Fashion Clothing Dresses and Skirts 10 Black Dress Outfits That Always Feel Fresh By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on October 10, 2023 @ 03:33AM Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images While we'll always hold a space in our wardrobe (and our hearts) for the bold, bright, and whimsical, fashion seems to be all about the basics. Neutrals have been all the rage since the Vanilla Girl aesthetic took over TikTok, and the runways are filled with classic cargo pants and blazers, but of all the options, black dress outfits have long reigned supreme. The good news for, well, everyone is that black dresses come in every possible silhouette, material, length, weight, and style, so they're endlessly versatile like few other sartorial items are. Consider everything from fit (body conscious or flowing?), to dress code (heels or sneakers?), to material (cotton or leather?) when planning your black dress outfit, and don't forget about accoutrements like leather jackets, hats, shoes, and jewelry. It's the details that will make this kind of ensemble shine, so make sure to keep them in mind. To help you narrow down your choices, here are our favorite black dress outfit ideas. Think Simple and Sexy Getty Images Whether you're looking for a wedding guest outfit or something for a family function, pair your black minidress with coordinating strappy heels, and you'll instantly nail the dress code. Style It with Sneakers Getty Iamges No casual black dress outfit is complete without a chunky pair of sneakers, which will give your look an athleisure spin. Break Out Those Boots Getty Images If you're struggling to find a shoe to pair with a black blazer dress, go the jellyfishing route and opt for a thigh-high boot. Bonus: It'll add warmth during the winter months. Mix in Animal Print Getty Images Since the base of your outfit is neutral, you can essentially style anything you want around it. Amp up your look with playful prints, whether that means zebra boots or a leopard jacket. Say "Yes" to Schoolcore Getty Images Preppy fashion has made a comeback and always looks chic. Give your black dress an academia twist by pairing it with knee-high socks and loafers. Don't Overthink Getty Images Especially if you're wearing your black dress in warmer weather. A pair of chunky sandals, a chain necklace, and a coordinating black bag will still make for a cute (and breezy!) ensemble without going overboard. Layer Up Getty Images If your favorite black dress is sleeveless, don't fret. Simply add a collared shirt or turtleneck underneath to ensure it's warm enough for frigid temps. Play Around with Color Getty Images Vibrant shades and even earth tones will really pop against this dark staple, so if you're hoping to stand out and make a statement, choose colorful shoes and accessories. Become a Hat Person Getty Images Wide-brim hat, berets, baseball caps — all of these options have a way of changing your outfit's overall vibe. Choose a style that speaks to your personal aesthetic or experiment by swapping them out and wearing whatever suits your mood that day. Throw It Back Getty Images Pull a Katie Holmes and wear your black dress the Y2K way, layering it over jeans or trousers.