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
I can't help but think they used Kristen's look as inspiration.
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.
-
Forget Outfit Anxiety—This Hack Is Making Styling Stress Entirely Obsolete
No more panicking about what to wear.
-
I'm a Dress-Obsessed Fashion Editor—26 of the Chicest Picks I'm Eyeing From J.Crew's Major One-Day Sale
Up to 40% off.
-
The Anti-Trend Shoe Style All of Your Favorite Celebrities Have in Their Closets
Clearly, it's a chic classic.
-
Only You and I Will Know These 29 Items Came From Zara
I won't tell if you don't.
-
How Backyardcore Quietly Took Over Summer Style
The latest dressing trend we're obsessed with.
-
I Finally Got Around to Creating My Annual Spring Shopbop Wish List—You're Welcome
Enjoy.
-
I Called the Cuffed Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim Style
Style the jeans like a fashion person.
-
I Found It: The Non-Denim Skinny-Pant Trend Fashion People Are *Actually* Wearing
Are you ready for this throwback style?