16 Little Black Dresses that deserve a spot in your wardrobe

WORDS Kirsty Thatcher PUBLISHED Wed, 19 Aug 2026 – 5:15 pm

Few wardrobe staples are as hardworking as the little black dress. First popularised over 100 years ago by Coco Chanel, the LBD has lived up to its versatile reputation ever since — evolving gracefully across decades, dress codes, silhouettes, and fabrications.

By day, it’s effortlessly chic with a pair of classic loafers or minimalist sandals. In winter, layer it with sheer stockings and a timeless trench for a foolproof look. After dark, channel Margaret Qualley at the 2025 Honey, Don’t! premiere and elevate the mood of her CHANEL LBD with strappy heels, statement gold jewellery, and a polished beauty look (the RUSSH team let out a collection sigh when we first laid eyes on Nina Park’s magic).

What makes the LBD truly enduring, though, is its inclusivity. There’s no singular definition — no prescribed shape, length, or fabric — that constitutes the perfect LBD. That freedom of expression is its superpower. Whether tailored or voluminous, sheer or structured, the right black dress makes its wearer feel instantly elegant.

Despite its simplicity, there’s something inherently transformative about slipping into an LBD. It’s the kind of garment that doesn’t need loud accessories or details to make an impact. Whether you’re dressing for a last-minute dinner or a black-tie event, the right black dress becomes whatever you need it to be. And in a fashion landscape that’s constantly chasing trends, the simple reliability of the LBD is a breath of fresh air.

Long or short, lace-trimmed or clean-lined, strappy or sculptural — however you wear yours, these are our favourite little black dresses for 2025.