Party Season Isn’t Complete Without These 11 Black Dresses
As editors, we independently curate the products we love and would recommend. If you buy from our link, we may receive affiliate commission, which supports our work.
In the league of garments worth investing in, a black dress remains undefeated. It isn’t exactly essential (compared to say, a pair of jeans), yet it is universally loved and flattering, making it hard to argue that a well-rounded wardrobe is complete without one. Originally designated as the uniform of servants or working-class women, the humble garment has been elevated to high-fashion status, first by Coco Chanel then the luxury houses that followed. For many, a black dress now stands for instant practicality, endless versatility and easy style.
When in doubt, opt for your favorite black dress—whether that's a sequin-covered halter style or a fluid slip silhouette. With party season upon us, it’s a no-brainer for dinner events, office happy hours or at-home celebrations. This season’s variety is as exciting as ever; for the minimalists at heart, Christopher Esber has just the strapless number for an if-you-know-you-know statement. On the more affordable spectrum, the off-shoulder mini from Helsa will convey effortless elegance, especially when paired with gold accessories and a red lip. There’s also the Skims long-sleeve maxi, which boasts an alluring chest cutout for those days when being bold is appropriate. If you fancy some ornamentation, turn to 16 Arlington’s sequin halter dress as it looks chic and delivers a cool-girl attitude. Similarly, the Shona Joy slip dress boasts a plunging neckline embroidered with lace, and will charm anyone on a first date.
Ahead, explore this curation of elegant black party dresses for the next dinner party, museum date, holiday gathering, and more.
Under $100
Skims Black Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Keyhole Maxi Dress
There is a reason Skims is enjoying such a meteoric rise; no other shapewear brand has perfected fit quite like the Kardashian-owned venture. From the undergarments to the dresses, every item feels like a second skin. This long-sleeve number ($90) will embrace all your curves, while offering some stretch so you can move around freely. It’s an easy outfit solution for any occasion, depending on how you style it.
Skims Black Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Keyhole Maxi Dress
$90
Under $200
Reformation Alden Knit Mini Dress
Cut in soft jersey and featuring an easy slip-on silhouette, this body-skimming dress ($128) is a good choice for semi-formal outings. With its off-shoulder neckline and body-skimming bodice, it’s seductive yet understated; wear it with tall boots and a long coat for the next museum date or album listening party.
Reformation Alden Knit Mini Dress
$128
Pixie Market Dominique Bustier Dress
This flattering dress ($148) makes a strong contender for a fancy first date or girls’ dinner. Lean into the simple glam with minimal heels and standout accessories. How’s that for an event-worthy look!
Pixie Market Dominique Bustier Dress
$148
Helsa Matte Jersey Off Shoulder Mini Dress
The perfect LBD does exist, and it’s seasonless. Give someone the cold shoulder (Donna Karan style) in this fitted mini dress ($198) that’s as suitable for winter celebrations as it is for summer club nights. Set the stage for a major jewelry moment with a statement necklace and subtle earrings, and finish with these undeniably classy Saint Laurent slingback pumps.
Helsa Matte Jersey Off Shoulder Mini Dress
$198
Accessible
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
Sometimes, it’s all about the details like a delicate flower embellishing a classic silhouette. This Frankie maxi dress ($298) stands out in the most understated way; it’s silky, body-skimming, and extremely sensual. Style it with a discreet evening clutch to keep the focus on the main event.
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
$298
Staud Ablee Tufted Mini Dress
A bubble hem taffeta skirt adds drama to this otherwise simple LBD ($275), immediately elevating it to chic status. With its retro neckline and stretchy knit bodice, it conveys understated sophistication and will pair just as well with these Jimmy Choo ballet flats for an art gallery opening or these suede mules for late night cocktails.
Staud Ablee Tufted Mini Dress
$275
Sir Kinetic Beaded Maxi Dress
I have recommended this dress ($460) in my knit dress roundup and will not hesitate to do it again. Having owned a sleeveless version of the style, I can speak to how it will make anyone feel: feminine and empowered. It looks conservative yet it is deceptively sexy, with just the right cutout detail to pique the right person’s imagination. You’ll find yourself reaching for it all year.
Sir Kinetic Beaded Maxi Dress
$460
Shona Joy Camille Lace Cross Back Midi Dress
A slip dress is a closet must-have for the minimalists who love to navigate events with ease. A silhouette inspired by the ‘90s, the Camille dress ($380) dials up the sex appeal with an exposed back and a V-shaped neckline adorned with laces. Finish up with pumps and a structured coat for a formal affair, or loafers and a cardigan for daytime adventures.
Shona Joy Camille Lace Cross Back Midi Dress
$380
Bec + Bridge Moondance Maxi Dress
A silky strapless black dress is a failsafe choice for nearly all occasions—from brunch parties to weddings. This one ($280) features an open-back detail that makes it all the more seductive without being flashy (Chris owns the chartreuse green version). As the holiday party invites start to roll in, you need a reliable look that you can dress up or down as necessary. Pair this with a leather jacket and sleek barely-there heels, or a long coat and knee-high boots.
Bec + Bridge Moondance Maxi Dress
$280
Designer Splurge
16Arlington Sola Sequined Midi Halter Dress
16Arlington Sola Sequined Midi Halter Dress
$1,273
All the cool girls are wearing it; 16Arlington is London’s newest label for attractive eveningwear. Take the Sola dress ($1,273) for example. The plunging neckline and revealing cutout of the 16Arlington Sola dress make it an irresistible pick for date night. It exudes a kind of carefree yet elegant sex appeal that also feels appropriate for girls’ night out. Finish it with these Amina Muaddi crystal embellished mules.
Christopher Esber Strapless Stretch Midi Dress
$895
Christopher Esber Strapless Stretch Midi Dress
If you need a visual of what this dress ($895) might look like in real life, just look at Chris's video. Although hers is cut in a stretchy knit (this one is made out of jersey) and features a more structured hem (unlike the more fluid one pictured), we bet this one will fit just as beautifully. The plunging cutout makes it that much more attractive.