Little Black Dress: Which One Is Best for You?

The LBD—or little black dress—is a wardrobe staple every woman needs in her closet. Even if you usually wear T-shirts and straight-leg jeans, there’s a place in your closet for one of these effortlessly stylish dresses.

There are so many different types of black dresses that it’s easy to find one for every occasion. Whether your style preference is understated, bold or somewhere in between, there’s a little black dress that’s right for you. Take a look at the following fashion ideas.

A Sheath Dress Is Always Classic

One of the most versatile black dresses you can own is the sheath dress. For an easy-care dress that you can wear to the office, out to dinner or on the weekends, look for a machine-washable wool blend. Some sheath dresses have pockets, so you can carry keys, event tickets, your smartphone or other small items. A knee-length black sheath dress looks stylish with classic black pumps or even a pair of black ballet flats.

A short-sleeve sheath dress is a good choice for any season. In the spring and summer, you can wear it on its own for cool comfort. For fall and winter, layer a women’s cardigan sweater on top for added warmth. To add sophistication to your look, choose a cardigan in a luxurious fabric such as cashmere.

Look Chic in a Notch Neck Dress

When it comes to looking stylish, it’s all in the details. A black notch neck dress has a chic neckline that imparts the right amount of flair without going overboard. For a smooth drape and flowy look, opt for a notch neck dress crafted from ponte knit fabric. If you’re not sure what length dress is right for you, consider going for a mid-length style.

You can wear a notch neck dress with various types of footwear. In the winter, slip on some women’s snow boots to navigate the snowy weather in style. Classic pumps with a two-inch heel are a sophisticated footwear option to wear with this type of little black dress. Or, you could go for casual comfort with a pair of ballet flats or loafers.

Flaunt Your Curves in a Fit-and-Flare Dress

Another option when choosing your little black dress is the fit-and-flare style. You’ll be ready for dinner, dancing and any other adventures in this flirty frock. For the most flattering silhouette, look for an A-line skirt with a surplice bodice. An above-the-knee length imparts casual date-night flair to this dress style.

Wear a black fit-and-flare dress with wedge sandals for a casual look. If you want something a bit more formal, a pair of black or nude heels can take your look to the next level. Various types of outerwear go well with this dress style; for example, you could layer a women’s raincoat or down jacket over a fit-and-flare dress to protect against the elements on a rainy or snowy day.

Go for Glamour in a Lace-Trim Knit Sheath

If you love the look of a sheath dress but prefer something with embellishments, opt for a sheath with lace trim. This type of dress works well with kitten heels or ballet flats in black or nude. For cool fall nights or air-conditioned environments, top your black sheath dress with a tailored blazer. If you love experimenting with color, throw on a paisley scarf. A stack of gold-tone or silver-tone bangles on each wrist imparts an upscale touch to the outfit.

Women’s wool coats look elegant when layered over a black sheath dress with lace trim. You can also wear this dress style with a rain jacket to safeguard against wet weather. If you choose to wear hosiery with your sheath dress, you can go monochromatic with black pantyhose or tights for an on-trend look. Hosiery that matches your skin tone is always a classic accessory for any dress style.

Rock Sleek Winter Style in a Fitted Sweater Dress

Another type of black dress you may want to own is the fitted sweater dress. This type of dress is an excellent choice for fall and winter, although you can also wear it on cool spring nights or in air-conditioned buildings. The knit fabric of a ribbed sweater dress hugs your curves without feeling tight, so you can move comfortably.

Wear a black sweater dress with a pair of black boots for a chic, on-trend look. Misses or cashmere sweaters can be layered over sweater dresses for extra warmth. You could also top this type of dress with a blazer for a look that’s polished and office appropriate.