If there is one thing we will always remember about summer 2022 (the prominence of Crocs aside), it will be the return of the mini. As one Miu Miu micro skirt kicked off a wave of teeny-weeny miniskirts that the street style set took to with great enthusiasm, it wasn't exactly the most wearable trend to make its way off the runway. If you're like me, the mini wasn't top of your wish list in summer, and I have good news for you. There's another hero hemline this autumn, and it's the antidote to the micro mini. The modest maxi may look simple and elegant, but it is anything but boring.
From ACNE Studios to Alaïa, Chanel to Givenchy, sweeping black maxi dresses dominated the autumn collections, and unlike the other great seasonal trends that we've had to wait to be filtered down to the high street, it's shoppable now. In fact, you may already have one in your wardrobe (extra points if it's the viral Skims dress that all of our editors are obsessed with).
Although the little black dress used to be the easy go-to for any occasion, the long black dress is steadily taking over as the chicer, grown-up way to dress, and any trend that doesn't require a rigorous head-to-toe grooming routine already scores highly with me. It's versatile (easily dressed up for evening with heels or worn casual with chunky flatforms), it's flattering (all sizes will appreciate the figure-skimming fit), and it's affordable (even the high-street versions look expensive in the way that only all black can).
HOW THE FASHION SET ARE WEARING LONG BLACK DRESSES
Style Notes: Believe it or not, Cassandra's floor-length maxi is from H&M, proof that you don't need to spend four figures to get the most expensive-looking black dresses.
Style Notes: Make a black dress festival ready with chunky black boots and all-black accessories.
Style Notes: One of the greatest pros of the LBD is its versatility, and a long-sleeved jersey dress can be worn for evening with strappy stilettos.
Style Notes: Straps, ruching, cut-outs… The more, the merrier. Interesting detailing makes simple dresses stand out.
Style Notes: Another high-street hit, Linda's Mango dress is a lesson in how to make black outfits work with minimal accessorising. Just swap sandals for black knee-high boots for autumn.
SHOP OUR FAVOURITE LONG BLACK DRESSES
A simple, refined slip dress in comfortable jersey from Grace Ling, one of Net-a-Porter's new names to know.
We're still wearing the shirred dresses we loved all summer but in trans-seasonal black.
Sure, jeans and a nice top are reliable, but an easy ribbed dress looks even more polished and doesn't compromise on comfort.
A sleeveless, fitted dress with a mock neck and ruching to dress up a simple, well-cut midi.
There's a reason these Skims dresses are a TikTok and fashion-editor favourite.
A long black dress is perfect for evening occasions and will have you covered for everything from date date to black tie.
The back detailing is what makes this maxi dress truly special.
An effortless, laid-back puff-sleeved dress for the lazy weekends that require an easy throw-on outfit.
If you're in need of a high-impact dress for a special occasion, try Fame and Partners' cowl-neck slip with an open back. A minimal, '90s-inspired maxi worth every penny.
Most sizes of this Mango dress, as seen on Linda Tol, predictably sold out, but it's still available in 16 to 22 for those who missed it the first time around.
This sporty, sleeveless knit is the perfect layering piece. Wear it over a T-shirt, white shirt or turtleneck in the colder winter months.
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