Wardrobe MVPs: 5 Little Black Dresses That Belong in Your Fall Lineup
Oct 10, 2022
Welcome to Wardrobe MVPs: Little Black Dress edition. In this series, our senior fashion editor tests the best basics and crowns her "Most Valuable Pieces."
All hail the little black dress. Ever since Coco Chanel minted it in 1926, the garment has become the end-all, be-all dress for cocktail parties, work functions and everything in between. An LBD can be humble, it can be flirty, it can be anything, really—which is why we decided to put the best little black dresses of the season to the test.
As a fashion editor, I'm a firm believer that everyone needs at least two kinds of LBDs in their closet. The first: a prim and proper little black dress, lending itself to winter luncheons, galas, nights at the theater, and other dignified occasions. The second: a slightly edgy, sultry option, which works for late-night rendezvous and date nights. Use this read as your official beginner's guide to LBD shopping—and be sure to have your cart ready.
Wardrobe MVPs: Little Black Dresses, Ranked
1. Overall Best Little Black Dress: Prada
Pros
- Waist-cinching toggle
- Delicate logo detail
- Wrinkle-resistant
Cons
- Movement of Re-Nylon skirt is audible
It was love at first sight with this babydoll Prada dress. Made from recycled nylon and cinched by a drawstring toggle below the bust, this option is as sweet as it is sustainable. There's no wrong occasion to wear this for—be it posh dinners or birthday fêtes.
How to Style It: the Prada girl way—aka with a padded headband and dainty slingback heels.
2. Best Little Black Dress for Meetings: Chanel Lambskin Dress
Pros
- Supportive lambskin leather
- Embellished button detailing
Cons
- Runs tight in the bust, consider sizing up
As a brand, Chanel is famous for freeing the female form, offering easy jersey shift dresses that changed the way women dressed forever. This option is a figure-hugging spin on the brand's classic straight LBD, adorned with side pockets and jewel-toned buttons. One thing to keep in mind: it runs tight in the bust, so sizing up to squeeze an extra layer underneath through fall months may be necessary depending on your figure.
How to Style It: with a fitted turtleneck underneath, tights, and pumps for IRL meetings all season long.
3. Best Little Black Dress for Parties: Staud Landscape Velvet Minidress
Pros
- Flattering square neckline and boning detail
- Plush velvet bubble skirt
- Sculpts and hugs the body while keeping it comfortable
Cons
- Corset top and bubble skirt make it trendy; not as timeless for years-long wear
This ladylike dress from Staud comes with a velvet bubble skirt that's prim, proper, and perfectly on-trend this season. Full-velvet looks can be polarizing, so grab this as your gateway into the trend—one that feels destined for wear to winter parties.
How to Style It: with a Chanel top-handle and matching hair barrette.
4. Best Little Black Dress for Date Night: KHAITE Allegra Slip Dress
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable fit
- Minimalist by design
- Versatile; can be layered separately or worn together
Cons
- Mesh layers offer the wearer little support
Khaite has been a cocktail hour mainstay since Catharine Holstein founded the brand in 2016. Known for puff-sleeved babydoll dresses, this new-season slip feels like a welcomed palette cleanser—one that's easy to dress up with the right accessories. This option is definitely for the person who prefers a straight, form-freeing silhouette over a structured one.
How to Style It: With kitten heels for date night, or suede flats and a knit crewneck for daywear.
5. Best Little Black Dress for Special Occasions: Stella McCartney Halter Dress
Pros
- Trend-forward rhinestone collar
- Flattering halter silhouette
- Accentuates collarbones
Cons
- Lots of glitz, bold choice for minimalists
Last but not least: this show-stopping number from Stella McCartney. Its satin-crepe material is blended with sustainable viscose, and it's tied together by the invisible clasp that connects the choker. This is a little black dress that promises to get the party started.
Wear It With: Platform heels and made-to-move ONDYN earrings.
