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.
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Shop the Best Black Summer Dresses:
Reformation
Balia Linen Dress
We all known linen is a great choice for summer.
GANNI
Shirred Tiered Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Such an easy mini dress for summer. I'd wear mine with chunky flip flops at the weekend, and heels for date night.
H&M
Tie-Detail Puff-Sleeved Dress
Look at the pretty bows!
MATTEAU
+ Net Sustain Organic Cotton and Silk-Blend Halterneck Midi Dress
Matteau's dresses are some of my favourites, as you may guess from the edit below. This halter style is perfect for holidays but is also polished enough to wear at home too.
& Other Stories
Gathered Sleeveless Midi Dress
I love that this one is easy to dress up with heels (hello summer wedding) or down with minimalist sandals.
DÔEN
Hadlie Dress
Such a lovely shape.
Jovonna London
Frans Knitted Dress
Jovonna dresses always get a yes from me.
COS
Gathered-Waist Midi Dress
Possibly the best dress COS has created this year.
MANGO
Asymmetric Neckline Dress
It's the asymmetric shoulder that really does it for me with this style.
RAILS
Rue Dress
A tank dress will work hard in your wardrobe all year round.
ALIGNE
Leah Linen Mini Dress
Aligne's dresses are just gorgeous. I love the almost waistcoat-style detail on the Leah.
Free People
Free-est Taking Sides Maxi
So many fashion people own this comfy maxi.
Massimo Dutti
Ribbed Knit Semi-Sheer Dress with Ties
Wear it over a bikini at the beach or add a slip underneath to make it city-friendly.
RIXO
Midi Slip - Black
You can't go wrong with a simple slip you'll love and wear forever.
Reformation
Astoria Dress
So pretty!
H&M
Tie-Strap Midi Dress
Simple, sleek, sophisticated.
Nobodys Child
Black Linen Blend Bardot Genevieve Midi Dress
The shirred bodice really makes the look so much more expensive than it is.
CHARO RUIZ
Lucil Lace-Trimmed Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
The sleeves, the broderie hem... This dress is just stunning.
Whistles
Bandeau Knit Dress
The perfect LBD (that's long black dress) in my eyes.
ZARA
Cutwork Embroidery Midi Dress
Just add gold jewellery and you're set.
& Other Stories
Slim Satin Midi Dress
A great choice if, like me, you like a satin finish.
Free-Est
Ruffle It Up Midi
Ordered it, worn it, love it!
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Knitted V-Neck Midi Column Dress
M&S has really won me over with this styling.
AND/OR
And/or Bernie Sleeveless Jersey Dress
I love this easy jersey dress.
Nobody's Child
Black Bardot Amanda Midi Dress
This style has such a Parisian feel.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Joy Montgomery is a London-based fashion writer and shopping expert. She held the role of Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK from 2018 to 2022, producing content that centered around worthwhile fashion buys, with a specialism in uncovering unique, indepdent brands and celebrating the joys of secondhand and vintage discoveries. Joy has sinced moved on to become the Shopping Editor at British Vogue.