Forget Butter Yellow – Every Stylish Person I Know Is Suddenly Wearing Black Dresses This Summer

In the rankings of wardrobe essentials, a black dress is practically royalty, up there with those faded blue jeans you've been wearing for years. No matter how many vivid floral midis and sorbet-hued pastel frocks summer brings to the table, there's something about a little (or long) black dress that's just so chic. Personally, I've flirted with this season's heavy hitters – yes, I mean butter yellow dresses and a brief obsession with drop waist maxis – but every time I need to feel put-together with absolutely no effort, I invariably reach for a black dress, and for good reason.

Whether I'm slipping into a tailored black shirt dress for the office, styling a slinky slip for date night, or throwing on a crocheted black dress at the beach, it's a staple that always delivers. The best black dresses for the summer are basically as close as you can get to a style cheat code, and somehow they're better than ever this year.

Don't believe us? Take a closer look at the A-list, many of whom have been taking their black summer dresses out for a spin, on and off the red carpet. Emily Ratajkowski wore a sleek midi at a recent Gucci event, while Vanessa Kirby was spotted in not one, but two breezy black dresses in New York. For more casual takes, both Dua Lipa and Alexa Chung casually styled black lace dresses on holiday recently. Proof that no matter if your style leans towards boho, relaxed casual or sultry, a black dress nails every summer brief with polished ease.

An antithesis to summer's ubiquitous white dresses, a black frock is naturally more forgiving, easily hiding that occasional iced coffee spill and grass stain. However, it's the wardrobe staple's wide spectrum of use that really sells it for us, ranging from sexy silk and satin designs to formal takes (think shirt dresses and modest midis) and more casual constructions in cotton and linen in all shades of black from deep black to faded charcoal. From classic A-line or column silhouettes to trendy sheer, draped and drop-waist designs, black summer dresses are imbued with a timeless charm that'll last for years to come.

Of course, not all black dresses are created equal, and every major label, luxury or high-street, has a few options. Earlier this summer, Ganni's belted summer dress, made waves on Instagram and sold out in record speed, while most of us at Grazia snapped up Zara's viral lace dress last week. If you're looking to splurge, the style set is especially taken with Doen's Ischia dress. The celeb-loved bestseller is proving incredibly popular thanks to its smocked bodice, adjustable waist tie and an A-line skirt that suits literally every body.

Shop: Dôen's Ischia Dress

For a more affordable alternative, we've also been eyeing & Other Stories' linen mini dress with a simple shift silhouette that'll work wonders across body types (even if you're under 5'2"). The breezy construction will keep you cool while the simple boatneck adds a sophisticated flair.

Shop: & Other Stories' Linen Mini Dress

A universally flattering icon, the best black dresses will keep you looking sharp even on the days when getting dressed feels like an impossible task. Styled simply with straw basket bags and suede sandals for the summer, the best ones will layer effortlessly under knits and jackets come autumn. Upcoming trip to the Med, that black-tie wedding, sweltering work commutes, or al fresco brunchs; no matter what's on your calendar, there's a perfect black summer dress for you, and we've curated the best below.

Shop: The Best Black Summer Dresses 2025

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@veroocampos @gucci @ilanatorbiner

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.