Like an author’s blank page or a painter’s empty canvas, a simple black dress, with its endless options for outfit pairings, can actually be intimidating to style. This is even more true in the summer months, when black is a less intuitive choice—as the weather warms, many gravitate towards whites, prints, and pastels; anything to lighten up the mood after a long winter.
Vogue’s Favorite Black Dresses for Summer:
We’d argue, however, that there is nothing cooler than a black dress on a hot day. Bold and unexpected, even, black brings drama and rigor to a freewheeling summer day. And though the never-ending styling possibilities may seem daunting to some, the black dress’s versatility is also its strength. The wardrobe chameleon looks just as sharp beachside with sandals as on a city street with wedges and sleek frames. Plus, there is a summer-worthy black dress to suit every style persona—from the stark minimalist to the hopeful romantic. Keep reading to shop our favorites and see how to style them.
Minimalist Maxi
Toteme’s minimalist black maxi is ready-made for the city’s hot summer days. Keep the accessories just as sleek—Khaite’s leather sandals, a natural-color raffia tote, and slick black shades.
