The little black dress is a forever fashion staple.
This iconic wardrobe essential offers incredible versatility that every stylish woman appreciates.
But why limit yourself to just one when there are so many gorgeous black dress styles to explore?
To inspire you to break out of the black dress rut, I’ve compiled TOP stunning outfit ideas featuring a range of silhouettes, fabrics and details.
With so many options, you’ll never have to wear the same LBD twice! Say goodbye to fashion ruts and embrace bold new style possibilities with these gorgeous outfit ideas.
The Little Black Dress
The little black dress is a timeless wardrobe staple that every woman should own. This classic dress style is versatile, flattering and can be dressed up or down effortlessly
A simple black dress in a lightweight fabric like crepe or ponte knit that hits at the knee is an essential piece. Make sure to get one that fits impeccably – this is not the place to skimp!
When styling a little black dress, less is often more.
Allow the beautiful clean lines of the dress to shine through. For a daytime or office appropriate look, pair it with a blazer or cardigan in a fun color or print.
This adds visual interest while keeping the overall vibe polished. Pointy toe pumps in a metallic or vibrant hue modernize the look. Slide on a pair of cat eye sunglasses as you head out the door.
For evening, create drama with accessories.
A statement necklace or cuff bracelet in gold or silver immediately elevates the look. Strappy stiletto sandals tie everything together.
If it’s a cooler night, go for a cropped leather jacket with an asymmetrical zipper. It’s all in the details! This versatile black dress can truly go from desk to dinner with just a few accessory swaps.
The little black dress is timeless for a reason. Invest in one that fits you beautifully and keep it on hand for impromptu events and last minute invitations. You’ll reach for it again and again!
The Bodycon Dress
Slip into a curve hugging bodycon dress when you want to show off your fabulous figure! This ultra sexy silhouette hugs every inch, highlighting your assets.
When styling a bodycon dress, balance the tightness with looser items.
Start with the dress itself. Look for one with interesting details like colorblocking, sheer panel accents or strategic cut outs.
This adds dimension that is especially important for a tight fitting garment. Next, layer on top. A coordinating blazer or lightweight leather or denim jacket gives a more relaxed vibe. Make it drapey and oversized.
On bottom, try a pair of strappy heels or thigh high boots. The leggy length offsets the clinginess on top. Go for tall boots in leather or suede with a block or chunky heel.
Finish with a sleek ponytail and pair of hoop earrings. This polished but alluring vibe is perfect for a night out or date night.
For an extra dash of edge, swap out the blazer for a classic moto jacket. Let it slouch alluringly off one shoulder and pair with studded booties. Runway ready!
The bodycon dress gives you a chance to flaunt your fabulous curves – embrace it! With the right accessories, this seductive silhouette helps you make a serious fashion statement.
The Wrap Dress
A wrap style dress is a wardrobe workhorse that looks gorgeous on all body types.
This versatile silhouette drapes across your frame, cinching in at the waist to create an hourglass shape.
Play with accessories and styling to take the wrap dress from the office to a night out effortlessly.
A knee length wrap dress in a fluid matte jersey is perfect for the office. The drapey fabric moves with you throughout the day and won’t wrinkle if you sit at your desk. Accessorize with a printed scarf at the neck for a pop of color. Layer on a cropped cardigan and slide your feet into block heel booties.
After work, stop home for an outfit change.
Trade the cardigan for a leather jacket and the booties for strappy heels.
The heel elongates your leg, making you appear taller and slimmer. Add bold diamond or gold chandelier earrings for some after hours glam. Just like that you’re ready for dinner and drinks!
The wrap dress is feminine and flattering. Cinch the waist tie to highlight your hourglass curves. Play with accessories, shoes, jackets and jewelry to create endless outfit options. This style is truly one of the most versatile in your closet!
The T-Shirt Dress
The t-shirt dress is a fashionable twist on a wardrobe basic. This casual knit dress skims your figure, combining the comfort of a tee with the polish of a dress.
Dress it up with heels and chic extras or go super laidback with sneakers. Either way, it’s a stylish look!
Start with a t-shirt dress that hits above the knee.
Look for interesting details like a side slit or high/low hemline. Soft jersey fabrics with a bit of stretch move with you and showcase your shape.
If the fabric is on the clingy side, balance it out with a bit of layering up top. A classic denim jacket or oversized blazer softens the silhouette.
One fun way to style a t-shirt dress is with white leather sneakers. The casual footwear offsets the sleekness of the LBD for on-trend contrast. Stash your smart phone, keys and gloss in a trendy belt bag. Run errands in style!
When evening rolls around, trade the sneakers for strappy sandals. Metallic or brightly colored heels instantly dress up the laidback tee dress.
Drape a pendant necklace at the neckline to draw the eye. Just like that you have the perfect look for a cocktail party or gallery opening. Effortlessly chic!
The t-shirt dress offers unlimited outfit potential. Dress it up or down to suit any occasion. This wardrobe staple makes getting ready a breeze!
The Slip Dress
Inject a dose of retro Hollywood glamour into your wardrobe with a black slip dress. This slinky, bias cut style channels vintage vibes while looking utterly now.
The smoothing fabric and adjustable straps flatter all figures. Take it from day to night with creative styling.
A black slip dress forms the ultimate canvas for layering.
During the day, tone down the sexy silhouette with tougher pieces. A moto jacket provides an edgy vibe, while knit tights and booties keep it casual chic.
When evening hits, unleash the dress’s inner temptress!
A lush faux fur jacket adds drama as it slouches delicately off one shoulder. Strap into glittering stilettos and grab a minaudière clutch for a night out. Keep accessories sleek – let the dress take center stage.
For a more avant garde look, don a slinky slip dress over a crisp white button down. Allow the collar and cuffs to peek out for dimension. Cinch it in with a wide statement belt. Glossy black oxfords make the ensemble boyishly cool.
The slip dress is sexy, nostalgic and endlessly versatile. Style it conservative or daring, romantic or edgy. This item deserves a spot in every fashionista’s closet!
The Shirt Dress
The shirt dress borrows from the menswear playbook to create a polished, pulled together look. Crisp lines combined with feminine accents like a nipped in waist or flowing skirt create an effortlessly chic silhouette.
Look for a black shirtdress in a matte woven fabric with a bit of stretch. This skims curves rather than clinging to create a streamlined shape.
Play with proportion to find your perfect fit. Some fashionistas opt for a shorter hemline to show some leg, while others prefer a midi length.
When selecting your shirtdress, look for thoughtful accents like front pleats, flap pockets and self belt. Epaulettes or other shoulder details add structured interest. Leave the top few buttons undone in lieu of a necklace for an alluring touch.
Keep accessories simple and let the shirtdress sophistication shine through. Pointy toe pumps, a ladylike top handle satchel and oversized sunnies convey laidback confidence.
This is the ultimate power outfit for the office and beyond!
When the weekend arrives, take a more relaxed approach. Slip on white sneakers and walk the dress down with a denim jacket.
Tote a crossbody bag as you run errands or meet friends for brunch. Your shirtdress stylishly transitions with you.
With infinite versatility, the shirtdress deserves a spot in every fashionista’s arsenal. Buttoned up or undone, it’s ready for any occasion!
The Sweater Dress
As temperatures dip, slip into a cozy black sweater dress.
This cool weather style pairs the warmth of a knit sweater with the polish of a dress silhouette. Play with layers, textures and weights as you style it.
For the ultimate laidback fall vibe, try an oversized sweater dress in a chunky rib knit. The slouchy fit is effortlessly sexy and super comfy.
Offset the roominess up top with a slim fitting pair of black leather leggings or jeggings. Top with a moto jacket and lace up booties.
For something more refined, look for a sweater dress in a fine gauge merino wool. The slimming silhouette looks chic with tights and ankle boots. Finish with a statement necklace and petite crossbody bag for an evening out.
When deep winter hits, go for a super chunky sweater dress silhouette. Look for interesting details like a cowl neck, side slits or cold shoulder cut outs.
Thicker fabrics like wool or alpaca keep you cozy when temperatures really drop. Ground the voluminous top with sleek booties.
The sweater dress offers warmth and style on cold weather days. Mix up textures and fits as the months go by for an always fashionable winter silhouette.
The Sheath Dress
The sheath dress offers timeless polish and sophistication. This style is fitted through the bodice and hips, with a straight skirt that hits at the knee or below.
The clean lines beautifully flatter most figures.
When selecting a sheath dress, look for classic details like cap sleeves, empire waist and a back slit for movement. Matte jersey fabrics with a touch of stretch skim curves, hugging without clinging.
Stay away from anything too shiny or texture – this style shines in matte solids.
To soften the structured sheath silhouette, layer on lighter items. A cropped cardigan or duster length duster coat keeps lines long. Pointy toe pumps dress up the look while a ladylike top handle bag finishes it perfectly.
After work, lose the blazer and slide on strappy heels. Add a cocktail ring and chandelier earrings for a touch of evening glamour. Just like that your sheath goes from desk to dinner flawlessly!
For weekends, give the sheath a day off. A denim jacket and white sneakers take it into casual territory. Even dressed down, the sheath emanates polish.
Every fashionista needs one of these timeless wardrobe additions!
The Shift Dress
The classic shift dress offers understated chic day in and day out.
This sleeveless style features a loose, boxy fit through the hips and a hemline that hits above the knee or mid-thigh. It’s an effortless silhouette you’ll reach for again and again.
Look for a shift dress with subtle design details like front seam pockets, a banded waist or asymmetrical hem. Soft drapey fabrics like crepe move beautifully and skim curves.
The looser fit means you can layer this dress over button downs and turtlenecks during colder months.
The shift dress transitions seamlessly from desk to dinner. For work, slip on a blazer and pointed toe flats. Add a wide belt to cinch the waist if desired.
Heading out after? Trade the flats for strappy heels and you’re ready for nighttime fun.
Come weekend, dress your shift down with sneakers, a jean jacket and crossbody bag. This no fuss silhouette works for everything from errands to brunch dates. Add tights and booties when temps drop for an effortlessly cute fall outfit.
For the ultimate in versatility, add a shift dress to your wardrobe lineup. Breezy and relaxed, yet still polished, this understated style is a true wear-anywhere wonder.
The Bandage Dress
Daring fashionistas, the bandage dress beckons!
This curve hugging style spotlights your best assets, so it’s ideal for a big night out. Constructed from multiple strips of stretchy fabric, the bandage dress sculpts an enviable hourglass figure.
When selecting a bandage dress, look for one with diagonal, figure flattering seaming. Thicker bandage strips provide more compression and hold you in.
But beware dresses with too much stretch – they can sag quickly.
Balance the bodycon fit by layering a drapey blazer or faux fur jacket on top.
Pair with strappy stilettos to highlight legs. Keep accessories sleek: a minaudière, bold cuff and red lip.
Feeling adventurous? Amp up the sizzle factor! A asymmetric hem with a front slit shows extra leg. Look for a deep v-neckline and open back details. Pair with metallic heels and matching clutch. Dare to bare!
No matter how you style it, the bandage dress guarantees a showstopping look. This bold style hugs your shape for an evening out full of fun and fashion. Sizzle in it!
The Pencil Dress
Sleek, sophisticated and seriously sexy, the pencil dress is a wardrobe must-have. This figure hugging style highlights curves for a polished yet alluring look.
The close fit and stretch fabrics keep lines long, streamlining your shape. Timeless and elegant, this silhouette flatters most figures.
Look for a pencil dress that hits just below or above the knee for ideal proportions. Matte jersey fabrics hold you in while still allowing movement. A back slit, front center seam or side ruching adds visual interest while breaking up the close fit.
For day, pair your pencil with pointed pumps or ladylike flats. Don a cropped jacket or blazer to soften the snugness on top.
Come evening, strap on statement stilettos and dramatic jewelry. A bold red pout finishes this head turning look.
During colder months, layer tights underneath and top with a cropped sweater. The sleek pencil skirt peeking out keeps lines long. Add boots with a block heel for a fashionable workwear option.
With its figure flattering close fit, the classic pencil dress is designed to make an entrance. Dress it up or down – this style commands attention wherever you go!
The Cocktail Dress
When you need showstopping style for a special event, turn to the cocktail dress! Shorter and more body conscious than formal gowns, cocktail dresses make a fashionable splash at parties, weddings and soirées. Time to sparkle!
Look for a cocktail dress that skims your shape without clinging.
A bit of stretch in fabrics like ponte, crepe or scuba allow movement. Dazzling embellishments adorn these dresses, so keep the lines clean and simple.
Focus on one or two eye catching details, like a beaded neckline, cold shoulder cut outs or a sequined skirt.
Favored finishes include ruching, draping and subtle ruffles. anything too frilly distracts from your fabulousness. If you opt for prints, go for graphic bold patterns and metallics.
Pull together a head turning look by keeping the rest of your accessories minimal. Strappy stilettos and a sleek minaudière allow the dress to shine.
A swipe of bold lipstick and pair of statement earrings complete your cocktail party ensemble.
Make a stylish splash at your next special event in a fabulous cocktail dress! With the perfect fit and a few dazzling accents, this dress ensures you’re the best dressed guest.
