36 Black Dresses From Zara, Mango, and J.Crew That'll Rake In the Compliments

Pictured: ZW Collection Strapless Dress ($70)
There's really never a bad time to shop for a black dress. It can be an absolute lifesaver anytime you're confronted by outfit paralysis—meetings, dates, holiday parties… all the usual suspects. Like any classic wardrobe staple, it's best to buy while the buying's good, and right now, my friends, the buying is very good.
Per usual, Mango, Zara, and J.Crew are a treasure trove of chic black dresses at price points that are particularly welcome this time of year. As we get into that tricky holiday season rife with stacked calendars and ambiguous dress codes, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a versatile black dress at the ready for those moments when getting dressed starts to feel hard. From the office-friendly to the party-ready, these chic black dresses will get you through this season.
Zara
Mango
J.Crew

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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