9 Little Black Dresses

Do you have a little black dress you love? They feel good for everything — holiday parties, special dinners, work events, date nights, you name it. “One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress,” said Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld. Here are a few pretty ones for the fall and winter (just click on the photos for details, if you’d like)….

I love this type of romantic detail on top, whether it’s floral lace, a geometric grid or sheer crochet.

A midi dress is so pretty and elegant, like the women of Mad Men. (That velvet number!)

Bell sleeves add a playful 60s vibe and would look cute with a fun ring.

Thoughts? Which would you wear? I also love this amazing jumpsuit!

P.S. Tiny gold earrings.

(Top photo by Christine Han for Cup of Jo. I’m wearing this dress and these shoes. This post is in partnership with Nordstrom, a retailer we love for its amazing customer service. Plus, they always offer free shipping and returns. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that support Cup of Jo.)

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Lauren Doxey Packer

November 5, 2017 8:43 pm

I love all these thank you!

Marcia (OrganisingQueen)

November 2, 2017 5:30 pm

That dress is absolutely gorgeous on you! What a beautiful photo too – the light is amazing!

Esther

November 2, 2017 8:13 am

Love this! Black dresses are just so classy :)

Heather

November 1, 2017 6:35 pm

Just want to say that I really appreciate your including larger sizes in your fashion round ups. Thank you!

Diego Lopes

November 1, 2017 1:26 pm

I simply love black dresses! They’re full of elegance and class, such style!

Nina

November 1, 2017 3:23 am

Always lbd! I have a sexy one for dates w/ husband, fun one for going out w/friends, allround one for work and familie related events, formal ball gown and a pant suit. Never any worries about what to wear!

Olga

October 31, 2017 8:20 pm

I’m not really feeling any of these dresses. As someone with a minimal chest and overall athletic build, few of these would be flattering on me. With the exception of the top right, I find them too conservative. Would love to see more interesting angles and edgier cuts, with necklines more revealing and backs bared. These are like in-between dresses for me, not sexy enough for going out and not versatile or layerable enough for work.

Maywyn

October 31, 2017 5:44 pm

5th up from bottom, sheer gathers short sleeve is gorgeous! All, I’d wear.

Stephanie

October 31, 2017 5:29 pm

So many of those are gorgeous but I can’t get on board with the last one. Black velvet + 3/4 bell sleeve just screams 90s/The Craft to me! ?

Jenn

Reply to Stephanie

October 31, 2017 7:40 pm

Ha! Now I want to watch The Craft! I actually owned that dress (almost identical) in forest green velvet, circa 1996. I wore it with thigh high black socks and boots (because 90s)

Katie Larissa

October 31, 2017 5:12 pm

I absolutely COVET that illusion yoke dress, but I have nowhere to wear it and can’t really justify the money for something that I don’t have a plan for. Ugh. Hate my practical self. ?

jill c.

October 31, 2017 3:48 pm

I’ll wear black dress pants instead a dress if possible. i have a nice wide legged, wool pair from Everlane that i love to put on in the winter. they look elegant yet are much more comfortable for me plus i can make it look so different just by the top I choose (turtleneck, white button down, silk blouse with or without a blazer etc….). I do have a little black dress but it rarely ever gets worn.

Carrie

October 31, 2017 2:58 pm

On the day that my fiance (now-husband) asked me to go to city hall and get married, I realized the importance of having a great black dress ready and waiting. I still love looking at the photo and remember how easy it was to grab the dress, a few accessories, and go! Eight years later, the same dress is my go-to for parties and impromptu dates!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Carrie

October 31, 2017 3:03 pm

that is so sweet, carrie!!

Anne

October 31, 2017 2:50 pm

Am I the only one that thinks black dresses are boring? I mean, I do think it’s beneficial to have one as a back up if something comes up, but I always feel so frumpy in black.

Howeeeever, that V neck comes in great colors – love love love!

Olga

Reply to Anne

October 31, 2017 8:22 pm

Agreed. LBDs are overrated.

Jen

October 31, 2017 2:09 pm

On my wish list is a classic black DVF wrap dress. I’d wear it forever!

Hannah @ themumandthemom

October 31, 2017 1:48 pm

Could not love any item of clothing more than a little black dress! Love all of these, but still can’t quite get on board with bell sleeves. I bought a sweater that I loved with them and I spend the whole time rolling them out of the way! Maybe I need to try again.

Velvet is a nice way to keep it current though. I put an edit of a few little black dresses together a month or so back, in case it’s of interest..

https://themumandthemom.com/2017/09/14/new-season-updates-and-an-ode-to-zara/

Love the jumpsuit too. Such a simple way to feel put together!

October 31, 2017 1:29 pm

Love the jumpsuit!! the dresses are just meh to me but maybe Nordstrom just needs style them a bit better on their website because your whole look is great.

Are you wearing a strapless bra? I have large breasts and am always struggling with what to wear under dresses/tops with sheer or lace details at the top.

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to t

October 31, 2017 1:46 pm

yes, i’m wearing a strapless bra. always tricky to figure out bras!

i like this one:
http://bit.ly/2z09Efx

and i remember shaheen recommended this one in her Week of Outfits:
http://bit.ly/2ugI47l
https://cupofjo.com/2017/08/shaheen-kabir-style-interview/

anyone else have good ideas/advice?

Reply to t

October 31, 2017 3:10 pm

Thank you! The one that Shaheen recommended doesn’t come in my size (34H) but the one you shared does. I am going to give it a try.

Amy P

Reply to t

October 31, 2017 7:43 pm

Honestly, depending on how sheer the top detail is (I also love a crocheted/lace top detail) I often wear a nude bra with the thinnest straps I can find. I’d rather have nude straps barely showing through than have to heft up my bra/boobs every five minutes; the former seems less tacky to me than the latter. But if it’s a fairly open design or mesh, strapless all the way!

Cynthia

October 31, 2017 1:27 pm

Joanna, the dress you are wearing is perfect for you. I would wear the v-neck velvet one with the ruffled sleeves, as I look best in dresses without a waistline or an empire waistline. My go-to black dress is actually a tan on black dotted print pattern (not polka dots) that I made a couple of years ago and looks good for any occasion.

Claire

October 31, 2017 1:25 pm

I love the midi dress with the chiffon skirt and lace hem, although I would like a wrap or sparkly bolero or something to wear with it. Also- you look lovely, and the sheer hosiery is perfect. I love tights, but not always and with everything.

Anon

October 31, 2017 1:10 pm

Yes they feel good for everything — holiday parties, special dinners, work events, date nights-Funerals!or even when you want to channel your inner Morticia Addams!

Amanda G

October 31, 2017 1:03 pm

I love so many of these! Also, I have to thank you for reminding me how subtly awesome black pantyhose can be – I haven’t worn them in years but I’m thinking I might pick some up for the colder weather we have forecasted!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Amanda G

October 31, 2017 1:11 pm

it’s so funny, i always wear completely dark, opaque tights, but the other Cup of Jo editors said i should wear sheer. it was the first time since like high school that i’ve worn them! thanks for the note. :)

Cynthia

Reply to Amanda G

October 31, 2017 1:23 pm

I’m going to buy some sheer black hose. I’ve gotten away from sheer hose, too, but they look so elegant, Joanna. More subtle than opaque tights.

Reply to Amanda G

October 31, 2017 3:05 pm

Agree on the tights! They look great. Can you link to them? Was looking for something sheer but it’s so hard to tell online. Thank!

Lexi Mainland

Reply to C

October 31, 2017 3:21 pm

Hi! The hose are the Individual 10 by Wolford, here and here.

Reply to Amanda G

October 31, 2017 3:44 pm

Thanks Lexi!

Merlinda Little

October 31, 2017 1:00 pm

As I say goodbye to jeans (because none of what I own fits me) I am loving dresses! And yes they need to be black because thats the only color that you can see on my closet. I love the second row =)

Lily

October 31, 2017 12:50 pm

Thanks for the plus size option Cup of Jo team! Always appreciated.

Sarah

October 31, 2017 12:46 pm

Yours is so pretty, Joanna!

Anne

October 31, 2017 12:41 pm

That first dress, swoon!!

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