If you can only own one dress, it should be black. The the black dress – or the little black one as it is affectionately called – is the most reliable piece in the wardrobe: elegant, versatile and always right. It takes you from the office to the party, from everyday life to the dance floor, and it dresses basically everyone.
In this guide, we go through the history of the little black dress, why it is an obvious basic garment, how to choose the right model for your body shape and your occasion, and how to style and care for your black dress so that it stays black and beautiful for many years.
The story of the little black
The little black dress was launched by Coco Chanel on October 1, 1926, when American Vogue published a simple, straight black dress on its cover. The magazine called it “Chanel’s Ford” – a comparison to Ford’s Model T, as the dress was equally affordable and accessible to women of all classes. Before the 1920s, black was almost exclusively a color of mourning, but Chanel made it chic and elegant, transforming it into a symbol of the modern, liberated woman.
The dress had its real heyday in the 1950s and 60s, not least thanks to Audrey Hepburn's iconic look in Breakfast at Tiffany's from 1961, in a sleeveless model signed Hubert de Givenchy. Karl Lagerfeld summed up the greatness of the garment with the words “you are never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress”. If you want to read more, the full story is at Wikipedia.
Why the black dress is your wardrobe's best friend
There's a reason why the black dress has become the epitome of a staple. Black is the most versatile of all colors – it can be dressed up or down, it's suitable 24/7 and all year round, and it blends in with just about any accessory or shoe. Plus, black is flattering: it creates a long, cohesive line that appears slimmer, and a well-chosen black dress flatters most body shapes.
Unlike a trendy color, the black dress never goes out of style. It's an investment you wear over and over again, and with the right styling, it looks different every time. Femina describes it as a garment that solves pretty much all clothing crises – and that's true.
A black dress for every occasion
What makes the little black dress unique is that one and the same dress can carry so many looks:
- Party and cocktail: A short or figure-hugging black dress with heels and sparkly jewelry is the party's surest trump card. Read more in our guide about cocktail dresses and if party dresses.
- Jobs and offices: a stylish black midi dress with a blazer and low heels becomes a polished office look – more about that in our guide about dress for work.
- Wedding: Black is fully accepted as a wedding guest today, especially at evening weddings – we find out when and how in the guide about What color dress for a wedding?.
- Weekday: a simple black knit dress with sneakers and a denim jacket is as easy to wear as it is stylish – see more ideas in the guide about casual dresses.
Find the right black dress for your body shape
Since black is already flattering, it's all about choosing a cut that accentuates what you want to highlight. A wrap or A-line style suits most people, a defined waist creates a nice silhouette, and a V-neck draws the eye upward. If you want to tone down your midsection, a soft fall and an empire waist will do the job.Our great guide about which dress suits your body shape will help you all the way, and are you specifically looking for a model that flatters the stomach We have our own guide for that.
Length and material
Despite its name, the little black dress doesn't have to be short. A short style feels youthful and festive, a midi is elegant and versatile, and a black maxi dress is dramatic and perfect for evening. Which length you choose determines both the mood and the occasion – our guide on dress lengths goes through the differences.
The material determines whether the black dress feels casual or dressed up. Matte crêpe and jersey are stylish and easy to wear, a black satin dress gives it a glow and a festive feel, lace adds romance, and sequins make it ready for the New Year. We have our own guides on lace dresses and sequin dresses if you want to delve deeper.
How to style your black dress
Here lies the whole secret of the little black dress: the same dress looks completely different depending on how you style it. Since black is a neutral background, you have free rein with accessories.
- Dress up: heels, a small clutch and statement jewelry – preferably gold or pearls, just like Chanel herself wore it.
- Dress down: white sneakers, a denim jacket and a spacious bag for a casual everyday look.
- Add color: A colorful scarf, bag or lipstick elevates the look and makes it less strict.
- Autumn storage: Tights, high boots and a coat or jacket transform the summer dress into an autumn look.
If you need to cover your shoulders or warm up a sleeveless model, you can find more ideas in our guide on what to wear over a dress. And because black thin fabric may need the right undergarment for a smooth line, we've gathered the tips in the guide about what to wear under a dress.
Can you wear black to a wedding and funeral?
At a funeral, a black dress is still the most appropriate and respectful choice – simple, covering and without eye-catching details. At weddings, the old rule of avoiding black has been relaxed considerably; today, black is fully accepted, especially at evening weddings and more formal dress codes. The rule of thumb is to break up the all-black look with color in your shawl, shoes or jewelry so that the look feels festive rather than somber – and never compete with the bride. We go over exactly what applies, color by color, in the guide to What color dress for a wedding?.
How to keep black black
Black garments easily lose their deep color and turn gray over time, but with the right washing, they stay beautiful for longer. Turn the dress inside out before washing, run a cool cycle with a mild detergent (preferably a special black detergent), and skip the bleach. Dry the garment in the shade instead of direct sunlight, which fades, and avoid the dryer, which wears out the fibers. If the dress is made of satin, lace or sequins, it requires extra gentle care - more about gentle clothing care in our guide on care of delicate garments.
Our favorites right now
Three black dresses that are easy to style and wear:
- Black mini dress with three-quarter sleeves – a timeless little black dress for parties and cocktails.
- Black mini dress with double breasted and puff sleeves – figure-flattering and elegant.
- Emma glittering black party dress with fringes – sparkly and perfect for New Year's Eve and parties.
Explore more models among our women's dresses – with free shipping within Sweden.If you want to know which shade of black suits your face best, we also have a guide on what color suits your skin tone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the little black one?
The little black dress (LBD) is a simple, elegant black dress that is considered one of the most important wardrobe staples. It was introduced by Coco Chanel in 1926 and is characterized by the fact that it can be dressed up or down and is suitable for almost any occasion.
Does a black dress suit all body shapes?
Yes, black is one of the most flattering colors because it creates a long, cohesive line. The important thing is the cut – a wrap or A-line model with a defined waist and a V-neck suits most people.
Can you wear a black dress to a wedding?
Yes, black is fully accepted these days, especially for evening weddings and formal dress codes. Break up the all-black look with a colorful scarf, shoes or jewelry to make the look feel festive, and avoid outshining the bride.
Does the little black dress have to be short?
No. Despite the name, the little black dress comes in all lengths – short, midi and maxi. Short feels youthful and festive, midi is the most versatile, and a black maxi dress is elegant for evening.
How to style a black dress?
Dress it up with heels, a clutch and sparkly jewelry, or dress it down with sneakers and a denim jacket. Add a colorful accessory to lighten up the look, or tights, boots and a coat when it gets cold.
How do you wash black clothes so they don't fade?
Turn the garment inside out, wash cool with a mild or special black detergent without bleach, and dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight and tumble drying, both of which cause black to lose its deep color more quickly.
