The Best Little Black Dresses

Norma Kamali has been making gorgeous, body-celebrating pieces for decades, and this little black dress is full of special details that demonstrate her skill: that sweetheart neckline, for one. Combined with halter straps, shirred sides, and an asymmetrical hemline, this dress is a little bit Rita Hayworth, a little bit Mariah Carey, and a whole lot hot. That ’90s-by-way-of-the-’40s vibe is part of what makes this dress both timeless and of-the-moment, and why you’ll reach for it time and time again.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 2

This little black dress by The Drop is one you’ll wear all summer long. That airy, loose fit, tiered construction, and delicate straps would be just as cute tossed over your bathing suit as it would paired with strappy sandals and a chic clutch for dinner. And just because it’s perfect for summer doesn’t limit its versatility; in cooler temps, simply pair it with a slim turtleneck and tights.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — 5X
• Available colors: 4

A little black slip dress is the sort of item that belongs in every wardrobe. This one is a little more special than your typical slip — while it might look simple from the front, the back features elegant criss-cross straps with an adjustable tie to get the perfect fit. It’s the sort of dress that you can wear with sneakers to the farmer’s market, with sandals to a party, or with a chunky turtleneck and boots in colder weather.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — 5X
• Available colors: 6

If your style skews classic, you’ll love this cocktail-ready little black dress. The cuffed bishop sleeves, plunging neckline, and mid-length hemline channel the vibe of a ’40s film star, while a tie-waist defines your shape. It’ll make you feel elegant and glamorous, even while you’re making small talk at that business dinner.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 5X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 12

This cute skater dress is pretty hot, thanks to a deep V-neckline and clingy, stretchy ribbed fabric; but it’s sweet, too, thanks to that short, flared skirt. It’s so versatile, too. Day or night, this dress will look incredible with virtually any shoe: sneakers; stilettos; sandals, strappy or flat; boots, chunky or tall. Maybe you don’t have all the answers, but this dress does.

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 18

This little black dress by Calvin Klein is the sort of of dress Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap might wear — simple, chic, minimalist. The perfect ’90s throwback, as you’d expect of the designer. A timeless sheath, with a contrasting gold zipper down the back, this dress is pure sophistication; the midi length and high neck make it a chic option for more conservative events, like work functions or weddings.

• Available sizes: 2 — 10
• Available colors: 2

This little black dress is the perfect balance between timeless and on-trend — it doesn’t get any more classic than that tank silhouette, but a ribbed knit material, square neckline, subtle high-low hem, and side slits keep it current. It’s one of the most versatile pieces on this list, just as well-suited to heels as it is chunky sneakers or tall boots.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — 5X
• Available colors: 5

Between the clingy pencil silhouette and high, mod-inspired neckline, this bodycon dress has major Bond Girl vibes. It’s the perfect little black dress if you feel at your best when you’re a little more covered up, or if you’ve got an event that requires more conservative attire, thanks to a below-the-knee hemline and elbow-length sleeves.

• Available sizes: Large — 5X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 12

Exactly as the name says, this party-perfect Norma Kamali dress is pure goddess vibes. The handkerchief hem is effortlessly elegant and full of movement, and a string tie across the bodice feels very Ancient Greece-chic. The fluid lamé material has just the right amount of subtle shimmer, bringing this piece back into the 21st century.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 1

The peek-a-boo mesh, polka dots, swingy skirt, and bow-tie neckline of this little black dress are the sweetest details. It’s perfect for weddings or parties where you want to feel a little more fancy and formal, and a little less like you’re headed to the club. Ballet flats are a classic accompaniment to this dress, but it would look unexpectedly edgy with a pair of lace-up boots.

• Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 8

Doesn’t this lacy black cocktail dress feel so vintage? Maybe it’s the higher collar, or that classic, body-skimming silhouette you’ll reach for again and again. The lace at the sleeves and hem is delicate, elegant, and the tiniest bit revealing; but it never steps over the line, so you can wear this to more conservative events without feeling out of place.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 15

The plunging neckline, shirred skirt, and tulip hemline of this wrap dress are unapologetically sultry. The fluid fabric is blended with 5% spandex, so you’ll be able to move freely in it (a prerequisite for a good going-out dress). It’s available in an equally hot long-sleeved version, too.

• Available sizes: Medium Plus — 5X-Large Plus
• Available styles: 26

The short length and daring cutouts make this black dress such a chic party option. The long sleeves balance out those cutouts and create a little bit of mystery. This stretchy little number would look so cute with some chunky boots or platform Mary Janes.

• Available sizes: 0 — 12
• Available colors: 1

Have you ever seen a more perfect going-out look than this bodycon dress? Standout features include an asymmetrical hemline, ruched bodice, and minimalist spaghetti straps. Style it with stilettos to go out dancing, or with an oversized blazer and chunky platform boots for a slightly more subdued dinner outfit.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 45

A versatile leather dress? This little black dress proves it’s possible, with the addition of a few surprising, delightfully splurgy details. Delicate lace contrasts with slick, slightly stretchy faux leather, accented by an unexpected cutout at the leg and a contrasting silver zipper down the back. Paired with heels, she’s a party dress, but worn over a T-shirt and paired with boots, she’s that cool daytime dress nobody saw coming. Altogether, this piece epitomizes confidence.

• Available sizes: X-Small — Large
• Available colors: 1