The Essential Black Dress

Style Theory: When in doubt I often reach for the safety of a black dress for an event. They are always flattering, can be matched with any accesssories and always look chic and understated.









Images via pinterest

So versatile and timeless, the black dress is the perfect fall-back dress in your wardrobe and works for every season. Over the past 10 years my black dress hemlines have got longer but I always tend to buy ones with fairly high necks as they suit me shape better and I wear them again and again. 

Here is my selection of the best on the high street now:
&Other Stories Pom Pom dress £55
This is a great, light cotton, comfortable dress. It is one of those dresses that works just as well with flats as with heels. It does crush but as the fabric has a slight pattern in it you can get away with it crushing a little throughout the day. It also comes in cream, I know I will wear this non-stop and it hides my mum tum perfectly! Fits true to size.


This dress is a great cover up piece, I love feeling comfortable at an event, top arms covered, and legs..makes me feel unselfconscious...

&Other Stories Broderie Anglais £65
A beautiful, delicate but structured dress. I love the broderie look on the arms, will provide arm coverage whilst looking interesting and extremely pretty.
Zara Cape Sleeve Tie Neck Dress £69.99
The cape detail of the sleeve on this dress is very 2015, I would wear with high black/tan strappy sandals M&S ghillie sandals look fab on.
Mango Fringed Dress £49.99
Fringing is on trend this season and this dress is a perfect way to wear it. Would look amazing with the mango strappy, flat sandals, a cool boho look for holiday. Add a large straw bag and some fine gold jewellery and it will look beach to bar perfection.
Next Boho Dress £26
An easy to wear lightweight jersey dress. Great for throwing over a bikini/swimsuit on holiday.
Topshop Plunge Neck Dress £40
Balance out the midi length of this dress with a plunge neck. I had one of these from French Connection many years ago and it was so flattering. Pointed court shoes make this dress look super sophisticated.
M&S Sleeveless Maxi Dress £52
Chic and glamorous, the black maxi dress is endlessly useful. Dress up with chunky gold bangles piled high, gold boho drop earrings and high strappy tan or black sandals. By day wear with flat sandals and fine gold jewellery, add a coloured bag for a pop of colour.
Warehouse Gypsy Style Dress Midi Dress £28
An easy to wear, un-expensive dress, will make an impact when dressed up with heels and accessorised with gold/silver clutch bag.
H&M Embroidered Dress £59.99
This is a little short but I love the embroidery detail, it is stunning. A great holiday piece and wear in the winter with black opaque tights and knee high 70s style tan boots.

I could go on forever, I do love a black dress, I have kept all of mine (since I was 18) as I wear them again and again (the ones I can still squeeze into!)

Do you have a favourite black dress? Do you tend to go for the safety of black when attending a function? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, have a great hopefully sunny weekend Frances xx 

16 comments:

  1. Yes I am LBD lover, I always love a black dress, I have more than a few. As much as I love white dresses on holiday I also love black summer dresses against golden skin with delicate gold jewellery. You really suit the andotherstories dress, I have the top version from last year, I think my boobs are too big to carry the dress off (with the top I slim my bottom half down with skinnies). Great picks as ever Frances x

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    1. So agree AnneMarie, there is nothing like a black dress against sunkissed skin. I bet the &other stories top looks fab on you xx

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    2. Annmarie I have this dress - and I am a size 34C/D in the chest department - and it looks great. Give it a go!

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  2. Ah I love the pics of you in your dress. It suits you perfectly! I was tempted by the cream version as I have the black version from last year but then reigned myself in. But yes, I love black dresses for the summer - you can sit on a park bench without worrying :)

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    1. Ha, as you know Sue I love your version from last year, so glad they brought out similar again this year. I love the 'safety' of a black dress! xx

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  3. Hi, just wondering, what size in the & Other Stories dress are you wearing? (It looks fab!)

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    1. Hi Lucy, I bought the 36 (size 10) and it fits me well not too tight and I am definitely a normal size 10 xx

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    1. isn't it gorge Joanna? You would sooo suit it xx

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  5. I have just taken delivery of the &Other Stories black Pom Pom dress - it is gorgeous and so easy to wear. Love the broderie &Other Stories dress - didn't try it on instore but am tempted to give it a go. Black dresses in summer epitomise simple elegance - and are perfect night or day!

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    1. The pom pom dress is fab isn't it? Loving the broderie dress too xx

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  6. Totally and utterly gorgeous Frances. I wish I could remember to grab the little black dress when in a dressing outfit crises - it TOTALLY works - ALWAYS!

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    1. Thanks Fiona, the black dress is always the safe option! xxx

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