My Incredibly Chic Co-Worker Is a Master at Elevated Black-Dress Outfits—7 I'm Re-Creating

It's no surprise that working in fashion means being surrounded by incredibly chic people who constantly inspire your next look. Such is the case with all of my co-workers, but there is one in particular who is known for putting together elevated outfits with black dresses: our associate director of special projects, Kristen Nichols. I'm pretty faithful to black dresses over any other color or print, so I couldn't help but notice her various inspiring takes.
I set out to find some of her best black-dress outfits, which are well-documented on her stylish Instagram account. There are endless outfits to pick from, so it took me a moment to narrow it down to seven of my personal favorites. Each is the epitome of elevated thanks not only to the black dress styles she choses, which range from mini to maxi lengths, but also the bags and shoes she opts for. Think sleek mini bags, sophisticated slingback shoes, and effortless sandals to name a few.
Keep scrolling to check out and shop each outfit that prove Nichols is a true master at elevated black-dress outfits.
1.
Shop the Look
2.
Shop the Look
3.
Shop the Look
4.
Shop the Look
5.
Shop the Look
6.
Shop the Look
7.
Shop the Look

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
No One Wears a White T-Shirt Quite Like a Fashion Person—6 Incredibly Cool Looks to Re-Create Now
Nothing but chic, effortless vibes.
-
Put Down That Crewneck—*This* Is the Neckline Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing Instead
Throwback.
-
30 Standout Nordstrom and Zara Finds That Would Make Any French Woman Stop Scrolling
Chic pieces to wear straight through fall.
-
My Aunt Is Heading to NYC—29 Nordstrom Items I Sent Her to Dress Like a Local
Blending right in.
-
My Sister Keeps Taking My Jeans and Sneakers, so I'm Having Her Get Her Own—32 Chic Picks I Highly Recommend
You can't go wrong with this classic duo.
-
The French-Girl Way to Style Black Capris This Fall
Outfit inspiration inside.
-
People With Pretty Style Are Already Wearing This Vintagey Fall Dress Trend in L.A.
Kaia Gerber has great taste.
-
Not to Sound Dramatic, But I'm Convinced That This Is the Best Reformation Has Ever Been
All the chicest new items for fall 2025 have arrived.