Black isn’t always the obvious choice when it comes a warm weather wardrobe. Most of us are partial to blues, florals, and whites this time of year, but I love the simplicity of a black summer dress. Not only is the color a safer choice against stains, but it transitions easily from day to night and gives off a refined feel.
I’ve been filling my warm weather wardrobe with lots of brights and patterns recently, but today I’m going back to black! Keep scrolling for a try-on of 10 black summer dresses. I’m sharing honest thoughts on each, fit and fabrication details, and where to purchase.
Best Black Summer Dresses
PAIGE Rozlyn Dress: Best All Around
It’s hard to choose favorites, but this PAIGE dress is up there. It has an easy silhouette for throwing on during the week and sweet details if you want to dress it up with heels. The side slit adds some movement without being too revealing. If you’re looking for a versatile black summer dress that could work for the office, weekend, and evening, this is a great choice.
Fit: True to size
RAILS Tina Dress: Best Day-to-Night Dress
This RAILS dress is perfect if you’re looking for a black dress with day-to-night potential. The flutter ruffle sleeves elevate the silhouette and the cotton has a smooth, airy feel. I love how it comes in at the waist for shape and then gives an a-line silhouette through the skirt for movement. It is lined. Note that the v-neck is quite deep, so if you are busty you may not be able to accommodate a supportive bra.
Fit: True to size
STAUD Landry Dress: Best Wedding Guest or Event Dress
I bought this corset maxi dress for our trip to FL a few months ago, and it is gorgeous. It’s understated with just enough details (tied spaghetti straps, smocked bodice, sweetheart neckline) to stand out. Bonus: It has pockets! It would be beautiful for date night or wedding guest attire, but the cotton has a light hand feel that allows it to be dressed down. Very classy and flattering in the way it hugs the body.
Fit: True to size (runs long; may need alterations depending on height)
Playa Lucila Tie Shoulder Dress: Best Designer Dupe
The design of this tie-shoulder sundress is eerily similar to this popular Zimmermann dress (seen on me in the linen blazer roundup) at a better price point. This is the “I want to be able to get ready in five minutes” summer dress of this roundup. It’s easy to style, the silhouette is breezy, and although it’s not lined, it’s not see-through. The tie straps are adjustable. A great black dress for summer that’s on the sweeter side.
Fit: True to size
Shop the Playa Lucila Tie Shoulder Dress
Ganni Broderie Anglaise Midi Dress: Best Eyelet or Beach Dress
I’m usually not one for column silhouettes, but the eyelet cut out details of this broderie dress were so pretty that I had to try it. Important note: It’s semi-sheer and unlined. Nonetheless, it is beautiful, but I think it will be easiest worn as a nice coverup for vacation. To wear it out, you could underpin it with nude lingerie (as shown on me above) or a sleeveless slip for more coverage, depending on your comfort level.
Fit: True to size
Shop the GANNI Broderie Anglaise Dress
XÍRENA Cate Dress: Best Casual Day Dress
Xirena is the first brand I browse when looking for casual dresses that can withstand heat. The founder is a California native who designed the line around the idea that clothing should be comfortable and effortless. Everything you could want in a summer dress! The Cate shirt dress is made with Xirena’s signature cotton gauze (it’s swingy and light—perfect for humid climates). It has pockets and a tie waist for added shape.
Size: True to size
Shop the XÍRENA Cate Dress (if sold out, check out the Leyla and the Leia by Xirena, which are made of the same fabric)
STAUD Paityn Dress: Best Date Night Dress
I’m a huge fan of a fitted, knit dress in the warmer months, so I’m always on the prowl for new options to add once it heats up! I love STAUD dresses, so I was excited to see them release this sleeveless option for summer. The fit, neckline, and low back are on the “nicer” side, but you could style it down with a layer and chunky sandals. It’s timeless and sleek!
Fit: Size up if between sizes or for less of a bodycon fit
Z Supply Celina Dress: Best with Sleeves
I wanted to throw in one long sleeve since the A/C can be freezing even in the thick of summer, and this dress is an affordable option that would look good on just about anyone. I love the deep neckline to counter the coverage of the sleeves. It’s not too revealing, especially if you’re small chested like me. The flounce hem, crinkle fabric, and balloon sleeves add that little something extra while keeping the easy-to-wear quality of this long sleeve dress intact.
Fit: Size down if between sizes
Shop the Z Supply Celina Dress
Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress: Best for a Europe Vacation
This Reformation dress is a stunner under $250! Perfect for a Europe vacation, a special event, or date night. It has delicate scalloped lace along the neckline and straps. The smocked bodice provides some stretch, but I still recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes in Ref. The perfect elevated black summer dress if your style leans feminine and vintage.
Fit: Size up if between sizes
Shop the Reformation Tagliatelle Dress
Vince Trapeze Sleeveless Dress: Best for a Bump
Two of my most-worn everyday dresses last summer were by Vince, so I was excited when they released this jersey style. Vince is all about polished, everyday pieces, so their simple designs hardly ever go out of style. This dress has a subtle sweetheart neckline, pockets, a tasteful low back, and is loosely fitted through the hip for comfort. The jersey is a substantial weight but not hot.
Size: True to size
Shop Black Summer Dresses
I’d love to hear which is your favorite! If you have any questions about sizing, fit, material, or where to buy these black summer dresses, let me know in the comments. All the dresses are linked in the widget below, including more options on my radar and a few black mini dresses since none were included in this try-on.
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