In my opinion, Alexa Chung is at her chicest in Paris. So this week, as the style icon descended on the City of Light for a flurry of fashion week appearances, my mood board was refreshed with a healthy dose of styling inspiration. Stepping out for an evening in Paris to celebrate Pandora's collaboration with stylist Harry Lambert, Alexa reached for a timeless wardrobe staple, reminding us exactly why she'll always be the queen of elevated everyday dressing.

Opting for a modern take on the little black dress, Chung chose an elegant design featuring an on-trend halterneck, an asymmetric hem and softly pleated detailing. Then to the shoes, whilst black heels would have been the obvious choice, Alexa sidestepped the predictable in favour of a pair of white heels.

Adding a crisp contrast to her all-black outfit, the white shoes kept it from feeling too heavy for a summer evening event, without relying on bold colours or statement prints.

Perhaps it's because white shoes can scuff so easily, or because they often feel quite stark, but they've never been a style I've instinctively gravitated towards. Still, Alexa's latest look has completely changed my mind.

Styled with chunky silver earrings, a gold arm cuff and a sleek black handbag, the white heels added dimension without distracting from its clean, minimalist aesthetic. In fact, I'm convinced that no other shoe colour could have achieved quite the same effect.

Quite possibly the chicest way I've seen a little black dress styled this season, read on to shop my edit of the best white heels below.

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You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dated wedding guest dressing rule than the one that claims you shouldn't wear black. Take one look at the black dress Dakota Johnson is wearing to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden, and the word "mourning" (which is where the "rule" comes from) will be the last thing to come to mind. In fact, Dakota's black dress is the perfect example of what you should wear to a wedding in 2026, as it's one of the most elegant dress trends of the year, and is simultaneously timeless.

The trend I'm referring to is a high-neck halter dress. Johnson's wedding guest dress appears to feature a long scarf that ties at the back of the neck as well as a high slit, both adding to the drama of the semi-sheer dress. With the elegant dress she chose to attend her close friend's wedding on this very hot day, Johnson opted for a studded Valentino flap shoulder bag and a pair of satin stiletto mule sandals with an oversized bow. No notes.

Scroll on to see Dakota Johnson's elegant black halter-neck dress for Travis and Taylor's wedding, and shop similar styles for the weddings on your calendar (or any other special occasion).

Dakota Johnson en Route to Travis and Taylor's Wedding

On Dakota Johnson: Valentino bag

Shop Elegant Black Halter-Neck Dresses

If your summer moodboard leans more sleek minimalist than eclectic grandpa, then you might want to bookmark Daisy Edgar-Jones’s latest look.

Skipping over the bubble hem dresses and attention-grabbing shades that have dominated this spring, the actor instead built her outfit around an eternally chic little black dress. Clean, simple and completely unfussy, it served as the perfect '90s minimalist-inspired foundation for her pared-back summer styling.

In another smart styling move, Daisy also swerved the technicoloured jelly sandals that are everywhere right now, opting instead for a timeless pair of beige square-toe heels. Chic, without trying too hard.

Free from excessive colour, embellishment or frills, this classic dress-and-heel pairing has an innate elegance that works time and time again. For anyone drawn to minimalist dressing, there are few combinations that deliver the same level of polish while still feeling relaxed and undone.

Poised, polished and uncomplicated, read on to discover the best black minidresses and beige heels to shop now.

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There's so much to love about awards season style: the new-season designs, daring silhouettes and over-the-top embellishments make for endlessly entertaining red carpet coverage. Yet, more often than not, I walk away from a post-show deep dive without feeling inspired to translate anything into my own wardrobe. I’m rarely tempted by the naked dress trend that has dominated the style set season after season, nor am I inclined toward puffball dresses layered in sequins and tulle. While I can admire these bold choices in others, they certainly never feel like me.

This year's Golden Globes, however, was quite the opposite. Gone were the sheer metallics and novelty details. Instead, the evening’s best-dressed celebrities were largely swathed in enduringly elegant black

Ayo Edibiri wears Chanel, styled by Danielle Goldberg.

A conveyor belt of elegant black dresses, some stars leaned towards gothic silhouettes à la Miley Cyrus in her sparkle-adorned Saint Laurent gown or Jenna Ortega's Dilara Findikoglu's ensemble. Whilst others evoked classic Hollywood glamour through draping and texture.

Miley Cyrus wears Saint Laurent.

What really struck me was how ranging and personality-packed the looks remained, despite their pared-back hue. And as someone who loves minimalist dressing and investing in pieces I know I’ll wear for years, this felt like a little red carpet gift to my inspiration board.

Jenna Ortega's wears Dilara Findikoglu dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, Simone Jewels jewellery, styled by Enrique Melendez.

Let’s be real: experimenting with colour is fun, but if you want a move that always looks chic, black wins every time. Transcends trends—what looks chic today will still feel relevant in ten years—there's a reason LBDs remain such a hero buy.

Mia Goth wears Dior.

As last night's red carpet attendees proved: you don’t need metallics, neons, or insane embellishments to make an impact. Read on to discover the chicest black dresses to shop right now.

Ariana Grande wears a custom Vivienne Westwood dress, Swarovski jewellery, styled by Law Roach.

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In my experience, the party-peppered months of November and December can be some of the trickiest to shop for—especially if you consider yourself a timeless dresser. With micro-trends dominating the landscape each year, it becomes all too easy to distinguish one festive wardrobe from the next. Prints shift, embellishments evolve, and suddenly last year’s “it” dress feels oddly timestamped. As someone who prioritises pieces that will stand the test of time, I often find myself stuck in a seasonal style stalemate.

That's why I was so inspired when I came across a shot of Margot Robbie this week wearing the timeless party-ready dress trend I know will hold up for years to come. Echoing the cool tailoring trend that continues to endure, blazer dresses return every festive season without fail. In particular, the Wardrobe.NYC x Rosie Huntington-Whiteley black blazer dress has reemerged as a favourite among fashion people once again.

Taking hers out for a spin just this week, I spotted Margot styling the collarless blazer dress with tall black leather heels and a black Chanel Flap Bag. With its clean lines and tailored structure, the black minidress takes its cues from classic tailoring, exuding a naturally polished energy that does the styling work for you. As Margot demonstrated, minimal accessories and a monochromatic palette only elevate its refined appeal.

Designed as part of her ongoing collaboration with Wardrobe.NYC, naturally, Rosie has sported the timeless dress on a number of evening occasions, too. True to her luxurious aesthetic, she often leans into sleek, tonal styling—her leather blazer and black fishnet tights offering one of the chicest interpretations of the trend I’ve seen.

And it isn’t just celebrities taking note. I recently spotted influencer @nlmarilyn layering hers over a black column skirt and finishing with a structured hat, whilst others have kept things classic, opting for sheer black tights and pointed-toe heels for an elegant and refined finish.

While the Wardrobe.NYC version is having a moment; the high street and designer offerings are just as compelling this season. From H&M and Mango’s neatly tailored takes to Valentino’s sculptural, evening-ready iteration, the blazer dress is firmly cemented as one of the season's most sophisticated party-season staples.

Read on to shop my edit of the best blazer dresses to see you through the festive circuit for many years to come.

Shop the Wardrobe.NYC X Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Blazer Dress:

Shop Blazer Dresses:

The City of Lights has played host to many a style icon throughout its storied history: Marie Antoinette and her rococo extravagance, Josephine Baker and her ostentatious showgirl wardrobe, Audrey Hepburn and her beatnik chic…

Now, during the early part of Paris Fashion Week, legendary supermodel Kate Moss has taken it upon herself to prove exactly why the French capital is the perfect place for stylish dressers to shine. No stranger to making her well-adored wardrobe items the centrepiece of a memorable outfit—including the Levi’s 501s she wore on repeat whilst off-duty in the ‘90s, the Wellington boots that made regular appearances at Glastonbury during the early 2000s or even her vintage Hermès bag that she recently took to the beach in Formentera, Moss’s latest appearance relied upon a very simple formula.

However, it was the way she leaned into the effortless sensuality and refined elegance synonymous with the city that truly made me stop in our tracks.

Of course, I'm referring to the way the 51-year-old transformed a humble LBD into something far more sophisticated by teaming it with a pair of black tights and chic, round-toe heels. She stepped out in this look whilst running errands in the 1st arrondissement: checking into The Ritz in Place Vendôme, attending a fitting at Tom Ford’s atelier and enjoying the sights after attending Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2026 collection on Monday evening. On the latter, it appears she took styling cues from Anthony Vaccarello’s latest collection for the house, as the Belgian designer also presented a slew of vampy looks paired with lighter stockings and humble pumps.

And whilst a luxe monochromatic outfit like this seems in keeping with what one would pack to wear in Paris, what surprised me the most was the way she switched out her higher-denier tights for a pair that was on the sheer side. In the past, I’ve almost omitted wearing anything under a 40, erroneously thinking they wouldn’t make an impact. But what Kate has proven here is that there’s a subtle sophistication in exercising restraint and not going too bold with your hoisery this season.

Those who have found themselves asking, "Whatever happened to glamour?" will be happy to hear me salute Kate in her act of dressing suitably for the occasion—and the location. With party season and colder weather approaching, it’s also never felt more relevant to lean into the fun of dressing up for the hell of it. Who knew all it took was throwing on a pair of tights that have been in your underwear drawer since secondary school? I am in no way suggesting that you reach for this pair, however, so consider this an invitation to upgrade your collection and shop my edit of the chicest black tights currently available below.

Shop Kate Moss's Look:

I’ve long considered the black dresses in my wardrobe to be amongst the hardest-working pieces I own. From office hours to evening plans, they’ve seen every occasion that I have. Over time, I’ve noticed a bit of personal hierarchy emerge; favourites that I instinctively reach for again and again. Lately, the pieces at the very top share one special trait: elegant lace detailing.

With the lace-trim trend bubbling up over the past few months, it’s no surprise that my lace-adorned black dresses are pulling more than their fair share of the weight right now. And I’m clearly not alone in this newfound obsession. Just this week, Victoria Beckham stepped out in a little black dress with the very same elevated twist.

Spotted enjoying lunch outdoors, Beckham wore a breezy black number with delicate lace tracing its edges. The fine detailing gave the dress a lightness that balanced the summer heat, keeping the all-black look fresh and airy rather than heavy. Later that same day, she stepped out for a boat trip in the very same dress, making a case for the growing trend's versatility. Whilst black dresses are reliable, they're not always the most exciting thing to wear; this small addition, however, totally changes that.

It struck me that, without the lace trim, the design might have slipped under the radar. Instead, that pretty embellishment entirely elevated it. Whilst Beckham showed how perfect it can be for sunny afternoons, I can just as easily imagine it for a formal evening out, or styled with knee-high boots to carry it into autumn.

If you’re equally tempted by the easy elegance of this trend, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best black lace dresses to invest in now.

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Truthfully, at first glance, Dakota Johnson's latest look didn’t immediately stop me in my tracks. Yes, she looks stunning—she always does—but a black dress paired with black heels isn't something I haven't seen before. However, after lingering on the image a little longer, I began to notice some subtle detailing that entirely elevated her look.

Let’s start with the shoes. At first, they seem like your standard pointed-toe pumps—a timeless silhouette that’s been a staple in wardrobes for decades. But upon closer inspection, I realised that Johnson has actually picked up on a specific shoe trend that can make the biggest difference to a simple ensemble. Instead of reaching for a pair of classic stilettos, Johnson opted for a sculptural pair with an intriguing curved heel. This unexpected design detail instantly elevated her ensemble, injecting a sense of modernity into the otherwise minimal occasion look.

More architectural than your average heel, the curved shape adds a point of distinction that feels both elegant and fashion-forward. In Johnson’s case, the sleek lines of her Ferragamo Eva Pumps (£725) offered just the right amount of visual interest, perfectly complementing the strapless black dress without distracting from it.

Her dress also featured quiet intricacies that caught my eye. With subtle ruching throughout the body, the dress contained just enough movement and texture to feel effortless while still maintaining its sleek silhouette. Finished with Roberto Coin jewellery, the entire look came together with a sense of ease that’s become synonymous with Johnson’s personal style.

Inspired by Johnson's elevated take on occasionwear ahead of a summer full of weddings and events, read on to discover my edit of the best curved heel shoes below.

SHOP CURVED HEELS:

If you've followed Bella Hadid's style journey for any length of time, then you'll know that she really comes into her own once the clock strikes Cannes and the model descends upon the French Riviera. Amping up the elegance, Hadid's Cannes Film Festival looks are nothing short of iconic, and once again, despite a last-minute update to the festival's dress code, the model confirmed that always be one of Cannes' best dressed.

Stepping out for the glamorous, ocean-front occasion, Hadid emerged in a new-season Jacquemus Agave Dress (£1,320), cut to a square-neck design with a sleeveless finish and drop-waist silhouette. Rendered in a rich black shade, Hadid's sophisticated dress spoke to the elegance of the occasion, while the light cotton composition ensured a breathable finish that could hold up against Cannes' early summer heat.

Accessorising for the event, Hadid slipped into Jacquemus' The Low Cubisto Slingbacks (£615), and carried the brand's Small Turismo bag (£850) in her clutches, draping a diamond silver necklace around her neck, and wearing Chopard earrings for the occasion.

Reminiscent of the low-waist designs that were popularised across the 1920s, drop-waist dresses impart a vintage energy that can be heightened or muted, depending on accessories. While Hadid's own dress was plucked from the Jacquemus' La Croisière runway collection, the timeless silhouette has been emulated across a number of labels this season. From H&M's swishy style to COS' panneled dress, read on to shop our edit of the best black drop-waist dresses below.

SHOP BELLA HADID'S LOOK:

SHOP BLACK DROP-WAIST DRESSES:

If there's one colour I'm going to wear on almost a daily basis it's black. That's probably why I find summer one of the tricker months outfit-wise. Historically, I've found myself buying bright colours and styles that I wouldn't typically reach for and, surprise surprise, I end up not feeling like myself at all. I don't know why I've been making life so difficult for myself—higher temperatures doesn't have to mean giving up black items. In fact, black dresses are one of the best, most versatile pieces you can have in your summer collection.

The trick is in the choice of fabric and cut. Avoid synthetic materials and opt for breezy linens and cottons to stay cool in warm weather, and focus on silhouettes that are breathable and relaxed — think straight-cut linen shift dresses or voluminous cotton styles.

Then there's the styling. As we all know, black can be a great base to use as a backdrop to play with colour and texture, whether you opt for a vibrant hue shoe or bag, or lean into the summer mood by introducing raffia accessories. But you don't have to get into colour at all—many of the influencer looks I've found embrace the sleek minimalism of all-black looks, pairing classic black dresses with understated sandals and sunglasses.

Feeling inspired to join the black dress in summer movement? Scroll on to see my pick of seven of the best outfits courtesy of some of my favourite fashion people.

7 Black Dress Summer Outfits That Always Look Chic

1. Broderie Anglaise Dress + Mesh Flats

Style Notes: You may typically think of a broderie anglaise dress as a white style, but this look proves there are incredibly chic black versions available, too. Keep yours looking modern by pairing with one of the more controversial trending shoes, the mesh flat.

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2. Scoop-Neck Dress + T-Shirt + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: This is the kind of outfit that's perfect for taking a summer dress and making it more city appropriate. I enjoy the idea of layering a long dress over a classic white tee to create a look that feels really fresh and contemporary.

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3. Mini Dress + Cowboy Boots

Style Notes: Londoners in particular have really been backing the boots-and-dress combo and I'm sold. There's just something about a black minidress and a classic Western boot just feels right.

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4. Linen Maxi Dress + Slides

Style Notes: Sometimes, simple is best. Follow this example and opt for the beauty of understated minimalism by going for the combination of long linen dress and sleek slides.

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5. Puff-Sleeve Dress + Mules

Style Notes: I'm a big fan of puff-sleeve dresses but going for the silhouette doesn't have to mean going for a bright summer colour. Keep it sleek by opting for a black version with low-heeled mules.

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6. Slip Dress + Heels

Style Notes: A black slip dress is one of the most versatile styles you can own. Dress down by day by pairing with a cropped cardigan and flat sandals, or elevate with a great necklace and heels.

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7. Beach Dress + Basket Bag

Style Notes: This is summer after all, so why not give your black dress the ultimate warm-weather treatment with a basket bag and a silk hair scarf for a look that loans itself to both holidays and home soil.

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I know I'm not the only fashion fan who remains besotted by '90s style. In my opinion, the sleek forms, minimal silhouettes and wearable designs that dominated the decade have never been topped by any other era.

Seeing as the decade holds such a special place in my heart, I'm always on the lookout for a great '90s-inspired celebrity look, and this week, I came across one of the best yet. Stepping out in a '90s-lookalike dress that her Spice Girl alter ego would have loved, I spotted Victoria Beckham in a chic black minidress with a shallow scoop-neck design, which I just had to share with you.

These simple LBDs were a partywear staple back in the day, and VB was the poster girl. We've seen the singer-turned-designer style black minidresses countless times over the past 30 years, often wearing them with next to no accessories. Beckham was known to take a timeless approach to her minidress styling that feels just as relevant today.

Wearing her 2024 version with a baseball cap and carrying her flat sandals, Beckham stepped onto a yacht in Miami looking perfectly primed to handle the Florida heat. Accompanied by supermodel Cindy Crawford, who wore white trousers with a blue button-down, the two fashion icons proved they still have a knack for putting together a great—albeit simple—outfit.

A wardrobe staple that VB can't be without, read on to discover our edit of the best black minidresses to shop right now.

SHOP BLACK MINIDRESSES:

If there's one dress I'm forever a fan of, it's a black one. linen or silky, short or long, a black dress is a style I can always get behind—and that's coming from someone who typically steers away from dresses altogether. Part of their appeal is their versatility, and the fact that with a few clever accessory switches they can take you from day to night, casual weekend lunches to a much-anticipated date night. That being said, I'm always on the hunt for fresh outfit inspiration, especially now that I'm in autumn outfit planning mode. Bring on the Instagram scrolling.

Let's start with the dress itself. In my opinion, nothing is more elegant than a long-sleeved midi or maxi dress, especially when its a finely knitted style. That's the kind of dress you could wear with a trench and trainers for a more casual ensemble, or with the very on-trend leather mule for a more day-to-night look. Then there are the evening wear options—slinky slip dresses, ankle-grazing maxis and sophisticated flowy styles will all score serious fashion points, and also can be styled for day by layering with cardigans or blazers.

If you're also looking for fresh black dress outfit inspiration, look no further—below I've found five excellent black dress looks for every occasion, and every style.

5 Black Dress Outfits For Autumn 2025

1. Black Dress + Trench Coat

Style Notes: A trench coat is an autumn staple, and layered over a black dress? So chic. Team with clean white trainers or a knee-high boot for extra oomph.

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2. LBD + Boots

Style Notes: An LBD is an all-round staple. Get the most of out a mini style by wearing it with simple sandals and a raffia bag in the summer, and knee-high boots come autumn.

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3. T-Shirt Dress + Knit

Style Notes: Even if the temperatures drop, you don't have to give up your love of t-shirt dresses. Opt for a sleeveless style and pair with your favourite knit, suede bag and sandals. When it gets chillier, swap sandals for your favourite penny loafer.

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4. Polka-Dot Dress + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: All of us at Who What Wear are huge fans of polka dot dresses. You'll get even more style points by pairing it with a boxy blazer and sleek leather flip-flops.

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5. Long-Sleeve Dress + Mesh Flats

Style Notes: A black long-sleeve dress is a great piece to have on hand for evening wear, but Ingrid's look proves how easily you can style it for the day, too. Mesh flats along with some sleek accessories keep it relaxed yet polished.

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As far as mother-daughter duos go, few others can claim such great influence over the fashion industry as Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber. With cumulative decades in the industry, both have fronted some of the biggest campaigns out there, and having spent so much time in fashion's inner circle, it's no surprise that the two have honed excellent taste along the way.

However, with a 36-year age gap between them, what is surprising is just how similar their style preferences are. Attending an event in Paris over the weekend, both models opted to wear the same ageless item, selecting chic black dresses for the evening occasion they attended together.

With subtle differences that spoke to their individual tastes, Gerber chose her strappy LBD in a shorter length with an elegant sweetheart neckline. Pairing her black dress with burgundy Gucci slingback shoes, the model kept her outfit minimal and sleek, selecting only a few simple jewels and an elegant watch to complete the look.

Also choosing a sleeveless black dress, Crawford's iteration fell below her knees and included a sophisticated cowl neckline. Accessorising with The Row's Mel Polished Leather Clutch (£1350) and a pair of strappy sandals, Gerber's mother also kept her jewellery to a minimum with a single paper chain necklace and small, gold hoops. With access to endless designer options and countless new-season buys, the fact that they both chose a little black dress speaks to the enduring appeal of this timeless classic. Versatile, flattering and so easy to style, it's a wardrobe staple for a reason.

Read on to shop Kaia Gerber's and Cindy Crawford's black dress outfits, and discover our edit of the best black dresses on the market right now.

SHOP KAIA GERBER'S LOOK:

SHOP CINDY CRAWFORD'S LOOK:

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK DRESSES:

As a fashion editor, I'm often asked what the most versatile pieces are in any wardrobe, and it shouldn't surprise you that my answer is a classic black dress. Understated and always transcending trends, a classic black dress can be whipped out to fit seamlessly into any dressing occasion—it's great for so much more than just evening events, and I'm happy to prove it.

But where to look for the perfect one? Well, I've long been a fan of & Other Stories for its French-inspired striped knits and forever denim; the brand continues to offer pieces that can be worn season after season with the quality to match. So naturally, this is where I turned for a do-it-all black dress, and the Slim Satin Midi Dress (£97) ticks all my boxes. With a slight racer neckline, fluid drape and super-versatile midi length, this dress can rise to all occasions.

Once you've secured the dress, the fun can really begin. From office looks to date nights, there are so many ways to take this slip-style frock to new heights with just a little styling. To save you the effort of thinking up ideas or hunting down outfit inspiration, I'm giving you four ways to style this wear-everywhere dress below. Feel free to thank me later.

4 Ways I'm Wearing & Other Stories' Versatile Dress This Summer

1. Linen Shirt + Sandals

Style Notes: When it comes to summer dressing for the office, less is more. Add a polished, work-ready feel with a crisp white button-down and slip on some elegant yet understated sandals, courtesy of H&M. To complete the look, a Demellier basket bag adds to the warm-weather feel and is roomy enough for all your essentials and more.

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2. Denim Jacket + Trainers

Style Notes: As someone who's done a lot of shopping in their time, I've learnt a thing or two, and wearing a dress is a must for a day spent in and out of changing rooms. A hands-free crossbody bag is perfect for sifting through racks and trainers are a must as we hit the streets. Finish with a denim jacket for an extra layer and simple jewellery.

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3. Linen Blazer + Mules

Style Notes: Whether headed to dinner or an evening show, the satin midi offers that perfect harmony of smart-casual. Add a linen blazer to tie in with the drapey satin and sleek mules. Finally, a smattering of pearl jewellery and a love-forever clutch are always a good idea.

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4. Ballet Flats + Gold Jewellery

Style Notes: From birthdays to weddings and garden parties, a classic black dress can rise to the challenge. For more casual event, add some ballet flats and go full force on tonal accessories and gold jewellery that fit the luxe appeal of the occasion.

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December is in full swing, and so is party season. From your annual work function to family get-togethers, the stress of knowing what to wear over the festive period can be real. Whether you’re browsing the high-street rails or scrolling endlessly online, the abundant opulence of sequins, glitter and feathers can be somewhat overwhelming. If you’re looking for a tamer, understated take on party season, an iconic black mini dress is a great way to achieve a chic, paired-back look. 

Let’s be honest, an LBD never fails. It's sleek and timeless attributes make it an evening wardrobe go-to for nearly everyone I know. Whilst the monochrome design may lack standout patterns and prints, the simple nature of a black mini dress means it can solely focus on what it does best, the silhouette. With a variety of styles to choose from, including a figure-hugging bodycon all the way to flouncy A-line cuts, truly what’s not to love?

Giving credit where credit’s due, Norma Kamali, Sportmax, and Victoria Beckham are notable mentions when it comes to championing the LBD. Whilst H&M, COS and Zara are bringing quality high-street options to the table this season. But, if you want something more extravagant, the versatile style can easily be jazzed up with accessories galore, think statement earrings, a chunky bangle, or a crystal-embellished necklace. 

Well, we hear those of you with minimalist style, I’ve done all the scrolling for you and put together a list of some of the best black mini dresses on the market this season, all you have to do is just keep reading! 

How Fashion People Are Wearing Black Mini Dresses:

We've seen this sheer tights and mini dress trend for a while now, and I'm still obsessed with it. Amalie models the trend for the evening with pointed-toe kitten heels and a relaxed-fit trench coat. 

Bows are an underrated timeless party style and a great way to add a twist to a classic LBD. Coco pairs her bow-embellished mini dress with statement earrings, platform pumps and a glittered bag.

Gia sandwiches her cowl-neck satin dress between a double leather ensemble to create an evergreen day-to-night outfit that will keep you warm, and looking chic, whilst heading to the party. 

Speaking of tights, let Sara introduce you to the trending red iteration. This festive look shows how a simple pair of tights can amp up any minimalist outfit. 

Kristin makes a statement with her organza puff sleeve design. Let the dress do the talking by styling with a heeled leather ankle boot and a monochrome mini bag. 

Shop My Edit Of The Best LBDs:

Next Up: I've Found My Perfect Party Dress (and It's From Marks & Spencer).

Think back, if you will, to summer 2022, at the height of the micro-miniskirt revival. Miu Miu's S/S 22 show reinvented everything we thought we knew about the miniskirt, debuting a utility-stroke-preppy mini not much longer than a belt, and suddenly legs were back on the agenda. The response of the general public? To immediately cover up, and by the summer season just gone, the look du jour was the sweeping maxi, the very antithesis of the teeny-weeny skirt. But, as they say, fashion is cyclical, and as quickly as a trend comes around it can be off on its way again. However one thing is for certain though, and it's that there is no getting rid of the mini. 

As references to Y2K pop culture continue to dominate both the runways and street style, the divisive mini hemline is back, but this time it's the turn of the far more wearable minidress. Thanks in part to Sabato De Sarno's debut collection for Gucci and both Hailey Beiber and Kendall Jenner's affinity for bodycon minis, the short dress is a talking point again, and despite what the "Hemline Index" might suggest, we're keener than ever to swap traditional winter warmers for something a little shorter.

And with so many iconic references for inspiration, who could blame us? Think Carrie Bradshaw's figure-hugging charcoal dress, Princess Diana's "revenge dress", Geri Halliwell's Union Jack dress. The list goes on, and so many of the best-remembered dresses come up short (that is, on the leg). 

Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss display peak noughties glamour in Versace minidresses. 

The nostalgia that the minidress brings is no doubt a part of its appeal, and as a plethora of babydoll, bodycon and slip dresses made their way down the runways for S/S 24, it's clear that the styles that we desperately wanted to wear as teenagers are making a fashionable comeback, so we can finally live out our minidress dreams. 

So, how has the minidress evolved for 2023 and beyond? Well, there's an all together chicer, more grown-up approach to tackling the shorter hemline. Dresses are minimalist, simple and only show embellishment for evening. Brights and bold prints are far and few between, as this time around, it's all about making bare legs the star of the show. Take Gucci's satin dress underneath a camel coat, or Bally's tank-top dress worn with biker boots as proof that minis work surprisingly well with casualwear and plenty of less-is-more attitude. 

But, I hear you ask, if the minidress was shown in the spring/summer collections, how do I style it now, for autumn/winter? Easy. Long coats and tall boots happen to be the mini hem's best friends, and when the weather gets particularly cold, just add a pair of tights. So, if you're as convinced as I am that the mini might just overtake the maxi as hemline hero next year, keep scrolling to see how the fashion set is wearing theirs, and to shop my favourite all-weather styles. 

This slip-dress-meets-babydoll is one of six minidresses in Gucci's S/S 24 collection. 

Hailey Bieber wears a red Ermanno Scervino minidress to promote Rhode's latest launch.

HOW TO STYLE A MINI DRESS NOW

Style Notes: Between the cosy maxi coat and knee-high boots, Flora manages to make showing skin feel seasonally appropriate. 

Style Notes: Running errands never looked so chic as Kim Turkington in this minidress look. She puts a sporty spin on her jersey dress by pairing it with white tennis trainers and socks. 

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be an evening dress without a little sparkle, and there's no need to over-accessorise when a dress like this does all the talking.

Style Notes: Conclusive proof that you can dress a mini up or down with the right accessories, and a leather jacket and combat boots are the shortcut to casual cool. 

SHOP MINI DRESSES: 

Next Up: I Just Built an Expensive-Looking Capsule Wardrobe Out of Under-£60 Items

With a front-row seat to Saint Laurent's spring/summer 2024 runway show in Paris, Hailey Bieber wore a look that played upon her signature effortlessly elegant style. For the star-studded collection showcase, the model styled a full-length, long-sleeved knitted dress with an exposed back. Dipping her toe into winter styling, Bieber wore the dress style I'll be reaching for throughout the cooler seasons for chic and easy styling.

Gaining traction on Google Trends, knitted dresses are high on shoppers' radars right now, and it's easy to see why. Making getting dressed on cold mornings a breeze, the fuss-free dress style looks chic paired with knee-high boots or styled with a pair of simple heels, as demonstrated by Bieber.

The model and Rhode founder opted for a black, crew-neck knitted dress which draped down past her ankles and extended over her wrists and onto her hands. These subtle details put a luxe spin on the simple black dress. Styling it black leather barely-there heels, Bieber kept her look streamlined and polished, shying away from an overload of accessories and instead opting for gold drop earrings and a couple of carefully selected rings.

To complete her look, Bieber called upon two of her signature styling tricks; a dramatic open back and a chic side-parting. Simple in theory but impactful in practice, this chic combination added a dramatic element whilst calling up a growing autumn/winter hair trend. Having fallen out of favour, the sweeping side-part is back on our radar, once again a celebrity favourite for adding a sophisticated and dramatic edge to a simple look. Recently spotted on Emma Watson and a favourite of Zendaya, the style is shaping up to be the key hair trend this season.

Sitting shoulder to shoulder with supermodel Kate Moss, Bieber completed her vampy look with a dark smokey eye and signature nude-brown lips.

Her simple outfit formula is super easy and affordable to re-create on high street—from Mango to H&M, shop our favourite knitted dresses below.

SHOP OUR FAVOURITE KNITTED DRESSES:

Next Up: Hailey Bieber Just Wore This "Dated” Shoe Trend With 2023's Chicest Dress

Kicking off Milan Fashion Week, Emma Watson was spotted front and centre at the Prada spring/summer 2024 runway show from Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.

Favouring a quieter approach to event dressing, Watson styled a black mini halterneck dress for the occasion. Focusing on considered details, her LBD was elevated with a subtle fit-and-flare shape and delicate white piping around the border of the dress, adding dimension and interest to the sleek style. 

Whether styling a simple black mini, or going all out in a suit-set, Watson prioritises excellent tailoring in all of her garments. This attention to detail affords the actor to opt for simple silhouettes that suit her personal style, as the sharp tailoring elevates the feel of her outfit.

Whilst retaining a timeless quality to her look, Watson leant in to one of summer's key dress trends: piping detailing. Spotted on offer at both Celine and Dries Van Noten, as well as high street retailers such as Arket and Mango, contrast dresses have been a celebrity favourite over the past few months with the trend expected to grow as we move towards winter.

Keeping her look on theme with the Prada event, Watson styled a black Prada bag and simple black court shoes for the occasion. Having rocketed in popularity, court shoes have become a trusty favourite of the style set, shaking off their dated association and polishing the looks of those with great taste.

Up top Watson wore a relaxed half-up hair style, featuring a large black bow to pin it in place. Her elegant makeup look comprised of a black cat-eye with a glowy base and natural hint of blush.

Having struck gold with her halterneck mini dress and court shoes formula, the actor was spotted out in Milan yesterday, styling a silver version of the black look she wore earlier this week. On this occasion she opted for beige heels a white Prada bag, keeping her look tonal and no-fuss with an elegant air.

With the right ingredients, Emma's look is so easy to recreate at home. To get the inspiration flowing, shop our edit of the best mini dresses below.

SHOP OUR FAVOURITE MINI DRESSES HERE:

Up Next: Emma Watson's Latest Look Whispers Luxury—I'm Copying It Immediately

For a dinner out in New York, Taylor Swift pulled together an autumn-ready outfit we’ll be copying all season long. Joining friends Zoë Kravitz and Greta Gerwig, Swift stepped out in a sleek LBD, brown wool coat and the season's favourite black knee high boots for a casual evening outfit that has us itching to replicate the style at home.

As we sit in the sweet-spot of early autumn, where the last remnants of summer's breeze dutifully linger and autumn's leaves begin to fall, we're presented with a rare few perfect weeks to style some of our favourite outfit combinations, whilst the weather permits, such as a jumpers and sandals, or bare legs and knee boots.

Taylor Swift styled a brown wool coat from Vince, £840, with a black LBD, black Pumppie Botta Leather boots from Christian Louboutin, £1,570 and a black handbag.

Opting for the latter, Swift styled her black knee boots with a black mini dress, omitting tights for the warmer evening. To ensure she stayed warm all night, Swift styled her look with a houndstooth coat from Californian brand Vince.

This isn't the first time Swift has fallen back on this simple styling solution, just yesterday the singer was spotted styling a little red dress with brown knee-high boots and an oversized, longline denim jacket.

A proponent for the easy autumn styling trick, we'll be taking a leaf out of Swift's book this autumn and beyond. Read on to shop our favourite black knee-high boots below.

SHOP TAYLOR'S LOOK HERE:

SHOP OUR FAVOURITE KNEE-HIGH BOOTS BELOW:

Up Next: 8 Fresh Boot Trends That Are Already Dominating This Autumn

The height of August might strike some as the perfect time to experiment with colour. When the sky is bluer, the grass is greener and the flowers are brighter, it's hard to avoid gravitating towards more vivid shades. But for this year's final stretch of summer, celebrities seem to have shown an aversion to colour, favouring black instead.

Though there's lots of inspiration for ways to wear colour this autumn, we haven't forgotten about those of you who prefer to keep it sleek in head-to-toe black. Just in time for autumn, these are the tips and tricks I've picked up from our favourite stylish celebrities to help you build a head-turning all-black outfit.

Kendall Jenner wore an all-black outfit for an evening out in L.A.

Earlier this week, Kendall Jenner stepped out for dinner in a form-fitting, sheer dress. Styling the dress with a full-length black slip, the model kept the head-to-toe black theme in stride as she styled her dress with black, barely-there flip-flop sandals. When putting together an all-black outfit, playing around with texture and denier can really elevate your look. Though Jenner kept her look monochrome, the variation in shades brought about by her clever layers softens the feel of the all-black-outfit.

Angelina Jolie in an all-black suit in New York.

Angelina Jolie seems to favour a head-to-toe black outfit most days of the week. During a recent day out in New York, the multi-hyphenate wore an all-black look whilst playing into another timeless trend—the sharp suit. Styling a neatly fitted suit with a lace lace cami tucked in, Jolie mastered chic summer layering. Of course, she also chose black accessories, with a small, black purse and wide-frame sunglasses to complete her look.

Hailey Bieber stepped out in a black, strapless mini dress and black court shoes.

For an evening out in L.A., Hailey Bieber took a different approach to her all-black ensemble. Bieber wore her black, strapless mini with low-key black pumps and a small shoulder bag. Sweeping her hair back into a sleek bun, the model opted for a glowy makeup look and chunky earrings, forgoing any other jewellery. As witnessed here and with the celeb looks above, all-black looks call on minimal accessories for full effect.

Lily Allen wore an asymmetric black top by Magda Butrym with black, low-waisted flared trousers.

Lily Allen is on a fashion roll lately, showcasing fabulous looks every evening as she exits the theatre following her performance in West End show The Pillowman. We've envied every one of these looks, but I'm particularly enthused by this all-black ensemble. She paired her one-shoulder top with low-rise, slightly flared trousers for a '70s silhouette that she modernised with her sleek accessorising.

Whether you're looking for more ways to wear black or are keen to refresh your black pieces ahead of winter, shop my picks below.

Shop All-Black Outfit Pieces:

Next Up: Sorry Barbiecore, These Colour Trends Are Set to Dominate the Rest of 2023

In the fashion world, every summer is defined by a dress. Last year, Zara’s green geometric style dominated the UK’s streets. And a few seasons ago, Ganni’s sleeveless sheer-sucker dress was in virtual baskets up and down the country. This year, the dress to be seen in is a pared-back style from French fashion house Celine. 

Appearing on the Celine S/S 23 runway, the black minidress caught our attention for its minimal and elegant silhouette. Embossed with gold Triomphe buttons—a signature of the brand—atop four corresponding welt pockets, the dress is sprinkled with considered details that elevate the design whilst giving a nod to Celine's Parisian heritage. 

Toning down the look, Hedi Slimane's vision sent the wool mini down the runway in Saint-Tropez paired with grounding biker boots, a grungy leather bag and oversized sunglasses. 

Of all the beautiful details on the dress, the one we cannot get enough of (and predict we'll see all over the high street soon) is the white piping that frames the garment. Celine's iteration is rendered in sequins, and this luxe detail follows the border of the dress, embellishing it with cool-girl flair and setting it apart from any other little black dress on the market.

We’re only at the beginning of August and this LBD has already been spotted on many of our favourite stylish celebrities. Last week, Dua Lipa shared images of herself in the dress in a series of Instagram posts dedicated to her European summer.

On a trip to Albania, Dua took the woollen dress to the beach—an unlikely setting for such a heavy material—but the deep open back and short length makes this a style that can be worn as easily in summer as in autumn. You could easily layer it with a roll-neck or shirt and add tights to complete the look for the colder season.

Before summer took hold, Alexa Chung modelled the dress during a trip to Paris with sheer black tights, black pointed kitten heels and tousled waves.

Taking the dress to the red carpet, actress Lily McInerny wore the style to Celine's A/W 23 womenswear show at the iconic Los Angeles theatre The Wiltern. Styling the dress with a baby-blue Celine bag, Mclerney proved the versatility of the season's favourite mini.

There's a reason owning a great LBD is a non-negotiable among the fashion crowd, and Celine's new iteration has re-sparked our love for the time-honoured style. However, it's the contrast trim that has proven to be the biggest influence on the fashion world; this one small detail is now appearing across the industry, from chic vest tops at Massimo Dutti to matching co-ords from Reformation.

Shop the It Dress:

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Next Up: Alexa Chung’s European Summer Capsule Wardrobe Relies Heavily on One Item

Channelling ‘90s minimalism in the best kind of way, Hailey Bieber just gave us a masterclass in pared-back styling whilst working in an unexpected twist. 

Bieber has long been a fan of the strapless midi dress, often opting for the style for an easy date-night look. As a tried and true favourite, it was the shoes she paired with her strapless midi—which is one of the biggest dress trends of the year, we might add—that caught our attention.

As an avid fan of loafers, trainers, and strappy sandals, it’s rare that we spot Bieber in quintessentially ‘90s black court heels, a style we haven't seen much of lately, but one that's set to make a triumphant return for autumn (just look at our deep dive into autumn 2023's shoe trends for proof). Still, the surprising pairing proved to be the perfect addition to her look, balancing her dinner-ready outfit and leaning into the ‘90s trend.

Bieber brought her look right back to 2023 by styling her sleek strapless dress with cult-favourite Bottega drop earrings. Her hair and makeup also felt particularly fresh, as she sported a glowing complexion with a subtle feline flick.

The model championed the season's favourite brands, styling The Row's black Nita dress with her Bottega Veneta drop earrings, the latter of which sold out multiple times and now come in a range of shades including forest green and silver.

Bieber opted for the gold style, pairing them with a minimal necklace and an effortless side part. Chic? Absolutely. Easy to re-create? You know it. Scroll on to shop Hailey Bieber's '90s strapless-dress-and-court-shoes look. 

SHOP HAILEY'S LOOK:

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES: 

Next Up: Bottega Veneta's £800 Earrings Are Going Viral—15 Just-as-Stunning Alternatives

More often than not these days, dressing for a red carpet event is all about the spectacle, even more so than the quality of the outfit. Mostly made up of over-the-top looks crafted to become viral moments, the practice of understated elegance has become something of a lost art at major events. Luckily, we can always count on Selena Gomez and her stylist Kate Young to err on the side of better, not bigger.

Nowhere was this proven more than at Variety's 2022 Hitmakers brunch, which took place this weekend in Los Angeles. For the event, which Dua Lipa and H.E.R. also attended, the Only Murders in the Building star chose a midi-length little black dress made of extremely seasonally appropriate velvet and formalised with a sculptural, ruffled hem. Designed by one of Instagram’s most beloved brands, Totême, the frock was gorgeous in its simplicity and only made better with the addition of patent leather By Far heels and gold-and-black jewellery. 

Shop her exact Totême dress and more LBDs below. 

On Selena Gomez: Totême Ruffled Velvet Midi Dress (£580); By Far Michele Square Toe Sandal (£335)

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear US. 

Next Up: 15 Luxury Buys Our Editors Will Stand By Forever

What's magical about Sienna Miller's fashion choices is that they're just as strong for every occasion. Whether downtime mooching around NYC or living it up in London by night, her outfits are always faultless. Whilst you might first associate her with a natural inclination towards bohemia, she's more experimental than this aesthetic alone. Sometimes, we witness minimalist Miller, while in other moments we'll enjoy glitz-and-glam Miller. We've recently admired her take on the cargo pant trend (a trouser silhouette we hadn't predicted she'd be the British celebrity to back, so point proven) and enjoyed her penchant for an unexpected high-street shoe brand. 

Last night she reminded us all that classic party attire codes are not to be ignored when the festive season comes calling: a Little Black Dress will rarely fail you. But in true, eclectic London-girl style, the look wasn't done there. An LBD provides a relatively blank canvas for you to add your personality onto, something that the actress did to perfection at Claridges' annual Christmas Tree Party with Jimmy Choo. 

Combining a puff-sleeved and puff-ball mini from Simone Rocha with over-the-knee socks and platform velvet heels gave off a dolly-ish vibe you'd not normally expect from the star. Further cuteness was provided with a half-up half-down 'do and a sweet tennis necklace. 

On Sienna Miller: Simone Rocha dress; Jimmy Choo Heloise Sandals (£695)

On Sienna Miller: Simone Rocha dress; Jimmy Choo Heloise Sandals (£695)

If the idea of bare legs and knee socks makes you feel a bit nervous, simply swap in a pair of tights (polka dot would be good), and you have a ready-made, no-fail party outfit. Keep scrolling to shop Sienna's party shoes and more pieces to emulate this look.

Shop Sienna's Sandals:

Shop Sienna's Sandals:

See More Pieces to Get Sienna's Look:

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

Up Next, 30 Elevated Pieces That Are Getting Me Excited for Autumn

The greatest part of TikTok, at least for us, is how its content creators are able to spot a cult item and make it go viral overnight. While Instagram shows more curated styles, TikTok presents real-time videos of the fashion crowd's newest finds. TikTok reviews hold more weight. With customers and influencers doing try-ons and giving their honest opinions, fashion pieces sell out in record time. Right now, there's one particular dress that keeps cropping up on our FYPs. You probably guessed it: It's that Skims dress. And lucky for us, it's just been restocked. 

There are a lot of trends and "hacks" that come out of TikTok, so what makes a viral item a worthwhile investment? Well, there are a few things. First, it has a long shelf life. It's a well-known fact that a little black dress is a wardrobe staple, so we can guarantee that this timeless dress will be part of your wardrobe rotations for the rest of time. And with a midi and maxi version on offer, there are styles to suit every occasion. Second, it has a great price. Kim Kardashian's brand Skims comes in at attainable prices, at least when you compare it to other brands on Net-a-Porter and Harrods. Finally, and one of the most important, it comes in a wide range sizes. The Skims dress is available in sizes 2XS to 4XL. But don't just take my word for it. Our editor in chief and resident dress aficionado managed to get her hands on this dress and has shared her thoughts on the best-selling item.

"I bought this Skims dress a few weeks ago—before I realised the brand's range of black body-con dresses was becoming 'a thing.' I was interested to try it because I've been looking for a simple tube dress (and a tube skirt!) to reference the upcoming season's maxi-hemline trend, and I thought I could trust Kim Kardashian to design something that might work for my hourglass figure!"

"Honest thoughts? First, it's not as thick as you might expect the fabric to be—it's more like an 80-denier hosiery finish, but I'm all right with that because even if it does feel a bit revealing, the demure cut balances things out. It doesn't necessarily hide my lumps or bumps—in a way, it celebrates them! The dress feels tight when you first squeeze yourself into it because the hemline is cut to stay as narrow as possible for this tubular shape. Once you're in though, it's comfy as hell! And finally, because of that Kardashian-signature shape and the narrow hemline, you are forced to have a bit of a shimmy-wiggle walk. Although, if you needed to step up the pace and run for a bus, you could easily do it because of the fabric's stretch. I'll be looking to dress this up for evening dos during party season and then give it a casual makeover for autumnal days with boots and a shorter jacket or use the dress as more of a skirt to layer under a chunky knit."

So there you have it—a hit among influencers and editors alike. The reason? Not only its comfort but also its versatility. We all know that a little black dress is a sage wardrobe investment and opens up so many styling opportunities. We like how both Almassi and Anna Cascarina below have paired theirs with white heels, creating a tonal ensemble that can work for just about every occasion. But as Karina Marriott above proves, it also looks chic paired with black accessories for a monochromatic look. 

Convinced? Scroll on to shop the trending dress and to browse other tube dresses that have caught our eye. 

Shop the Skims Tube Dress

Shop More Tube Dresses

Up next, Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About

Much like a pair of jeans, or a crisp shirt, a black dress is a fashion piece that keeps on giving. It’s become the hero garment for year-round dressing and both luxury and high-street brands are forever in a bid to create the perfect black dress, whether that's a show-stopping maxi or holiday-ready mini.

The classic LBD cemented its place as a fashion staple many moons ago. Although the origin of the LBD is ascribed to eveningwear, the versatility of a black dress is something that’s been carried throughout the decades. Now, black dresses—little or oversized, short or long—are a staple in every fashion person's wardrobe. The current offerings are aplenty, so you’ll most definitely find something in keeping with your taste.

A black dress is the one item that I can pull out for most eventualities—whether that’s a much-needed injection of confidence, time-sensitive dressing, or simply a contender for the unreliable British forecast. When searching for transitional black dresses, I have a few elements that I look out for—length and fabric. My preference is for midi-length dresses with the addition of sleeves. The Baserange Shaw Kaftan and Another Tomorrow dress, for example, are exemplary. Comprised of natural fibres, both allow for comfort and coverage and the sweeping lengths are appropriate for most weather conditions. Midi and maxi-length dresses ensure breathability in humid conditions, yet they look equally chic with trainers or knee-high boots.

As we’re becoming increasingly discerning about our clothing purchases and wardrobe capacities, our need for hard-working pieces is surpassing trend-led designs. This is why the black dress shines—classic, understated and sultry (if desired). Here's my edit of 19 stand-out black dresses. Layer up, or down as appropriate but keep it close by and you’ll be guaranteed low cost per wear.

Shop My Edit of the Best Black Dresses:

I’m a big advocate for the capsule wardrobe—an armoire filled with cherry-picked items that, to borrow from Marie Kondo, give me only joy when wearing them. Conscious shopping is something I’ve adopted too in the past eight and a half years since moving to https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/section/french-style, and it’s also incidentally something I write about in my book, Practising Parisienne: Lifestyle Secrets From the City of Lights. 

I’ve found that Parisians have a knack for picking forever pieces, are less likely to buy into fast fashion and have a penchant for vintage and pre-loved clothing that they mix in with more up-to-date styles. They have certainly inspired my own style that’s a lot less try-hard than it used to be, and I now invest in pieces that last: elevated basics that I can wear again and again, such as a black blazer, a great pair of jeans, a trench coat, a shirt or a slip dress. 

At first glance, you might think that a slinky, body-hugging slip dress should only be worn to elegant soirées, but its simple silhouette means it can actually be styled in a multitude of ways for different occasions, making it one of the most effortless and versatile pieces you can own. It can easily be dressed up or down and worn with everything, whatever the weather or your mood. Scroll down to see my favourites, plus how I’ve styled one five ways.

Shop Black Slip Dresses:

How to Style a Black Slip Dress 5 Ways

1. Slip Dres + Denim Jacket + Striped Knit

Style Notes: I’m a blazer girl, but I sometimes like to switch it up with an oversized denim jacket, which immediately dresses down your look. Throw a cosy sweater over the shoulders for the cooler temperatures. This striped style has become my go-to and gives a nod to the city I live in. 

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2. Slip Dress + White Shirt + Simple Bag

Style Notes: No capsule, or French wardrobe for that matter, is complete without a good white shirt. It also makes a great cover-up for a slip dress, dressing it down so you don’t look too overdone. Go for an oversized style that works with today’s trends. 

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3. Slip Dress + Trench Coat + Boots

Style Notes: A slip dress looks great under a trench (ideally one that’s the same or a similar length). Pair it with long, chunky boots for a casual yet cool lunch look. 

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4. Slip Dress + Knit + Loafers

Style Notes: A slip dress plus a knit is the perfect example of effortless dressing. I think it would work just as well for a date night on a cold evening as it would for the office teamed with a blazer.

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5. Slip Dress + Blazer + Mules

Style Notes: This is probably the easiest evening look I know: a slip dress paired with a blazer, a baguette, heels and a slick of lipstick!

Shop the look:

Next Up: I Moved to Paris, and Now I Exclusively Wear These 4 Classic Items With Jeans

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Party dresses. Remember those? We're not talking about those with oversize silhouettes or cosy, woollen textures. Instead, we're reminiscing of a time when we had a reason to party in our fanciest frock. But with any luck, we won’t need to reminisce this year. Now that we’re in October, we think talking about party season is fair game, and boy, are we excited at the prospect of wearing something glam. We’ve been anticipating it so much that we already know what we'll wear to such an occasion—an update on a bonafide wardrobe staple.

Black dresses are classic—this we know—and it seems our favourite designers have been inspired by its timelessness, for the most noteworthy collections all feature a unique take on the black dress. Boasting design details like asymmetric hems, thread-like straps, alluring necklines, and figure-hugging cuts, these are no everyday black dresses. They're incredibly sexy black dresses, which were literarily made for, hopefully, a party season to remember. 

"Across the new collections, we saw designers playing with the idea of a 'naked dress,' using slinky silhouettes, body-con, and racy cutouts, however, it was the black dresses that really stood out to us—and buyers," says Who What Wear UK editor Emma Spedding. "According to Moda Operandi, Jacquemus's black slip dress was its top-selling piece from the pre-orders. Designers such as Khaite and Victoria Beckham created dresses that played with cutouts on the neckline, strap detailing and a mix of knits and light fabrication. This is a post-lockdown dress to have in your wardrobe on standby for when you want to wear something truly fabulous."

If you're in any need of further encouragement, scroll below to see the sexy black dresses designers showcased this year, then proceed to shop our favourite options. 

2021'S SEXY BLACK DRESSES

SHOP BLACK DRESSES

Next: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know

These days, if I actually purchase something, it's usually Monikh's fault. The London-based influencer just has a knack for hunting down truly useful, chic, ultra-versatile items that go the distance. When you see her wearing them in person (or on Instagram), it's hard not to want her chosen edit for yourself. When so much of social media involves products being forced upon us through sponsored content, it makes us WWW editors all the more determined to pinpoint the items our fashion friends and readers are genuinely buying for no other reason than they are bloody great. 

That's how we first discovered the perfect throw-on dress, anyway. Our editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, spent time with Monikh on a press trip a few years back, saw her wearing a slouchy but chic ribbed dress from Baserange, and the rest, as they say, is history. Hannah and three other editors left that trip with the dress in their recently purchased, and since then, we've only continued to see the dress on more and more fashion people. Monikh still relies on hers three years later and has even invested in other colours knowing how much she wears it. It's become Hannah's go-to style when she can't think of what to wear in the morning, and even our favourite minimalist influencer Jessica Skye has gotten in on the action. Trust us when we say there's something special about this timeless trend-defying dress.

Monikh also owns the sold-out pink version. 

So relaxed and comfy, the simple wrap maxi has an oversized silhouette that gets pinched in at the waist with a simple tie. It's made from cosy ribbed cotton fabric with a demure neckline and slightly blown-out sleeves. Call it a cliché, but this truly is a style you can dress up or down, depending on the occasion. It is, in short, all of the ingredients you look for in a plain day dress, yet that magical formula is so hard to find on the high street and via both contemporary and designer brands.

Jessica wears the cream version. 

Baserange, for those of you who don't know it, is a Danish and French founded brand that centres on the kind of top-quality basics your wardrobe is probably always missing. The line started as underwear and has since expanded into ready-to-wear, offering both brilliant, über-minimal lingerie and lounge pieces as well as now swim, dresses, jumpsuits and more. 

Sometimes, less really is more, and this has been proven by the crazy popularity of one unassuming dress in a circle of discerning fashion types. I, for one, have added the new cream version to my spring Net-a-Porter wish list, and I cannot wait to wear it with flat chunky sandals and gold jewellery all summer. For now, I'll be adding knee-high boots and a trench coat.

Keep scrolling to shop the piece for yourself.

Hannah styles her black dress for the office.

Emma looks so pretty in pink.

Shop the Baserange Dress:

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Up Next: Scandi and London Girls Agree—This Is Still the Best Brand for Cute Dresses

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

We talk a lot about midi and maxi dresses, especially as we fly towards the summer months, but you might have noticed that our mini-dress recommendations are few and far between. This isn't always a conscious choice—frankly, the versatility and comfort offered by longer silhouettes make them an easier and less-risky choice. But, I've recently fallen back in love with mini dresses, and I'm here to tell you why they deserve your attention. Or rather, show you why.

To prepare for the start of the new season, I've spent some time browsing new-in sections and keeping an eye out for styles worth shouting about. On my travels, a selection of mini dresses caught my eye. I've tried out some of the below in-store, but they've also inspired me to rediscover the shorter dresses previously shoved to the back of my wardrobe.

As the temperature rises, so does the temptation to show a little more skin. After all, we've spent the past six months shrouded in layers of wool. Mini dresses are the perfect way to mark the beginning of brighter days by letting the sun hit your legs. If you're worried about thigh-chafing or accidentally flashing your undies, just slip on some bike shorts underneath.

It might sound like a weak argument, but short hemlines are also just fun to float around in. Particularly the more voluminous shapes courtesy of brands like Döen. Since I started wearing mine a few weeks ago (with sheer tights for the time being), I've really enjoyed the new styling options they offer. Plus, they let me show off my favourite shoes where midi dresses usually detract from them.

But I've done enough chatting—scroll on to see the best mini dresses to add to your repertoire, from simple LBDs to holiday-ready iterations.

The Best White Mini Dresses:

The Best Black Mini Dresses:

The Best Linen Mini Dresses:

The Best Floral Mini Dresses:

The Best Holiday Mini Dresses:

The Best Evening Mini Dresses:

Victoria Beckham might have had the most dramatic style transformation on record, but the one thing that has remained constant, hair extensions or no hair extensions, is her love of the little black dress.

Arguably the best line in Spice Girls: The Movie is when Sporty says to Posh, "It must be so hard for you, Victoria. I mean, having to decide whether to wear the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, or… the little Gucci dress!" The hemlines may now be longer, and it’s usually a Victoria Beckham dress instead of a Gucci dress, but the joke still stands. So to celebrate her 42nd birthday later this week, we have put together a retrospective of her life in LBDs. Click through the gallery to see Victoria Beckham wearing a little black dress, a little black dress and… a little black dress.

Victoria Beckham performing with the Spice Girls in Bali, April 1997

Victoria Beckham at the Ivor Novello Awards, May 1997

Victoria Beckham with the Spice Girls at the MTV Movie Awards, September 1997

Victoria Beckham at the announcement of her engagement to David Beckham, January 1998

Victoria Beckham at the Royal Variety Show, December 1998

Victoria Beckham at GAY in London, August 2000

Victoria Beckham with David Beckham at 19 Management party, April 2004

Victoria Beckham at the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week, January 2006

Victoria Beckham in Rome, September 2006

Victoria Beckham with Katie Holmes at Paris Fashion Week, October 2006

Victoria Beckham on the evening before the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, November 2006

Victoria Beckham at a Giorgio Armani store opening, January 2007

Victoria Beckham at David Beckham’s 32nd birthday party in London, May 2007

Victoria and David Beckham arriving at LAX Airport, July 2007

Victoria Beckham at the Beckhams' Welcome to LA party, July 2007

Victoria Beckham at the Roberto Cavalli store opening, October 2007

Victoria Beckham performing with the Spice Girls at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, November 2007

Victoria Beckham in New York, February 2008

Victoria Beckham in Marc Jacobs at the CFDA Awards, June 2008

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham with Jennifer Lopez at the Marc Jacobs show at New York Fashion Week, September 2008

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars party, February 2009

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the Burberry Prorsum S/S 10 show, September 2009

Victoria Beckham at an Adidas launch party, September 2009

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards, December 2009

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards, December 2010

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards, November 2011

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the Viva Forever Press Launch in London, June 2012

Victoria Beckham in Giles at the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, August 2012

Victoria Beckham at her spring 2013 presentation at New York Fashion Week, September 2012

Victoria Beckham in a Louis Vuitton slip dress at Wimbledon, July 2013

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the Harper’s Bazaar Woman of the Year Awards, November 2013

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham at the CFDA Awards, June 2015

Victoria Beckham wearing Victoria Beckham in New York City, September 2015

Do you wish you were Harper Beckham as much as we do right now? You'll have to shop for your own LBD collection instead!