"PSA: Sundress season has officially arrived. If your online shopping cart is filled with a few dresses these days, we wouldn’t blame you (ours our, too!). Wearing a dress in the summer is a rite of passage, especially when that first above-80-degree day comes around. Even though they might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine a summer dress, this year, we’re all about black summer dresses—yes, you heard that right.
Think about it this way: When you purchase a black dress, you’re getting a dress that can be worn year-round—not just during one season. So, in the long run, it can be a more worthwhile investment piece than one you know you’ll only wear three months out of the year. Plus, black is trending this year as one of 2023’s top colors, which includes head-to-toe black in the summertime.
Of course, wearing a black dress in the summer comes with some all-important styling decisions to make it feel seasonally appropriate. Here’s what to wear with a black summer dress.
What To Wear With a Black Summer Dress
Sandals
We’ve all got a pair of go-to summer sandals (or a few, but who’s counting?). A black summer dress and sandals are a match made in heaven, as the sandals ensure that the outfit leans summer-y (rather than something like a pair of loafers, which would lean a bit more chilly-weather appropriate). The beauty of choosing sandals to go with your black dress is that any color or style will match it to a T.
A Button-Up
The summertime version of a jacket, a button-up works as a layer on top of all your favorite outfits if you’re looking for some more coverage (or some added warmth if you know you’re going to be in the AC). A button-up can also help to make your black summer dress appropriate for an office OOTD.
Cowboy Boots
If you’re ready to channel your inner coastal cowgirl, cowboy boots should be your footwear of choice with your black dress. It’s an unexpected choice, which makes it one that’ll pay off in styling points.
Your Go-To Sunglasses
No summer outfit is complete without a pair of sunnies. Your favorite pair will do, but if you ask us, a white pair to contrast against your black dress will be extra-chic.
A Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are always in style, and lucky for you, there are about a million and one ways to wear them. When paired with a summer dress, the vibes are immaculate for a sunset BBQ or late-night stroll on the beach.
A Blazer
When the sun isn’t sweltering, opt for a blazer over your black summer dress. A linen one will compliment the summer vibe, and will make it wearable for office days and evenings out alike.
7 Black Summer Dress Outfits
A flowy dress, strappy heels, and a scarf
You know that feeling when your outfit is complete but it feels like something is missing? That can be overcome by adding a silk scarf to your look. Wrapped in your hair, around your wrist, or along the handle of your purse, a silk scarf can weave its way into any great summer outfit and totally complete it. When worn with a black flowy dress, a silk scarf will really pop, making it a perfect look for a date night out on the town.
A maxi dress with flat sandals
A simple black cami maxi dress pairs perfectly when worn with other simple-yet-chic elevated basics. A stellar pair of flat sandals and statement sunglasses make all the difference when it comes to summer accessorizing. A maxi dress like this can be thrown on after a day at the beach, or worn to stroll around during a stunning summer sunset. Throw your hair back into a simple bun and you’ve got your casual summer uniform nailed down.
A sheer dress with western boots and metallic accessories
Sheer motifs have been popping up everywhere lately, so why not go all out this summer and wear a completely sheer dress? How risqué it is will be completely determined by the undergarments you pair it with. You can lean into the sexiness with a bikini or matching underwear set (especially if you’re heading to a concert), or keep it easy with a bodysuit or slip dress. Take your accessorizing to the next level and pair your sheer black dress with shiny metallic accessories and knee-high western boots. Eras Tour outfit, anyone?
A LBD with a classic button-up
Summer just isn’t summer without a reliable LBD you can throw on on days you can’t figure out what to wear. For the days when the mornings and evenings have a bit more chill in the air, grab your favorite button-up shirt to throw on over your black dress. Whether yours is crisp white or adorned with stripes, this look is one you can return to time after time. Opt for sandals on warmer days or sneakers if you’ve got a lot of running around to do.
A romantic dress with summer slides
Sweetheart necklines, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and drop-waist details come to mind when thinking of romantic summer dresses, and they happen to look particularly good in a shade of black. A black summer dress in one of the aforementioned silhouettes is perfect to have on hand for the more special events on your summer calendar, like friends’ birthday dinners or date nights out. Pair yours with your favorite slide sandals to keep it casual, or opt for heeled sandals if you want to dress it up.
A slip dress with a blazer
It’s no surprise here that we’d suggest wearing your go-to blazer with a black summer dress. It’ll take casual and more formal dresses alike to a whole new level of chic. Play up the workwear vibe and grab a clutch and heels to finish it off, or keep it casual and cool with sneakers and a crossbody bag. Pro tip: If you’re headed to an office this summer, a black dress and blazer is a combo you can rely on all season long.
Our Favorite Black Summer Dresses
