between my penchant for tailored simplicity and practical need for warm-weather pieces, I can still find dresses hard to navigate.
It doesn't help that I've never been a massive fan of florals, and I also find that the classic fit-and-flare summer dress makes me feel about 13 years old. While my winter style can hardly be described as minimalist, interestingly, I find that the more stripped-back silhouettes are what most appeal to me during the warmer months. And when scrolling through the new-in sections of my favourite online stores, it's more often than not the black dresses that seem to fulfil my criteria.
So if you're craving something a little more low-key but certainly not lacking in impact, scroll down to see and shop my edit of black summer dresses that have caught my eye this season.
Shop the Best Black Summer Dresses
Wear it over a bikini at the beach or add a slip underneath to make it city-friendly.
The sleeves, the cut outs, the broderie hem... This dress is just stunning.
Such an easy mini dress for summer! I'd wear mine with chunky flip flops at the weekend but heels for date night.
Matteau's dresses are some of my favourites, as you may guess from the edit below. This strapless style is perfect for holidays but is also polished enough to wear at home too.
It's the racerback shape that really does it for me with this style.
We all known linen is a great choice for summer.
So many fashion people own this comfy midi.
Look at those pretty bows.
I love that this one is easy to dress up with heels (hello summer wedding) or down with minimalist sandals.
John Lewis' own brand Anyday has really won me over with this midi.
Such a lovely shape.
Possibly the best dress COS has created this year.
Aje dresses always get a yes from me. Wait until you see the back of this one...
A great choice if, like me, you like a sleeve.
The shirred waist really makes the look so much more expensive than it is.
The perfect LBD in my eyes.
I am. just so in love with this bandeau.
Faune's dresses are just gorgeous. I love the almost cape-style detail on the Camelia.
Just add gold jewellery and you're set.
A slip dress is one of the most hard working pieces in your capsule wardrobe.
Ordered it, worn it, love it!
Look at that lovely crochet detailing.
This style has such a Parisian feel.
Ulla Johnson is one of my favourite brands for gorgeous dresses you'll love and wear forever.
So pretty!
Up Next: 25 Throw-On Summer Dresses That Still Feel Really Polished
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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