Little black dresses to wear to every occasion

Odds on, Coco Chanel knew exactly what she was doing when she introduced the world to the little black dress, affectionately dubbed the ‘LBD’. After gracing the pages of American Vogue in 1926, Chanel’s simple, yet perfectly structured long-sleeved, black, drop-waist dress changed the course of fashion.

From the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ to Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ to Kim K's 2016 VMA's look, the LBD is as versatile as it is hard to outshine. And for good reason — so for your next party, why not pay tribute to this forever en vogue style?

15 LBDs that are white hot

For every day: The classic little black dressFor a wedding guest: The little black backless dressFor graduation: The little black lace dressFor a party: The little black slip dress

And along came the LBD

Vogue described Chanel’s design as ‘a sort of uniform for all women of taste’, and we can’t think of a better way to describe it. No matter what events or occasions you have on the horizon, we’re willing to bet there’s an LBD for it. To prove it, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favourite black dresses to wear for a slew of life’s little (and big) occasions. Ready to find yourself a new frock? Read on.

For every day: The classic little black dress

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Photo: H&M

Tie-belt Shirt Dress

To start, we’re paying homage to Coco Chanel with a modern take on the century-old classic. The shirt collar neckline and long sleeves balance out a short hem and we love the button cuff on the sleeve. H&M’s attention to detail in concealed front buttons and the option of a more form-fitted style with the addition of a belt elevates the look of this pared back cotton number. The result is a timeless style that’s effortless to style, from the afternoon school run to your 10-year anniversary dinner.

For a wedding guest: The little black backless dress

Photo: Revolve

Samba Gown

Perfect for those who swooned over the cut of Kate Hudson’s ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ dress, but prefer black to yellow, the Samba Gown will turn heads for all the right reasons. It’s sexy without being too risqué, making it an easy choice for a black-tie affair. You’re sure to be the best-dressed guest, we promise.

For graduation: The little black lace dress

Photo: M&S

Lace Short Sleeve Knee Length Skater Dress

Sophisticated and smart, this LBD doesn’t feel too stuffy which is why it’s a winner for graduation day. Its lace overlay adds enough visual texture to stand out from your cap and gown attire, even if it’s black as well. And while your first thought might be to go for a form-fitting silhouette, we promise an A-Line skirt will be cute, but comfortable.

An added bonus: This dress works with tons of shoe styles, so you likely have a pair in your wardrobe that will suit it perfectly.

For a party: The little black slip dress

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Photo: Warehouse

Cutout Detail Sexy Midi Dress

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Everything about this slip dress makes us say ‘Yes!’ Its subtle v-neckline with cutout detailing creates an alluring look that’s complemented by its waistline detailing and side leg slit. We’ve chosen this dress for its incredible versatility: When it comes to a party, no matter the season or how formal the event, this satin slip dress will be your new go-to.

Keep it simple with a pair of black strappy heels for a summer soiree or create a chic, cosy winter look by adding an ivory cashmere jumper and your trusty heeled ankle boots.

For the office party: The little black wrap dress

Photo: ASOS

Curve Wrap Midi Dress

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There’s enough to stress about at an office party, so don’t fret over what you’ll wear. Slip into this Wrap Midi Dress from ASOS’ Curve collection and you’ll feel like the boss babe you really are. It’s work-appropriate without being ‘meh’ thanks to a bit of attention to tailoring like the neckline and asymmetrical hemline.

For the bridesmaid: The little black high-neck dress

Photo: Reformation

Zenni Dress

Your bridesmaids will thank their lucky stars when they find out this little black dress is what they'll wear while standing by your side. It’s simplicity, done perfectly.

Its high neckline gives way to a modest ‘V’ back and the high hemline is the definition of LBD without being too revealing. The Zenni Dress is a fun way to upgrade a traditional bridesmaid style.

For New Year's Eve: The little black corset dress

Photo: Meshki

Talisa Chain Strap Side Split Corset Midi Dress

Are we crazy not to include a sequined dress here? Not one bit. The silhouette of the Talisa dress is stunning and sexy enough for an evening as full of potential as NYE. The detailing in the corset, chain straps and sky-high leg slit make for one glamorous dress you’ll feel great in as the party draws on into the wee hours of the morning. What seals the deal for us is the dress’ inclusive sizing ranging from XXS to 3XL.

For the alt bride: The little black A-line gown

Photo: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Off Shoulder Maxi Dress

In our eyes, black is bridal. If you’re a bride after an alternative look for your big day, this take on the traditional gown might be what you’re after. The full, A-line skirt and off-the-shoulder top stay in step with a classic wedding gown style but the inky black colour will blow your guests away. Not only is it an elegantly out-of-the-box look, but since it isn’t a typical bridal gown, it’s a fraction of the cost!

For a hen do: The little black mini dress

Photo: ASOS

River Island Slinky Mini Dress

Whether the plan is wine tasting in Tuscany or tearing up the town in Brighton or getting into that exclusive London club, this mini dress is a perfect 10 for a hen do. Its bodycon fit and halter-look neckline keep you comfortable while being part of the hottest bridal entourage around.

For a holiday party: The little black long sleeve dress

Photo: Karen Millen

Rib Envelope Neck Knit Midi Dress

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Buttoned-up never looked as good as it will when you rock up to your best friend’s Christmas party wearing this Karen Millen ensemble. Keeping it cosy with long sleeves and midi hemline, the button detailing creates a chic party look. Pair it with slinky stilettos — or ankle boots and tights when the temperatures are chilly — and a bright red lip for an extra festive aesthetic.

For a night out on the town: The little black bodycon dress

Photo: Club L

Siren Black One Shoulder Bodycon Dress

There’s no party style that has prevailed quite as impressively as the bodycon dress. Since it hit the scene in the late ‘80s, for a night out, it’s a no-brainer for showing off your curves and this Club L number ticks all the boxes. The asymmetrical sleeve, the cutout, the super-short mini cut, what’s not to love?

For a birthday party: The little black denim dress

Photo: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Denim Pinny Dress

You save £6.40 (20%)£32

We love a denim dress, but when it’s also a little black dress, we’re absolutely smitten. This Mango piece is great for a birthday because it easily goes from the pub to the club. With its square neckline, zip-up back and slim fit, it’s ready to go wherever the party takes you.

For date night: The little black V-neck dress

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

Plus Black Puff Sleeve Puffball Hem Dress

This plus-size LBD delivers fashion-forward style with the va-va-voom of a deep ‘V’ neckline that’s perfect for date night. Also available in standard sizes, there’s no chance of your guy or gal taking their eyes off you when rocking this dress.

For a cocktail party: The little black cocktail dress

Photo: Ted Baker

Velvey Puff Sleeve Dress With Engineered Skirt

Mix and mingle and look amazing while doing so in the Velvey Puff Sleeve Dress from Ted Baker. The structured a-line skirt and on-trend puff sleeves are made to be admired while standing, which happens to be the main activity at a cocktail party. As you float from conversation to conversation, this fabulous dress is sure to be an ice-breaking talking point.

For a garden party: The little black cotton dress

Photo: Nobody's Child

Alexa Midi Dress

Broderie (also called eyelet lace) and garden parties go together like strawberries and cream, so the Alexa Midi Dress is a sweet choice for summer shindigs. Its midi-length, short sleeve and V-neckline cut a similar silhouette to that favoured by Kate Middleton. In our opinion, if it’s good enough for the Duchess of Cambridge, it’s good enough for you, too!

The secret about little black dresses

Well, the secret is really no secret at all: An LBD is always a good option. Whether you’re headed to a formal event or a casual housewarming, if you’re sporting an LBD, you’re bound to look fantastic, feel amazing and be perfectly on-trend.

From the classic black dress to the steeped-in sex-appeal corset dress and more, these 15 options are the best little black dresses to bring home today.

The information presented above is accurate as of 29/06/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices. The 'Best Buys featured' badge indicates sponsored content, and we may earn a commission when you make a purchase.