mybest
Women

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Fashion
  3. Women
  4. 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed
  • 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed 5

10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed

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.

Last updated 28/03/2024
Melissa Melles
Expert
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Melissa Melles's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

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.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Wardrobe Concierge Melissa Melles

With Specialist Advice From Wardrobe Concierge Melissa Melles

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!

How to Choose a Little Black Dress in the UK - Buying Guide

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.

1

Looking for a Statement Dress or Something More Demure? Consider the Style and Occasion

Looking for a Statement Dress or Something More Demure? Consider the Style and Occasion

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!

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

2

Which Material Do You Prefer?

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 Is Breathable and Hypoallergenic

Cotton Is Breathable and Hypoallergenic

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. 

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Polyester Is Durable, Flexible and Quick Drying

Polyester Is Durable, Flexible and Quick Drying

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.

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Viscose Is Versatile, But Not Great for the Environment

Viscose Is Versatile, But Not Great for the Environment

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.

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

3

Consider Which Dress Length Suits You Best

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.

Go for a Mini Dress to Make a Big Impact

Go for a Mini Dress to Make a Big Impact

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.

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Knee Length Dresses Are Stylish Without Being Too Revealing

Knee Length Dresses Are Stylish Without Being Too Revealing

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!

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Midi to Maxi Length Is Ideal for More Formal Occasions

Midi to Maxi Length Is Ideal for More Formal Occasions

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.

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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!

4

Machine Wash, Hand Wash or Dry Clean? Always Check the Care Instructions

Machine Wash, Hand Wash or Dry Clean? Always Check the Care Instructions

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.

Melissa Melles
Wardrobe Concierge
Melissa Melles

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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Little Black Dresses in the UK

Now you've read our tips for finding that perfect little black dress, let's take a look at the ranking of our top ten favourites in the UK. From brands such as ASOS DESIGN, Pull&Bear and COLLUSION, you're sure to find yourself a glam little number for any occassion!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

ASOS DESIGN

Velvet Babydoll Mini Dress

ASOS DESIGN Velvet Babydoll Mini Dress 1

£35.00

Mid

Perfect for the Festive Period

2

Ghost

Beau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress

Ghost Beau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress 1

£195.00

High

A Feminine and Playful LBD in Silk Velvet

3

COLLUSION

V-Neck Mini Dress

COLLUSION V-Neck Mini Dress 1

£22.00

Low Mid

Made From Responsibly Sourced Cotton

4

Little Mistress

Plus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress

Little Mistress Plus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress 1

£40.60

Mid

A Delicate Dress for a Special Occasion

5

Club L

London Petite Pencil Dress

Club L London Petite Pencil Dress 1

£50.00

Mid

Bring the Glamour With This Fabulous Sequinned Dress

6

Gina Bacconi

Letty Velvet Wrap Dress

Gina Bacconi Letty Velvet Wrap Dress 1

£230.00

High

An Elegant Choice for a New Year Celebration

7

Vero Moda

Faux Leather Waistcoat Dress

Vero Moda Faux Leather Waistcoat Dress 1

£55.00

Mid

A Gorgeous Statement Piece in Vegan Leather

8

ASOS DESIGN

Curve Super Oversized Frill Sleeve Smock Dress

ASOS DESIGN Curve Super Oversized Frill Sleeve Smock Dress 1

£18.00

Low Mid

A Flattering Plus-Size Smock Dress

9

ASOS DESIGN

Super Soft Midi Swing Dress

ASOS DESIGN Super Soft Midi Swing Dress 1

£28.00

Mid

For Those Who Like Their LBDs a Little Longer

10

Pull&Bear

Oversized Sweat Dress

Pull&Bear  Oversized Sweat Dress 1

£15.99

Low

Cool, Casual and Chic

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ASOS DESIGNVelvet Babydoll Mini Dress

Velvet Babydoll Mini Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£35.00
Mid
Reference price
£35.00
Mid

Perfect for the Festive Period

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!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

GhostBeau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress

Beau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£195.00
High
Reference price
£195.00
High

A Feminine and Playful LBD in Silk Velvet

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!

No.3

COLLUSIONV-Neck Mini Dress

V-Neck Mini Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£22.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£22.00
Low Mid

Made From Responsibly Sourced Cotton

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.

No.4

Little MistressPlus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress

Plus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£40.60
Mid
Reference price
£40.60
Mid

A Delicate Dress for a Special Occasion

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?

No.5

Club LLondon Petite Pencil Dress

London Petite Pencil Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£50.00
Mid
Reference price
£50.00
Mid

Bring the Glamour With This Fabulous Sequinned Dress

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!

No.6

Gina BacconiLetty Velvet Wrap Dress

Letty Velvet Wrap Dress 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£230.00
High
Reference price
£230.00
High

An Elegant Choice for a New Year Celebration

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!

No.7

Vero ModaFaux Leather Waistcoat Dress

Faux Leather Waistcoat Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£55.00
Mid
Reference price
£55.00
Mid

A Gorgeous Statement Piece in Vegan Leather

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!

No.8

ASOS DESIGNCurve Super Oversized Frill Sleeve Smock Dress

Curve Super Oversized Frill Sleeve Smock Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£18.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£18.00
Low Mid

A Flattering Plus-Size Smock Dress

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.

No.9

ASOS DESIGNSuper Soft Midi Swing Dress

Super Soft Midi Swing Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£28.00
Mid
Reference price
£28.00
Mid

For Those Who Like Their LBDs a Little Longer

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.

No.10

Pull&Bear Oversized Sweat Dress

Oversized Sweat Dress 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£15.99
Low
Reference price
£15.99
Low

Cool, Casual and Chic

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.

Looking to Complete Your Winter Wardrobe?

Looking to Complete Your Winter Wardrobe?

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!

Summary

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

Top 5 Little Black Dresses

No. 1: ASOS DESIGNVelvet Babydoll Mini Dress

No. 2: GhostBeau Silk Velvet Collar Detail Dress

No. 3: COLLUSIONV-Neck Mini Dress

No. 4: Little MistressPlus High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress

No. 5: Club LLondon Petite Pencil Dress

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Fashion
  3. Women
  4. 10 Best Little Black Dresses 2024 | UK Wardrobe Concierge Reviewed

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.