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15 Fabulous Black Dresses to Wear Everywhere

It’s not just about the LBDs (but it is a little).

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We'd be willing to bet that you already own a basic black dress. We'd also be willing to bet that you haven't purchased said dress recently. But even if you have, you could definitely use another. And that's because a black dress is a timeless closet staple that never goes out of style. There's a little black dress for every occasion, and don't tell us otherwise.

The black dress is the perfect place to start, having graced wardrobes since Coco Chanel popularized them back in the 1920s and then were cemented in the 1930s Great Depression. And while we love our classic LBDs, a black dress is more than just that one style. A black dress is there for you through all of stages of life. Interviews to work parties, weddings to funerals, cocktails to galas—there's a silhouette for every occasion. Choose a fit-and-flare that's perfect for a cocktail party or opt for a structured midi at the office. Whatever you've got to do, you can do it in a snazzy black dress.

So stock up on this wardrobe essential—we've got the 15 best black dresses to add to your closet ASAP. Trust us, you will be wearing one sooner than you think.

Our Top Black Dress Picks:

  • 1
    Ophelia Cotton Smocked Dress

    Most Comfortable Black Dress

    Hill House Home Ophelia Cotton Smocked Dress

    $175 at Hill House Home
    Read more
  • 2
    Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Crepe Midi Dress for Women

    Best Black Midi Dress

    Old Navy Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Crepe Midi Dress for Women

    Read more
  • 3
    Sweater Cape Dress

    Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dress

    Eloquii Sweater Cape Dress

    Read more
  • 4
    Textured Collared Wrap Midi Dress in Black

    Best Black Wrap Dress

    ASOS Textured Collared Wrap Midi Dress in Black

    Read more
  • 5
    Ballari Off-the-Shoulder Dress

    Best Black Maxi Dress

    Reformation Ballari Off-the-Shoulder Dress

    Read more
1
Most Comfortable Black Dress

Hill House Home Ophelia Cotton Smocked Dress

Ophelia Cotton Smocked Dress
1
Most Comfortable Black Dress

Hill House Home Ophelia Cotton Smocked Dress

$175 at Hill House Home
Credit: Hill House Home

Hill House Home brings elements from its signature nap dress to the Ophelia silhouette. The elastic smocking in the back coupled with the adjustable neckline adds comfort and ease.

Available Sizes: XXS to 2X

2
Best Black Midi Dress

Old Navy Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Crepe Midi Dress for Women

Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Crepe Midi Dress for Women
2
Best Black Midi Dress

Old Navy Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Crepe Midi Dress for Women

Now 30% Off
Credit: Old Navy

Featuring a V-neck, ruched details, and short puffed sleeves, this popular midi dress is oh so flattering. You can easily dress it up with comfortable heels or down with boots or flats.

Available Sizes: XS to 4X

3
Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dress

Eloquii Sweater Cape Dress

Sweater Cape Dress
3
Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dress

Eloquii Sweater Cape Dress

Now 51% Off
Credit: Eloquii

Eloquii's little cape dress stuns as a fall wedding guest look. It features a sleek mock neck and hits at a midi length for optimal elegance.

Available Sizes: 14/16 to 26/28

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4
Best Black Wrap Dress

ASOS Textured Collared Wrap Midi Dress in Black

Textured Collared Wrap Midi Dress in Black
4
Best Black Wrap Dress

ASOS Textured Collared Wrap Midi Dress in Black

Credit: ASOS

With a flattering wrap front and midweight crepe fabric, what's not to love about this versatile dress? We bet this will end up as your go-to for everything from important meetings to dinners with family and friends.

Available Sizes: 0 to 14

5
Best Black Maxi Dress

Reformation Ballari Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Ballari Off-the-Shoulder Dress
5
Best Black Maxi Dress

Reformation Ballari Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Credit: Reformation

Crafted from Reformation's signature crepe, this off-the-shoulder maxi dress looks as gorgeous in photos as it feels on. It's fitted at the waist and flares out for a highly flattering silhouette that moves with you. We love that it also comes in extended plus sizes.

Available Sizes: 0 to 24

6
Best Black Dress on Amazon

Grecerelle V-Neck Wrap Black Midi Dress

Prime Day Deal
V-Neck Wrap Black Midi Dress
6
Best Black Dress on Amazon

Grecerelle V-Neck Wrap Black Midi Dress

Now 18% Off
Credit: GRECERELLE

From the flutter cap sleeves to the Empire waist and midi length, this LBD is as comfortable as it is flattering. You can dress it up with comfortable heels, or down with your favorite white sneakers or booties.

Available Sizes: S to XXL

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7
Best Black Sweater Dress

Abercrombie x HFR x Nicole Benefield Long-Sleeved Maxi Sweater Dress

Long-Sleeved Maxi Sweater Dress
7
Best Black Sweater Dress

Abercrombie x HFR x Nicole Benefield Long-Sleeved Maxi Sweater Dress

Credit: Abercrombie

This gorgeously relaxed sweater dress is part of the collection of sophisticated modern classics from Abercrombie's partnership with Harlem's Fashion Row and designer Nicole Benefield. Crafted from a premium knit fabric, you can style the side buttons depending on the occasion.

Available Sizes: XXS to 3X

8
Most Versatile Black Dress

Ann Taylor Belted Pleated Flare Dress

Belted Pleated Flare Dress
8
Most Versatile Black Dress

Ann Taylor Belted Pleated Flare Dress

Credit: Ann Taylor

Consider this your foolproof, wear-everywhere dress. The covered sleeves and midi length are appropriate for everything from days at the office to family gatherings, while the pleated fit-and-flare skirt is pretty for a night out.

Available Sizes: 00 to 20/22

9
Best Black Dress for Fall

Vince Camuto Long-Sleeved Sweater Dress

Long-Sleeved Sweater Dress
9
Best Black Dress for Fall

Vince Camuto Long-Sleeved Sweater Dress

Now 40% Off
Credit: Vince Camuto

As temperatures drop, a comfy and stylish sweater dress is a simple wardrobe piece that you can wear to the office, date night, or wherever the day may take you. You can try using a belt at the waist to keep shape to an oversize look.

Available Sizes: XS to XXL

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10
Best Pleated Black Dress

H&M Pleated Wrap Dress

Pleated Wrap Dress
10
Best Pleated Black Dress

H&M Pleated Wrap Dress

Credit: H&M

Featuring long kimono sleeves and a maxi hem length, this wrap-waist pleated black dress provides all the coverage you'll need leading into cooler months. Thanks to the fabric's breathability, you won't have to worry about getting too hot while making a sartorial statement.

Available Sizes: XS to 2X

11
Best Black Midi Dress

Fenjar Ruched 3/4-Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress

Ruched 3/4-Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress
11
Best Black Midi Dress

Fenjar Ruched 3/4-Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress

Credit: FENJAR

This dress is ideal for times when you want a little bit of drama and movement. Inspired by the timeless style of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn, it features 3/4-length sleeves, a voluminous 1950s-inspired skirt that almost demands you to take a twirl, and ruched detail at the waist. Simple, affordable, yet oh so impactful.

Available Sizes: XS to 2X

12
Best Black Wedding Guest Dress

WHBM Pleated Halter Midi Dress

Pleated Halter Midi Dress
12
Best Black Wedding Guest Dress

WHBM Pleated Halter Midi Dress

Credit: WHBM

There's something undeniably sophisticated about a halter top. When paired with a pleated chiffon skirt, all bets are off! This black cocktail dress is perfect for fall weddings and festivities.

Available Sizes: 00 to 18

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13
Best Black Sheath Dress

Calvin Klein Seamed Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress

On Sale
Seamed Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress
13
Best Black Sheath Dress

Calvin Klein Seamed Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress

Now 26% Off
Credit: Calvin Klein

A black sheath dress should be something of a foundation for all women's wardrobes. Timeless and easily adaptable for many of life's events, the sheath dress can be dressed up with jewelry and accessories for a party or toned down with basics for somber funeral attire.

Available Sizes: 2 to 16

14
Best Black Shirtdress

Scoop Women's Faux-Leather Pleated Shirtdress

Women's Faux-Leather Pleated Shirtdress
14
Best Black Shirtdress

Scoop Women's Faux-Leather Pleated Shirtdress

Credit: Scoop

A shirtdress is a great option for effortless style, especially when in black. Whether you're commuting to work, attending post-work events, or out for brunch, this dress is occasion-appropriate for all.

Available Sizes: XS to 2X

15
Best Black Lace Dress

Bebe Black Tiered Lace Midi Dress

Black Tiered Lace Midi Dress
15
Best Black Lace Dress

Bebe Black Tiered Lace Midi Dress

Credit: Bebe

With its lace paneling, cap sleeves, and below-the-knee hemline, somehow this LBD manages to be romantic while providing coverage where you need it. If you're looking for a special flair, the black lace tiering at the hem steps up your look without asking for too much of the spotlight.

Available Sizes: XS to XL

Lettermark
Sara Klausing

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.

Headshot of Gaby Keiderling

Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.

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