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19 Showstopping Black Mini Dresses For Special Occasions 

By  Emily Konatella

LAST UPDATED - December 11, 2023

The little black dress is more than just a stylish piece to wear to a party, and it is an iconic fashion piece and a wardrobe essential for women. No matter what special occasion you're shopping for, a black mini dress will never lead you astray. From birthday parties to summer weddings, you can't go wrong with a classic LBD.

To help you shop, we've rounded up the showstopping little black dresses for every event on your social calendar this summer.

19 Little Black Dresses for a Special Occasion

01

Out of 19

Michael Costello X Revolve Izzy Mini Dress

Michael Costello X Revolve Izzy Mini Dress

Shopping for your next girl's night out? This Izzy Mini Dress from Michael Costello's latest collab with Revolve is just the LBD you're looking for. Its cowl halter neckline and fitted mini skirt draw inspiration from 70s disco and early 2000s clubwear. The plunging neckline is perfect for showing off a statement necklace. Cut from slinky stretch fabric with subtle ruching, the sexy LBD hugs your curves just right.

Material

93% poly, 7% spandex

Wash

Hand wash Cold

02

Out of 19

Patbo Crochet & Fringe Tiered Mini Dress

Patbo Crochet & Fringe Tiered Mini Dress

The search is over. Patbo's Crochet and Fringe Tiered Mini Dress is the perfect LBD to bring on your next summer vacation. Its flirty fit-and-flare silhouette is covered in intricate crochet and fringe for a beachy feel. A plunging v-neckline, open back, and mid-thigh hemline shows off your hard-earned tan, while long sleeves keep it from feeling too sexy for daytime wear. Style it with white sneakers during the day, then with heeled espadrille sandals for dinner and dancing. Its tiered skirt and fringe details were made to move!

Material

Polyamide/elastane

Wash

Dry Clean

03

Out of 19

Michael Kors Collection One-Shoulder Black Leather Dress

Michael Kors Collection One-Shoulder Black Leather Dress

Michael Kors' One-Shoulder Black Leather dress oozes luxury. It's cut from genuine lambskin leather with a stretchy silk-blend lining and a hidden side zipper. With every wear, the fitted silhouette will mold to your unique shape. A one-shoulder neckline and flattering ruching give the trendy dress a timeless feel. Chic enough for any cocktail party, it's the type of splurge you keep for a lifetime.

Material

48% polyamide/40% silk/12% elastane

Wash

Professional leather clean

04

Out of 19

Norma Kamali Walter Body-Con Dress

Norma Kamali Walter Body-Con Dress

Norma Kamali's Walter Body-Con Dress was designed to show off your curves. The strapless body-con dress features a sheer layer of ruched black mesh stretched over tan lining fabric. A sweetheart neckline and knee-length hem bring a touch of Old Hollywood glamor to the trend-setting style. While the nude illusion is a bit too sexy for an office event, it's perfect for a bachelorette party or girl's night. Minimalist jewelry and a pair of nude or black strappy heels tie the whole look together.

Material

82% nylon/18% spandex

Wash

Handwash

Aifos Alexandra Draped Halterneck Mini Dress

Cut from luxurious silk fabric, this Aifos' Alexandra Draped Halterneck Mini Dress strikes the perfect balance between sexiness and sophistication. Its knotted side accentuates the smallest part of your waist and drapes effortlessly over your hips. A short hemline, halter neck with back button closures, and open back show off a tasteful amount of skin for a wedding, birthday dinner, or dressy date night. Stick with black heels, minimalist jewelry, and bold red lipstick for a truly timeless look.

Material

100% Silk

Wash

Dry Clean

06

Out of 19

Cinq a Sept Vance Dress

Cinq a Sept Vance Dress

Every wardrobe needs a simple LBD like this Vance Dress from Cinq a Sept. The fitted black tank dress is perfect for a cocktail party or dressy date night. Ruching throughout adds texture and disguises lumps and bumps for an ultra-flattering effect. Slim straps and a square neckline ensure this versatile dress can be paired with any outwear option in your wardrobe. Try an oversized black blazer for starters.

Material

69% triacetate, 31% polyester

Wash

Dry Clean

07

Out of 19

NBD Salvia Mini Dress

NBD Salvia Mini Dress

Wow your party guests with this Salvia Mini Dress from NBD! The skimpy black mini dress features bold cut-outs and a daring open back that aren't for the faint of heart. It's cut from stretch jersey fabric with a subtle sheen. Adjustable back tie closures make it easy to find the perfect fit for your bust size. Wear your hair up in a bun or slick ponytail to show off the strappy neckline. Finish your look with black lace-up sandals that mimic the lines of the dress.

Material

95% poly, 5% spandex

Wash

Hand Wash

08

Out of 19

Ronny Kobo Diana Draped Puff-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

Ronny Kobo Diana Draped Puff-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

If you're got a calendar full of summer weddings, snag this Diana Mini Dress from international designer Ronny Kobo. The It-label is known for updating timeless styles with modern design details. This black mini dress features a draped mini skirt, a form-fitting fit through the waist and bodice, and a sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder puff sleeves. It's so chic, and you'll actually look forward to re-wearing it again and again.

Material

Polyester

Wash

N/A

09

Out of 19

Taller Marmo Gina Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress

Taller Marmo Gina Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress

Elevate your party style with this Gina Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress! The 60s-inspired LBD channels the glamor of fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren, and Brigitte Bardot. It's crafted in Italy from lightweight black silk crepe trimmed with genuine ostrich feathers. A mock neck, long sleeves, and simple sheath silhouette put the unexpected material on full display. Paired with funky black heels, your legs will look a mile long!

Material

75% nylon, 25% silk; trim: 100% feathers (Ostrich)

Wash

Dry Clean

10

Out of 19

DSQUARED2 Jewel-Embellished Cut-Out Bodycon Dress

DSQUARED2 Jewel-Embellished Cut-Out Bodycon Dress

Treat yourself to DSQUARED2's Jewel-Embellished Cut-Out Bodycon Dress for your next special occasion. In true DSQUARED2 style, it features playful design details and nods to traditional Italian tailoring. The fashion-forward LBD is defined by a sexy body-con fit, spaghetti straps, and waist cut-outs. It's cut from Proviscose rayon that smoothes and flatters for a picture-perfect look. Keep jewelry to a minimum to let the jewel-embellished bust really shine!

Material

Proviscose® rayon

Wash

Dry Clean

11

Out of 19

Herve Leger Draped Fringe-Trim Mini Dress

Herve Leger Draped Fringe-Trim Mini Dress

Just wait until you see this Herve Leger Draped Fringe-Trim Mini Dress move! The fitted, v-neck mini dress is covered in maxi-length black fringe that sways, swirls, and twirls. Style the dramatic dress with a sleek bun and comfortable black heels that are ready to hit the dancefloor! It's the perfect dress to dance the night away at a black-tie wedding or cocktail party.

Material

72% rayon/16% polyester/10% nylon/2% elastane

Wash

Dry Clean

12

Out of 19

MISHA Simone Black Lace Mini Dress

MISHA Simone Black Lace Mini Dress

MISHA's Simone Black Lace Mini Dress feels equal parts chic and sexy. Crafted from black floral lace, it's a timeless piece that compliments anyone's personal style. On top, the LBD features a bustier bodice with a sweetheart neckline, concealed back zipper, and a bustier bodice. Fitted through the waist and hips, it ends mid-thigh with a scalloped hem. Wear it solo while the weather allows, and layer it under a black blazer or leather jacket when fall rolls around.

Material

60% nylon/30% cotton/10% polyester

Wash

Dry Clean

13

Out of 19

Bottega Veneta Cut-Out Tie-Detail Mini Dress

Bottega Veneta Cut-Out Tie-Detail Mini Dress

Get vacay-ready with this Cut-Out Tie-Detail Mini Dress from Bottega Veneta! The slinky, stretch-knit dress skims your curves and hits just above the knee. Tiny waist ties allow you to adjust the cut-outs for the perfect amount of coverage. Tie them tightly for just a flash of skin, or loosen them up for a more daring look. Thanks to its customizable fit, the LBD can go straight from dinner to drinks to brunch the next day!

Material

91% viscose, 7% polyamide, 2% elastane

Wash

Hand Wash Or Dry Clean

14

Out of 19

Amanda Uprichard Mohan Dress

Amanda Uprichard Mohan Dress

You'll be the best-dressed at the party in this Mohan Dress from Amanda Uprichard. The modern black mini dress is cut from a stretchy polyester blend with a leather-like finish. Non-slip trim along the inside of the strapless neckline keeps you covered and comfortable all night long. A notched hemline lengthens your legs and shows off a little extra skin. Finish your 'fit' with chunky gold jewelry and sky-high stilettos.

Material

Poly blend

Wash

Dry Clean

15

Out of 19

BOSKEMPER Bea Blazer Dress

BOSKEMPER Bea Blazer Dress

BOSKEMPER's Bea Blazer Dress puts a sexy spin on traditional office attire. The contemporary blazer dress features classic tailoring detailing like a lapel collar and a single button-front closure. Waist cut-outs and lace detailing tie everything together (quite literally) with a super sexy feel. Style with sheer black tights or thigh-high boots for a bit more coverage.

Material

96% Polyester, 4% Elastane

Wash

Dry Clean

16

Out of 19

Enza Costa Knit One-Shoulder Mini Dress

Enza Costa Knit One-Shoulder Mini Dress

Enza Costa's Knit One-Shoulder Mini Dress is guaranteed to be your new go-to LBD. The versatile black dress is crafted from ruched stretch knit fabric that feels like a second skin. Its trendy one-shoulder neckline looks flattering on every bust size. Simple enough for any occasion, it's the perfect backdrop for statement-making accessories. Dress it up with a bold shoe, earring, or handbag. Then, dress it down with your everyday Air Force 1s and a denim jacket for weekend brunch.

Material

87% viscose/10% silk/3% lycra

Wash

Machine wash

17

Out of 19

Gauge 81 Chaleg Underwire Mini Dress

Gauge 81 Chaleg Underwire Mini Dress

You'll feel red-carpet-ready in this Chaleg Underwire Mini Dress from Gauge 81. The Amsterdam-based label (pronounced GO-SH eighty-one) is known for using retro shapes and playful proportions. This mod black mini dress features an exposed underwire bra top with an open back. Adjustable straps ensure it flatters every bust size. Wear a pair of nude pasties or stick-on cups underneath for a little added coverage and support.

Material

Linen/viscose/elastane

Wash

Hand wash or dry clean

18

Out of 19

Alice + Olivia Siriana Ruched Lace-Up Mini Dress

Alice + Olivia Siriana Ruched Lace-Up Mini Dress

Don't underestimate the versatility of this Siriana Ruched Lace-Up Mini Dress from Alice + Olivia. The fitted black mini dress boasts ruching throughout and a seductive lace-up detail along the side. A scoop neckline and dainty spaghetti straps frame your face and show off a little cleavage. Dress it up with sparkly heels and statement accessories for a bachelorette party, or down with knee-high boots and a denim jacket for a weeknight date.

Material

Nylon

Wash

dry clean

19

Out of 19

superdown Katia Cut-Out Black Mini Dress

superdown Katia Cut-Out Black Mini Dress

Superdown's Katia Cut-Out Black Mini Dress will have all eyes on you at the next party. The cut-out black mini dress boasts an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline with non-slip silicone lining. A single long-sleeve, midsection cut-out, and body-con fit feel sexy without showing too much skin. Skip the necklace and stick to classic hoop earrings and simple heels that let the trend-setting dress speak for itself.

Material

95% rayon, 5% spandex

Wash

Hand Wash Cold


About the author

Emily is a fashion consultant, designer and creative director with more than 15 years experience creating, designing and developing clothing & jewelry. From managing pageant shows to turning concepts into actual designs, she has experience with almost all fabric types and jewelry designs and is in touch with the latest fashion trends.