Take it from me, a repeat black summer dress wearer - there's nothing chicer. If bright, bold colours, boho patterns or all-white is your jam, this is probably not the summer shopping article for you. But if you're someone who makes a black dress their entire summer aesthetic, then keep reading.
I have more black summer dresses in my wardrobe than I care to count. I find the notion of a black summer dress somewhat comforting when the temperatures are high. They stay true to my minimalist style, but can tap into the trends without trying too hard.
- The black cotton dress: Topshop Black Poplin Cotton Dress at ASOS
- The beach-ready black dress: The H&M Frill Trimmed Black Dress
- The black broderie anglaise dress: John Lewis Broderie Anglaise Black Dress
- The Bridgerton inspired black dress: Boohoo Poplin Milkmaid Dress in Black
- The one to dress up or down: V by Very Cotton One Shoulder Dress
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I think they're perennially chic, eschewing the sometimes gaudy florals or designs that flood the shops come summer and stay stylish just by existing.
Even a black T-shirt jersey dress can be worn to more formal events with the right accessories, and I think a black cami dress with chunky sandals is about as cute a summer look as it gets. The high street seems to agree. A scroll of the new in sections of my favourite high street brands shows plenty of black dresses designed for summer, in lightweight fabrics, sleeveless looks and lengths from mini to maxi.
How to wear a black summer dress now
The key to a great black summer dress is choosing a 'stereotypical' summer dress - say a linen midi, or a prairie shirred bust dress - but in black. My social feeds are full of women wearing black summer dresses in milkmaid styles, smock silhouettes and black broderie anglaise.
© Instagram / Mirthe_MjRight now, its dropped waist dresses in black that are dominating, alongside clean-lined linen mini dresses and draped black maxi dresses.
© Instagram / Sylvie MusGo for all-black accessories, like black raffia bags, black sunnies and black thong sandals. You can always incorporate a touch of colour with brown tan additions, and nothing looks crisper than white shoes, white bags and chunky silver or gold jewellery.
How I chose the best black summer dresses
- Style: These dresses are all classed as summer dresses, with their designs, styles or fabrics leaning into the warmer weather.
- 2024 trends: As well as classic, timeless black dresses, there's more trend-led styles below including drop-waist and milkmaid.
- Colour: It goes without saying, the dresses are all black - no prints, no patterns, not even a hint of white.
- Inclusivity: The dresses span a wide range of sizing, including petite, plus size and tall and in sizes 4 - 24.
Shop the best black summer dresses for 2024
1/12
Topshop Poplin Cotton Dress in Black
Editor's Note
This Topshop dress giving elegance without being boring, and has a flattering shirred bust with poplin skirt and square neck.
2/12
H&M Frill Trimmed Cotton Dress
Editor's Note:
H&M's simple slip dress has the addition of a frilled neckline, adding a touch of femininity. Wear with thong flat sandals or mesh ballerinas for day, and swap for heeled thongs for night. It's the dress you'd wear all summer long.
3/12
John Lewis ANYDAY Black Broderie Dress
Editor's Note:
John Lewis has made a pretty broderie anglaise fabric cool, with the black colour and shift style shape. I love that elasticated waist, for adding definition, and who doesn't love a dress with pockets?
4/12
Boohoo Maxi Milkmaid Dress
Editor's Note:
Milkmaid dresses are trending, and if you want the Bridgerton look without pastel colours, this Boohoo dress ticks the boxes. It's made from poplin, a great fabric for summer, and the exaggerated sleeves and maxi length are a stylish addition.
5/12
Tu Midaxi Black Dress
Editor's Note:
I'm in love with Tu's take on the dropped waist trend. It's affordable, wearable and has a great midaxi length to bridge that gap when you want something longer than a midi, but shorted than a maxi.
6/12
V by Very One Shoulder Cotton Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Very's take on the black summer dress is a smarter affair, with its dressy one-shoulder and pulled in waist. This style of Grecian dress is usually seen in white, so it's a welcome surprise to try it in black. Add gladiator sandals or gold heels to elevate the look.
7/12
Amazon Jersey V-Neck Tank Maxi-Length Dress
Editor's Note:
This summer, it's all about the dropped waist dress and this simple version from Amazon will be a brilliant buy. The jersey material makes it super soft while the shape is on-trend for 2024.
8/12
New Look Black Frill-Strap Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
New Look's black maxi dress is giving boho vibes, with its frill trim straps and lace flashes on the hem and body.
9/12
M&S Pure Cotton Checked Midi Waisted Dress
Editor's Note:
M&S has created a puff sleeve dress with a difference - note the subtle black on black grid pattern, adding depth to the classic black dress. I love the shape of this dress too, with its nipped in waist and larger sleeves.
10/12
Warehouse Broderie Drawstring Waist Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Every wardrobe needs a shirt dress, and I think Warehouse has pulled it out of the bag with this luxe-looking broderie anglaise shirt dress. The dress features long sleeves, a maxi length and the lightweight cotton makes it ideal for summer.
11/12
& Other Stories Gathered Sleeveless Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Giving breezy summer dressing, this voluminous maxi has gathered straps and a shirred neckline that frame the shoulders.
12/12
Aligne Leah Linen Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
If you haven't seen this mini dress from Aligne on your social feeds, trust me, you will. It's gone viral and I can see why; the simple, shift style, the linen fabric and the addition of buttons. Gorgeous.
