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Take it from me, a repeat black summer dress wearer - there's nothing chicer than a classic, black summer dress. 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 linen dress: Boden Linen Cross Back Midi Dress, £139 / $220
- The black tummy flattering dress: Nobody's Child Caliope Scoop Neck Dress, £50
- The beach-ready black dress: Hush Pure Cotton Square Neck Maxi Beach Dress, £80 / $104
- The black broderie anglaise dress: Whistles Broderie Anglaise Shirt Dress, £105 / $219
- The one to dress up or down: Arket Halterneck Dress, £95
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 smock silhouettes, 90s cami styles and black broderie anglaise.
Right now, its dropped waist dresses in black that are dominating, alongside clean-lined linen mini dresses and draped black maxi dresses.
Go 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.
- 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
1/10
Boden Cross-Back Linen Blend Dress
Editor's Note
This Boden dress giving elegance without being boring, and has an elegant cross back, square neckline and flattering nipped in waist.
2/10
Nobody's Child Black Tiered Caliope Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Milkmaid dresses are always trending for summer, and this easy to wear dress ticks the boxes. It's made from an organic cotton mix, a great fabric for summer, and the exaggerated sleeves and maxi length are a stylish addition.
3/10
Hush Carmen Beach Seersucker Dress
Editor's Note:
Throw this on for the beach or even for the evening on your holiday, just add a plethora of summery jewellery and raffia bag.
4/10
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.
5/10
Whistles Black Cotton Broderie Anglaise Dress
Editor's Note:
Every wardrobe needs a shirt dress, and I think Whistles have created such a luxe-looking version, with broderie anglaise. The dress features short sleeves, a midi length and the lightweight cotton makes it ideal for summer.
6/10
Arket Halterneck Dress
Editor's Note:
This Arket dress has the makings of a smart, formal piece along with a casual day dress - it's all in how you style. Add flats or heels, depending on the occasion.
7/10
H&M Dual Fabric Dress
Editor's Note:
I love this dress as it looks so expensive, and is so affordable. The maxi dress has a fitted bodice in narrow-ribbed stretch jersey with a gently flared skirt, and a high neck top. So chic.
8/10
Next Jersey Kaftan
Editor's Note:
Next's jersey kaftan offers a wafting, long dress that's both cool and airy while being stylish too.
9/10
Rixo Aprilia Silk Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Inspired by vintage sleepwear, the black Aprilia dress is the perfect chuck-on dress. The antique-look silk and embroidery details gives it a romantic feel.
10/10
Roman Ric Rac Collared Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
With its subtle ric rac detailing, this black dress still ticks the boxes of being black while adding a cute, whimsy edge. It's long sleeves and cotton, so airy and summer-proof.
