Pictured: ZW Collection Strapless Dress ($70)
(Image credit: @zara)
There’s really never a bad time to shop for a black dress. It can be an absolute lifesaver anytime you’re confronted by outfit paralysis—meetings, dates, holiday parties… all the usual suspects. Like any classic wardrobe staple, it’s best to buy while the buying’s good, and right now, my friends, the buying is very good.
Per usual, Mango, Zara, and J.Crew are a treasure trove of chic black dresses at price points that are particularly welcome this time of year. As we get into that tricky holiday season rife with stacked calendars and ambiguous dress codes, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a versatile black dress at the ready for those moments when getting dressed starts to feel hard. From the office-friendly to the party-ready, these chic black dresses will get you through this season.
Zara
Zara
Short Plain Knit Dress
The way the drama of the turtleneck perfectly balances the length.
Excuse me while I buy leather opera gloves and move to Paris.
That texture, that neckline.
Zara
Midi Dress With Back Knot
Zara
Stretchy Feather Dress
Zara
Floral Print Satin Effect Midi Dress
This floral print on black feels so fresh.
Don’t underestimate a simple black dress paired with black accessories. The mix of textures—the sheen of the leather bag and the addition of little sheer socks—is where it gets fun.
Zara
Strapless Belted Dress
Not your average strapless dress.
Zara
Asymmetric Midi Dress
Love the easy drama of a single bare shoulder.
Amazing with a menswear-inspired long coat.
Mango
The styling with flat, square-toe boots is everything here.
Mango
Two-Tone Lingerie Dress
Mango
Short Dress With Corset Neckline
Here for the big ’90s energy.
Mango
Combined Turtleneck Dress
Here’s one more. Reminder: This is not cheating.
Mango
Satin Dress With Side Slits
This deserves a red carpet TBH.
Mango
Off-the-Shoulder Corset Tulle Dress
If you didn’t know that Mango has a little curation of elevated gowns, now you know.
Mango
Off-the-Shoulder Dress With Slit Detail
Another variation on this classic silhouette.
Mango
Long Dress With Open Back
You really need to see the back detail to get it.
Mango
Corset Dress With Semi-Transparent Skirt
Click in to see how Mango styled this with an oversize leather jacket.
It’s holiday party season, after all.
Mango
Asymmetrical Bow-Neck Dress
Mango
Open-Back Asymmetrical Knitted Dress
The answer to what to wear to a holiday party.
J.Crew
J.Crew
Long A-Line Dress in Drapey Crepe
Let the record show that loads of J.Crew’s dresses are currently on sale.
J.Crew Collection
Plunge Dress in Faux Patent Leather
This is not on sale, but it’s definitely still going to sell out.
J.Crew Collection
Paillette Slip Dress in Chiffon
J.Crew
Buttoned Sheath Dress in Italian Stretch Wool Blend
Just add a turtleneck layer, loafers, and tights.
J.Crew
Ruffle Slip Dress in Chiffon
Yes to this dress, and yes to the cool factor of adding a blazer—always.
Sleeper
Suzi Maxi Dress With Detachable Feathers
I love the versatility of being able to remove the feathered cuff detail, but honestly, why would you?
Sleeper
Boheme Slip Dress With Feathers
An alternate feather option for anyone feeling glam.
J.Crew
Spring Street Cashmere Polo Sweater-Dress
Wrap me in cashmere any old time.
J.Crew
Strappy Tulle Gown
Main character energy in a good way.
J.Crew
Plunge Drop-Waist Dress in Textured Satin
This dress is machine washable and made from a fabric created with sustainably sourced wood pulp, and it has pockets. Say less.
J.Crew
Relaxed Cable-Knit Sweater Dress
Very “home for the holidays.”
Sleeper
The Genus Rosa Satin Dress
We’re not done with rosettes.
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