Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications
From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's to Elizabeth Hurley's Versace safety pin dress moment — the little black dress, or LBD, has a long fashion history. These days most of us have at least one staple LBD in our wardrobe at any one time, possibly even several.
One of the greatest things about the LBD has to be its versatility! Daywear, evening wear, dressed-up with accessories or worn casually with trainers, a good little black dress truly has you covered. If you're looking for the adaptable dress of your dreams, read on for our buying guide and the ranking of top 10 favourite LBDs on ASOS, eBay and John Lewis.
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes. With 10 years industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes. With 10 years of industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
Find out more about Melissa via her Instagram or head over to her website where you can see all the expert consultation services she offers - from simply organising your wardrobe space to sourcing those hard to find 'New Season' pieces!
A little black dress can be a fun and exciting purchase, but there are so many different options out there that it can be a little hard to choose. That's why we've created this buying guide to help you know which are the most important points to consider when shopping for the perfect LBD online.
Firstly it's a good idea to think about what style of little black dress you would like and whether you want to wear it as a day, evening or more formal look (or all three). Longer dresses, or those made from sweatshirt material, are a perfect daytime look that can often be taken through to the evening, too.
When it comes to choosing eveningwear, there are many different looks depending on what you want to achieve. If you're after a glitzy head-turner, think sequins, frilled hems or a sleeveless dress. Velvet is big this season too, especially during the holidays.
If you have a black-tie event to go to, or something that requires you to dress more formally, opt for long or three-quarter sleeves and a slightly longer dress length. Choose the right LBD for a formal event, and you'll always have something tucked away in your closet for when you need it!
It can be tricky when choosing a dress to suit the occasion because you also have to consider what suits you. If the dress code is a cocktail dress, think about the neckline and also if you want it to be fitted or a slightly flowier style.
There is so much to consider now with an LBD because there are so many styles and fabrics out there. You can get a little black dress that has a pattern or texture and it still works for the occasion.
You may not always consider the material your clothes are made from, but it's good to be aware as it'll help you to find the ideal little black dress. In this section, we go over the materials you are most likely to come across while shopping online.
Cotton garments are a good choice for your skin. This is because the fabric is breathable and has hypoallergenic properties. If you're concerned with choosing more ethical clothing, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton is not only good for you, but it's better for the producers and workers within the production cycle, too.
However, cotton is usually more expensive than synthetic fabrics. Further, 100% cotton often has a lightweight or translucent look to it, making it generally better suited to casual wear.
When it comes to choosing fabrics, it's definitely a lot harder to do so when you are shopping online. It's always good to look out for natural fabrics such as cotton and linen as these are more breathable and better against your skin. A lot of high street stores are now using recycled cotton which is great for the environment so worth looking out for these too.
Alongside cotton, another extremely popular material for dresses is polyester. Polyester's strong fibres make it very durable and flexible. It's also quick-drying, making it great for dancing and other sweat-inducing activities!
One of polyester's biggest benefits is that it's accessible and cheap. Unfortunately, it won't feel as soft against the skin as cotton does, but the sturdier fabric will hold shape better.
Polyester does make for good durable dresses, especially those with texture. It's good to try to look for recycled polyester as it's not great for the environment so buying garments that are made from recycled polyester helps that bit more to be sustainable. If you can't get a recycled fabric, then make sure if when you are done with the piece and no longer want it that you recycle it or sell it on and it doesn't end up in landfill.
Another synthetic material you'll come across regularly is viscose. Also called rayon, viscose is versatile, drapes well and is pretty cheap. Although viscose comes from trees, its production uses high concentrations of chemicals that can be toxic to the environment, and aren't great for our skin either.
Choosing fabric blends made of both synthetic and natural fibres are a great compromise. Combining the eco-friendly, breathable and comfortable qualities of cotton, blends with polyester or viscose will be durable and cheaper to buy.
Viscose tends to be used on those more drapey style dresses as it's quite a loose fabric with a lot of movement. Again it's another synthetic fabric that isn't great for the environment however, like with polyester you can find recycled viscose options on the high street, especially at the moment.
The length of your little black dress is an important consideration as it will determine the look as a whole. We'll now go over the various length options, so you can decide which one is best for you.
If you want to show off those pins at a party, what could be better than a mini dress? Sassy and a little bit daring, a little black mini dress really makes an impact. It's always a good idea to focus on your best bits, so if you're not a fan of bodycon cuts, a looser fitting mini dress can be both comfortable and flattering!
If your legs are your favourite part, go for a mini dress with long sleeves to draw attention to the lower half of your body. If you're more confident about your arms, a sleeveless dress can be a powerful look.
Mini dresses are the true little black dresses and great to have one in your wardrobe for date nights and dancing. The thing with having a black dress is it's quite slimming so you will feel and look your best, the mini style bearing your legs will make you look elegant and tall.
If you wouldn't feel quite comfortable enough in a mini dress, or the occasion calls for something a bit more demure, a knee-length LBD is a popular option. Still showing a bit of leg, a knee-length dress creates an elegant silhouette and allows you to show off your neckline or arms without feeling too bare.
Consider sleeveless options, or those with a tie-waist for a dressed-up look without revealing too much. All kinds of necklines look good on a knee-length dress, particularly a sweetheart neckline!
Knee-length dresses are great for those occasions where a mini wouldn't be appropriate but you still want to bear your legs, such as formal dinners or office parties. When choosing a knee-length dress it's good to try a few options, I think the most flattering is when they fall just above your knee caps, showing the best part of your legs off.
A longer dress works perfectly for more formal events. A slim-fitting midi or maxi dress can look extremely chic while staying in line with a more formal dress-code or etiquette.
Midi or maxi dresses are also great options if you'd prefer something that's a bit more modest. These lengths are also ideal for pregnant women who want to feel comfortable.
Midi and Maxi dresses are definitely the most modest, they are great for those taller girls who have the height for it. Great for more formal occasions and also for those of us who don't want to bear our legs, especially if you've not been able to get away for a good tan recently!
It's important to check the care instructions for any garment before buying, so you can decide whether it's right for your lifestyle. There are many little black dresses out there that are suitable for the washing machine. Just be sure to check the recommended temperature, as some are best washed at 30 degrees.
Quite a few dress can only be hand-washed, particularly ones with embellishments like sequins, or a lot of lace. Don't forget to take drying into consideration too! Some dresses aren't suitable for the tumble dryer and will need to be air dried.
Last but not least, some dresses are dry clean only. This is usually because of the fabric, or details such as embroidered beads or metallic threads. Natural fibres such as linen, silk and wool may not always be able to stand up to regular washing. Dry cleaning prevents shrinkage and the item losing its shape.
Following the care instructions for your dress is so important, make sure you read the care label and follow the correct way of washing it. Don't be put off when buying a dress if it is dry clean or hand wash only, you can do this affordably. Usually, if it's dry clean only there are deals on at your local dry cleaner and handwashing isn't as hard as it seems.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ASOS DESIGN Velvet Babydoll Mini Dress | £35.00 Mid | Perfect for the Festive Period | ||
2 | Ghost Beau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress | £195.00 High | A Feminine and Playful LBD in Silk Velvet | ||
3 | COLLUSION V-Neck Mini Dress | £22.00 Low Mid | Made From Responsibly Sourced Cotton | ||
4 | Little Mistress Plus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress | £40.60 Mid | A Delicate Dress for a Special Occasion | ||
5 | Club L London Petite Pencil Dress | £50.00 Mid | Bring the Glamour With This Fabulous Sequinned Dress | ||
6 | Gina Bacconi Letty Velvet Wrap Dress | £230.00 High | An Elegant Choice for a New Year Celebration | ||
7 | Vero Moda Faux Leather Waistcoat Dress | £55.00 Mid | A Gorgeous Statement Piece in Vegan Leather | ||
8 | ASOS DESIGN Curve Super Oversized Frill Sleeve Smock Dress | £18.00 Low Mid | A Flattering Plus-Size Smock Dress | ||
9 | ASOS DESIGN Super Soft Midi Swing Dress | £28.00 Mid | For Those Who Like Their LBDs a Little Longer | ||
10 | Pull&Bear Oversized Sweat Dress | £15.99 Low | Cool, Casual and Chic |
There's just something about a velvet dress that feels really festive, and this Babydoll mini dress is ideal for the party season. With an adorable sweetheart neckline, ruched cuffs and puffed shoulders it has a hint of '80s Madonna, whilst still being on-trend.
The structured bodice and looser skirt in plush dense pile fabric feel comfortable and create a gorgeous silhouette. All in all, it's a totally dreamy little black dress that's classic enough to always be in style!
Giving major cottagecore vibes, the Beau silk velvet, collar detail dress is for those who want something a little different to the regular LBD. Made by Ghost London, the brand specialises in vintage-style dresses with floral prints, voluminous sleeves and '70s inspired detailing.
With a fun ruffled hem, frilled sleeves and a deep v-neckline, the real star is the addition of three diamante buttons and a delicate crochet-style collar. A must-have dress for Christmas and New Year!
Their dedication to sustainable production and inclusivity has made COLLUSION one of our favourite brands on ASOS, and this V-neck mini is a great LBD. Having made their first collection in collaboration with six inspiring creatives, their pieces are for alternative thinkers, and those looking for something fresh and new.
Part of ASOS's responsible edit, this dress is made from 100% BCI cotton and comes in at a very affordable price. Best of all, the puff sleeves, frill hem and smock style looks great dressed up or down.
It may be winter, but we simply had to include a lacy number on our list, and this high neck mini dress by Little Mistress is our fave! With a high neck, long sleeves and gorgeous frilled hem, it'll tick all of your occasion-wear boxes.
A plus-size gem, this delicate dress is made from floral patterned lace, with a tie around the waist for a complimentary silhouette. The fabric isn't exactly meant to keep you warm, but surely we're going to be cosy indoors having zoom parties anyway?
If a classic LBD with a high level of glamour is what you're looking for, you'll love this pencil dress from Club L. Designed for petite frames, it's the quintessential party dress with a sleeveless style, bodycon fit and figure-hugging cut.
It has all-over sequin embellishment with an elegant square neck and midi length that's truly elegant. This dress is hand-wash only, but luckily, it's not something that will need to be washed often - unless you're a total party animal, of course!
At the pricier end of things, we have the Letty velvet wrap dress by designer Gina Bacconi. Coming in an impressively wide range of sizes, this dress is made from velvet with added stretch for comfortable and easy wear.
Featuring a wrap over bodice, three-quarter sleeves and a just-above-the-knee length, it's great for women of all ages. Perfect for a New Year party, or even the fanciest, most formal occasion, it's sure to have pride of place in your wardrobe!
This faux-leather waistcoat dress by Vero Moda is beautifully designed and very unusual, making it a great statement piece for your winter wardrobe! Stunning as a party dress, it can also be worn with leggings or trousers, and a top underneath for a classy daytime look.
Everything about this dress is special, from its mock-croc detailing, to the tie belt and kick flare bottom. No animals went into the making of this dress and, amazingly for faux leather, it can be machine-washed too!
Part of ASOS' plus-size range and made from responsibly sourced cotton, this oversized, frill-sleeve smock dress truly is a future-forward choice. The soft, sweatshirt fabric makes it one of those essential pieces you'll end up wearing all the time.
With the addition of a few accessories, it has real dress-up potential. But we really love how relaxed and casual it can look. Its great value, and ideal for those who take a bit more of a laidback approach to dressed up events.
This Super Soft Midi Swing Dress is a cool look for any occasion. Not everyone feels comfortable in a mini dress, and it's certainly possible to still look extremely chic in something a little looser or more relaxed.
The lightweight stretch-jersey fabric is easy to wear, and the long sleeves and swing style skirt will create a mysterious, slightly gothic look with a pair of chunky boots or a faux-fur jacket. However, viscose is more likely to make you sweat, so might not be the best for a house party.
A contemporary, casual look for those who don't want to totally commit to dressing up, this oversized sweater dress from Pull & Bear is ideal for whatever the season may bring. Relaxed and ever-so-slightly grungy, pair with knee or thigh-high boots to dress it up a notch.
The soft, sweatshirt fabric has a natural stretch making it great for chilling in, and the cotton-polyester blend is less likely to pill. The blend won't be quite as breathable as 100% cotton, but its sportier look is perfect for day to day dressing.
Party dresses are great, but you'll want to be prepared for the cold snap too. We have lots of tips on cold weather dressing, and ideas on the best clothing to keep you warm this winter. So check out the articles below to find out more!
Hopefully, by now you've found the perfect little black dress to get you through all of the events of the season, and beyond. Because, of course, one is never overdressed, nor underdressed with a little black dress!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: ASOS DESIGN|Velvet Babydoll Mini Dress
No. 2: Ghost|Beau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress
No. 3: COLLUSION|V-Neck Mini Dress
No. 4: Little Mistress|Plus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress
No. 5: Club L|London Petite Pencil Dress
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications