The black dress: 5 silhouettes and how to wear them
Straight, fitted, shirt, wrap and maxi — how five silhouettes of the black dress suit different occasions.
The black dress is the most practical thing in a wardrobe: a single piece whose mood shifts with your shoes and accessories. But the silhouette decides a great deal — from the occasions the dress suits to the way it sits. Five reliable options:
1. Straight midi
The most versatile silhouette: it doesn't emphasise the figure and suits almost everyone. With trainers it works for every day; with court shoes, for the office or an evening out.
2. Fitted
A sheath dress or a body-skimming knit — for evenings and put-together looks. Add a blazer and you have a smart, businesslike version.
3. Shirt
A button-through shirt dress — a relaxed city silhouette. Wear it with a belt to define the waist, or loose over a basic top.
4. Wrap
The wrap gently emphasises the waist and flatters most figures. A comfortable option that looks neat with no tailoring needed.
5. Maxi
Floor length — for hot days and for evenings. With flat shoes it reads as relaxed; with a heel, as dressed up.
How to wear it
Black is a neutral foundation, so the details set the tone: shoes, the outer layer and accessories. It's easy to find a basic set of shoes to pair with a dress in the shoes section, and the dresses themselves in the dresses section.