Women's Black Dresses

Flat sandals or flats suit a relaxed black linen or summer dress on weekends. For the office or an evening event, heels or leather boots give a more polished finish. Choose footwear that matches the occasion and the length of the dress.

In most cases, a black midi or maxi dress works well for modern weddings, particularly when you add colour through accessories or jewellery. Check the dress code on the invitation first, as some weddings ask for specific colours.

Start with the accessories. A belt defines the waist, a scarf brings colour near the face, and earrings or a pendant draw the eye to the neckline. Choose one or two of these rather than all three, so the dress stays the focus.

Wash black clothes inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and follow the care label on each piece. Dry them in the shade rather than in direct sunlight, which breaks down dye over time. A detergent made for dark colours also helps keep the colour deeper for longer.

A little black dress is a simple black dress, traditionally knee-length, that works for both daytime and evening. It is a wardrobe staple because one dress can be styled several ways with different layers and accessories.