Style Up As A Diva in the Best Little Black Dress

Thank you, Coco Chanel, for creating the world's most iconic fashion item. Then there's the wardrobe staple that needs no introduction: the little black dress. The LBD is the only three-letter acronym that has us completely enthralled.

We can confidently declare that an 'investment piece' that has been around since the 1920s will not be going away anytime soon, not least because of its adaptability.

The LBD encompasses a whole category of dresses as long as they meet two critical criteria: small and black. This allows for an infinite number of variations, ranging from cocktail dresses (remember Princess Diana's "revenge dress") to the understated, simple styles preferred by off-duty models.

Its timeless nature has also been established. From Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's outfits in the swinging sixties to the artful creations seen on runways today, each era has presented its take on the classic little black dress. The perks of the little black dress are endless—show us a woman who doesn't look stunning in an LBD. The answer is no.

We've compiled up the best little black dresses in town, no matter what your style is. So make sure you have a spare hanger or two on hand—you'll need them.

Best Little Black Dress for your Wardrobe

1. Cuyana Silk Dress: Our Showstopper

With just one look at this little black dress by female-led New York label Cuyana, you'll understand why we named it The One. The thoughtful details in this elegant LBD make it universally flattering.

The midi-length Cuyana Sleeve Silk Dress is woven from premium three-ply silk that wraps around you like the most enticing dream you have ever had. The three quarter sleeves, Torchon lace, and mischievous back keyhole detailing combine to make this LBD stand out.

This is the LBD for women who love to dress effortlessly, inspiring envy in onlookers who wonder how such simplicity can be captivating.

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2. Balmain

Balmain, a Parisian fashion house, has been around since (almost) the dawn of the LBD. It stands to reason that they'd be on them by now. This little black dress appears like it was made for Jackie O, with its retro structuring and military-style buttons.

The label's signature padded shoulders exude authority, power, and confidence (like the fashion-icon former First Lady), while grain de Poudre wool softens the look. The statement gold zip detail on the back and cuffs of this LBD brings it firmly into the twenty-first century, and the super-short hemline would make even Twiggy blush—before she tried to snap it up herself.

Match this short black-fitting dress with Mary-Janes, heeled heels, or nude stilettos for a classic look, and go bare legs to truly enable the dress to pop—just like the eyes of people who see you wearing this Balmain Wool Mini Dress.

3. ASOS Design

ASOS DESIGN never ceases to amaze us with its innovative interpretations of classic classics. The Fallen Shoulder Pencil Dress is the off-the-shoulder, asymmetric, slim-fitting, and slightly structured offspring of all of our favourite LBDs to date.

Stepping into this dress, woven from lightweight crepe, will instantly raise you to dazzling elegance. The midi-length and close fit scream for pillar-box red lipstick and killer shoes, while the subtly ruched sleeve design adds elegance. This LBD is deceptively modest, revealing a cheeky slither of the shoulder, nicely contrasting the midi-length.

The ASOS DESIGN Fallen Shoulder Pencil Dress is equally appropriate for a cocktail party as it is for a night on the town; simply choose your accessories appropriately.

4. Givenchy

Nothing says "effortless grace" like the Givenchy Crepe Midi Dress. With its silky crepe and boned bodice, the premium designer's twist on the traditional LBD has us all quivering. This strapless little black dress, inspired by ones produced by creator Hubert in the 1960s, would have looked just as fashionable back then as it does now.

The nicest part about this elegant little black dress is that you can dress it up or down as you like. The beautiful form speaks for itself, but you can make it extra-terrestrial with some dazzling statement earrings and a stand-out purse.

The Givenchy Crepe Midi Dress's midi length keeps you on the right side of '90s pop-star,' and it looks elegant when worn with peep-toe heels or D'Orsays.

5. L'Agence

The L'Agence Lorraine Asymmetric Dress, a little back dress in the broadest sense, is the ideal 'one-and-done' LBD. The flowing crepe drapes just above the ankle, making it ideal for showing off your favourite gladiator sandals.

This breezy little back dress was ideal for lazy summer days spent sipping seashore drinks and admiring the sights from the shadow of a wide-brimmed hat.

The deep V back gives a hint of sexiness, while the asymmetric hem keeps things easy. With its sophisticated appeal and laid-back attitude, this casual little black dress will make you feel relaxed as soon as you put it on.

We love that the straps can be adjusted to your liking, making the L'Agence Lorraine Asymmetric Dress ideal for showing off that lacy bra or lovely new bikini.

6. Outdoor Voices

We meant it when we stated the little black dress is adaptable. Nothing stops you from going to the gym in an LBD, especially if it's this sporty-chic style from Outdoor Voices.

This lovely little black dress is the appropriate companion whether you're hitting the tennis courts or going for a 5k run. The dress, made of breathable stretch fabric, moves with you, offering complete freedom of movement so you can get your sweat on without restriction.

There's a phone pocket hidden in the built-in shorts, so you can still jog to your favourite music. Of course, the shorts will keep your modesty safe when you practise splits or high kicks. The Exercise Dress's racer-back style and flippy hem make it highly lively, stimulating your workout and making you feel ready to conquer the gym and the world.

7. Cuyana Tee Dress

Putting on Cuyana's Pleat-Back Tee Dress is like covering your body with silk swaths. That is, in essence, what you are doing. This garment, made entirely of Chinese silk, was created with the brand's distinctive timelessness in mind. This Cuyana dress is far from your usual tee dress, thanks to the pleat detail and cheeky side slits.

The soft silk epitomizes luxury at its finest, and it is the pinnacle of an understatement. Plus, it's minimalist in both style and environmental effect, so you can wear this little black dress with the knowledge that you're helping the earth.

The spacious sleeves and scoop neck flatter almost every body type, and a broad belt may be used to pull in the waist for an hourglass look.

8. Cuyana Charmeuse

Wrapped in this exquisite Cuyana slip dress, you'll be the belle of the ball (or the bar). The Charmeuse Slip Dress was designed for women by women and has a figure-skimming fit that exudes sensuality.

The easy-to-wear vibe is complemented with sexy side slits and a magnificent criss-cross back feature, allowing you to show off a fashionable bra or go braless for a basic appearance.

The relaxing flow of the Cuyana Charmeuse Slip Dress, cut with a bias-silhouette, is meant to make you feel both charming and enchanted.

It looks well as a lone wolf (no accessories, allowing the dress to speak for itself) or as a backdrop to your favourite statement piece jewellery. Because of the midi length, your shoes will not be overlooked—pair this little black dress with strappy heels for a Cinderella-esque charm.

9. Norma Kamali

Norma Kamali, the queen of adaptability, has created the ideal day-to-night strapless little black dress. This dress is woven with the brand's distinctive stretch jersey and is as soft as a feather. Not to mention that it will hug your curves like they haven't been seen in years.

The Black Strapless Dress by Norma Kamali falls just below the knee and manages to be both modest and seductive. The strapless shape creates a blank canvas for your décolletage. Accessorize with a slim chain necklace or a bold statement item, depending on your style.

Dress it up with plum lipstick and a golden tan for a balmy cocktail evening, or down with a raffia purse and comfy flats for a daily outfit.

10. Dodo Bar Or

Try the Dodo Bar or Black Elisha Dress for size if you want a little back dress with a twist. The danger is that you'll never want to take it off. This dress is woven from sumptuously soft ribbed knit and has a tight fit that will embrace your contours like nothing else.

The classic collar and button-down detail complement each other, creating a structured look that is just on the right side of casual. You may unbutton it for a multipurpose LBC (Long Black Cardigan) or button it up for a business-appropriate LBD (leave a few of those buttons undone for that dinner date, though).

The slim-fitting long sleeves make this Dodo Bar Or Black Elisha Dress ideal for transitional seasons.

11. GANNI

For a long time, leather has been a popular fabric for the little black dress. And no one does it better than GANNI, with their modern spin on a traditional look. This dress's wide, three-quarter-length sleeves and meticulous structure create an unusual silhouette that echoes classic design with a modern twist.

This LBD is made entirely of lamb leather and exudes elegance. Angelina Jolie's look inspires the shirt collar, button-down detail, and thigh-skimming hemline in Mr and Mrs Smith and something Bella Hadid may wear on a regular Saturday.

This tiny black dress is an enticing combination of androgynous and alluring, and it's guaranteed to cause some neck problems as you walk down the street.

Wear the GANNI Leather Mini Dress with bare legs for maximum contrast, then match with your favourite pair of Louboutins or Chelsea boots for a casual look.

12. Anine Bing

Something about a scoop neckline and a bodycon fit makes our mouths wet. The Montana Dress by LA label Anine Bing is artfully crafted and epitomizes the Californian city's laid-back luxury, leaving you ready for whatever the day (or night) may bring.

Wear it when sitting around the home (maybe hoping for unexpected company) or going out to dinner. Seriously, this dress looks as at home with soft leisure slippers as it does with sophisticated shoes and a sparkly purse.

The long sleeves and midi-length of the Anine Bing Montana Dress keep it on the elegant side, with a bodycon fit that promises to keep you in shape all day, whatever you do. In this basic black dress, you'll create a silhouette that will captivate anybody in your way, and you'll be sure to exude rising confidence.

13. Michael Kors

This wonderfully beautiful LBD by Michael Kors puts the 'little' in a little black dress ideal for small people. The dress is woven from cotton-blend poplin and has gathered-waist details to produce curves like no other, while the deep V-neck keeps things mature.

When you sashay towards your dinner date, the pleated A-line skirt provides the ideal swish, lending this dress a 40s-style appeal. This small black dress is light and airy enough to be a summer staple, but combine it with a cosy sweater and knee-high boots, and you're winter-ready as well.

Pair this LBD with ballerina flats for an adorable throwback style or heeled heels for a look that will transition you from cocktail hour to swing dancing. The Michael Kors Poplin Midi Dress is a one-stop shop for tiny ladies who want to show their lively personalities.

14. Closet London

Simply put, the little black dress was designed to highlight curves—just ask Marylin Monroe. Closet London's Midi Dress is perfect for a fun fit-and-flare look, not to mention the quirky pleats, stylish collar, and appealing tie-waist.

The pleated skirt elongates your legs by dropping just below the ankle, allowing you to feel the swishy skirt as you walk. With this deceptively basic LBD, the devil is in the details, with the barely-there button and exquisite long sleeves tying everything together like a charm.

This LBD was designed with a day-to-night appearance in mind, so combine it with sleek tights and exquisite shoes for a dreamy daytime look or layers of glittering jewels for a woman-about-town attitude. The Closet London Plus Midi Dress will have you dripping confidence like there's no tomorrow for plus-size ladies who dare to be distinctive.

15. Ninety Percent

The Belted Maxi Dress is from the super-sustainable business Ninety Percent (where 90 per cent of revenues are donated to humanitarian causes). Slipping into this ultra-casual maxi LBD, which exudes easygoing Riviera-chic, is like sliding into a cosy sofa, thanks to the super-soft linen jersey.

With a boho deep V-neck and slightly ruched shoulders, the billowing silhouette stays cooler-than-cool, making it the ideal pick for that casual coffee date.

However, the star of the show is the belted waist and metal-tipped cords that provide a shimmer of elegance to this little back dress.

The Ninety Percent Belted Maxi Dress, which draws in at the waist, maybe casual, but it won't stop you from becoming the envy of the home. Furthermore, the open-back design—held together by those exquisite cords—allows you to show a little bra strap as well.

16. Alexandre Vauthier

Attending weddings as a woman necessitates learning the art of looking stunning without appearing to be attempting to overshadow the bride. The struggle is palpable. The Alexandre Vauthier Asymmetric Crepe Dress, on the other hand, will achieve that equilibrium.

This dress is an origami masterpiece woven from a figure-hugging crepe. The artistic design bends and turns in all the right places, culminating in a ruched waist that provides the hourglass shape that only wrap dresses can provide.

The asymmetric split hem adds even more structure, creating a beautiful fishtail look that turns us all into princesses. Even better, this LBD has a built-in bodysuit to keep you safe, and the entire ensemble is completed with internal shoulder padding for the ideal balance.

The Alexandre Vauthier Asymmetric Crepe Dress is ideal for those women who have lately RSVP'd.