The 21 Best Little Black Dresses That’ll Get Endless Wear
The best little black dresses do more than serve as a solid wardrobe staple. They can send a powerful message, like Princess Diana's famous revenge dress or Janelle Monáe's homage to the uniforms of her ancestors. They can cement someone as a style icon, like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Elizabeth Hurley in that Versace safety pin dress. At the very least, they'll definitely ensure you're the best dressed person in the room. Just look at the headlines Zendaya made for pairing hers with sheer tights and a bombshell blowout.
The little black dress—or LBD, as we more commonly say—has endured through the decades because it's a blank canvas that we can reinvent over and over again. The same LBD can be made sophisticated and elegant for a night out, then practical for a day of work. It's why Vogue editors declared in 1926 that a black sheath dress by a young designer named Coco Chanel would “become sort of a uniform for all women of taste.” But as The Atlantic reports, the irony is that Chanel was actually jumping on a trend she dubbed la pauvreté de luxe, or luxurious poverty—that is, the practice of wealthy women co-opting the uniforms of the servants, shop girls, and other working-class women around them.
Today the LBD—be it a silk slip dress for spring, a breezy linen style for summer, or a knit mini for the cooler months—is regarded as a tried-and-true wardrobe essential. And whatever your personal style or day-to-day needs may be, there's a little black dress for you. Below, we've shopped out 21 of the best little black dresses available. Buy them now and enjoy wearing them for years to come, because, as we've learned, the LBD never goes out of style.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Chelsea28 Crossback Halter Dress, $69
- Best Value: Express Body Contour Strapless Minidress, $41
- Best Formal Dress: Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $158
- Best Casual Dress: Everlane Satin Square-Neck Slip Dress, $128
- Best Work Dress: Vince Short Sleeve Side-Tie Dress, $195
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/21Chelsea28 Crossback Halter Dress
The halter dress is as timeless as the LBD—together they make an unstoppable combo that works for any event on the social calendar. Dress it down with a denim jacket and boots or go for heels and statement earrings. Either way, you don't have to worry about a spilled drink (or two) at said social event: This dress is machine-washable for easy care.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
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2/21Kate Spade Feather Trim Shift Dress
At almost $800, this Kate Spade shift is the most expensive LBD on the list. The good news: There are countless styling options to improve that cost per wear. Pair it with a long-sleeve blouse or turtleneck underneath in the winter for a pop of color, then go sleeveless with metallic sandals and sparkly necklaces when warmer weather arrives. A party dress this fun is meant to be enjoyed year-round.
Sizes: 00–16
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3/21Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress
A little black dress is always a safe option for a summer wedding, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. The dramatic flutter sleeve will make you the best dressed wedding guest, while the lightweight cotton fabric will keep you cool enough to last on the dance floor.
Sizes: 00–16 in standard; 14–28 in plus
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4/21Flore Flore Square-Neck Cotton Dress
Considering Flore Flore's mission is to make “cotton classics for the modern woman,” it's no surprise that the Amsterdam-based brand offers several chic little black dresses in its lineup. But we're particularly fond of the square neckline on this number, which is giving major Meredith Blake in Parent Trap vibes.
Sizes: XS–XL
5/21Naked Cashmere Sleeveless Midi Dress
Cashmere is wrinkle-resistant, making this V-neck knit dress an excellent option for your next vacation (especially if temps are still on the chilly side). It's the kind of throw-on-and-go outfit everyone should have in their suitcase. You'll be glad you packed it.
Sizes: XS–L
6/21Alo Courtside Tennis Dress
Yes, LBDs can be sporty too. Wear this cute A-line tennis dress, which features built-in shorts and bra as well as adjustable straps, to your next doubles match, followed by celebratory drinks at the clubhouse. Not the athletic type? It works just as well off the court.
Sizes: XXS–L
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8/21Skims Cotton Rib Tank Dress
If anyone knows the power of a little black dress, it's Kim Kardashian. While her best LBD looks aren't always wearable for us normies, she did make one through her Skims line that is worth adding to cart. Made out of ribbed stretch cotton, this minidress is a comfortable and casual, wear-it-all-day kind of girl.
Sizes: XXS–4X in standard and plus size
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10/21Sachin & Babi Blaine Taffeta Bow Train Minidress
Go for the full Aubrey Hepburn vibe with this taffeta minidress that's party in the front and the back. The bow train also comes in a contrasting white option for even more drama.
Sizes: 0–18 in standard; 16–26 in plus size
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11/21Express Body Contour Strapless Minidress With Built-In Shapewear
The ’90s minimalism aesthetic is back in a big way, and you can jump on the trend for under $50 with this strapless minidress. And bonus, the built-in shapewear means you don't have to mess with a strapless bra if you don't want to.
Sizes: XS–XL
12/21LSpace Nico Dress
LSpace is best known for its high-quality swimwear, so it feels right that the brand would also make a cutout dress with a side slit perfect for a summer wedding or beach vacation. “This dress is so comfortable and sexy at the same time,” says one reviewer. Another calls it “the black dress I've been wanting forever.”
Sizes: XS–XL
15/21Endless Summer Elle Mini
There are so many things to love about this cute and comfy black minidress. The subtle puff sleeve, the asymmetrical ruffle trim, the sweetheart neckline, the textured gingham fabric—it all works.
Sizes: XS–XL
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17/21Reformation Wilde Midi Dress
Nobody does laid-back elegance quite like Reformation, as evidenced by this short-sleeve button-down midi dress. The functional gold buttons and collared neckline give the look an air of refinement, while the relaxed fit and adjustable tie at the back keep things from feeling too stuffy.
Sizes: 0–12
18/21Kasper Women’s Sleeveless Sheath Dress
This classic sheath dress may be simple, but that's a big reason it's so highly reviewed on Amazon. “Every lady should have a black dress in her wardrobe,” writes one happy reviewer. “No special occasion I prefer to be prepared….Now my wardrobe is complete.” Says another, “Love this simple dress. You can accessorize it up for a night out or keep it business by adding a blazer. Super comfortable and great quality.”
Sizes: 2–16 in petite; 4–18 in standard; 12–28 in plus
19/21Joie Ellie Cotton Crochet Sweaterdress
This crochet sweaterdress is an easy way to participate in the Daisy Jones and the Six–inspired style that's big right now without getting so trendy or costumey that you'll never wear it again.
Sizes: XXS–XL
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20/21By Anthropologie Sweetheart Bow Dress
Available in standard and plus sizes, this Anthropologie cocktail dress is made to flatter a wide range of body types. What could be chicer than that?
Sizes: XXS–XL in standard, 1X–3X in plus
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21/21Anemos Pleated Sheer Midi Dress
Sheer is in—Rihanna even reinvented maternity style by embracing the trend. Most of us probably aren't ready to step out in a full lingerie look like Rih, but you can dip your toe in the water by trying out this pleated chiffon dress over a sexy bodysuit for your next night out.
Sizes: XS–XL
