One fashion fact never worth questioning: the little black dress is the cornerstone of every chic capsule wardrobe. Timeless, versatile, and forever alluring, it works for every mood, moment, and season. Better yet, this fall and winter’s lineup checks out for under-$300, proving everyday elegance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Think notable knit dresses from Cos and Madewell that deliver both warmth and style, slinky slip silhouettes from Favorite Daughter and Silk Laundry designed for easy layering, and modern ladylike shapes that need nothing more than a chic pump, sheer black tights, and a statement jewel to feel party-ready.
You’ll also find second-skin staples from Skims and Wolford, shimmering sequin shifts from Simon Miller, and lustrous velvet numbers from J.Crew and Banana Republic that look (and feel!) like luxury. Fall’s dress trends are also on full display—from artfully draped designs at Mango and Leset to ’90s-inspired minis from Staud and Norma Kamali. The LBD truly never goes out of style—and these 40 chic, affordable black dresses are the proof. Shop our edit, below.
Vogue’s Best Affordable Black Dresses:
Notable Knits
The knit dress has emerged as this season’s MVP. Staud’s button-up sweater dress delivers built-in polish—just add tall boots and a leather tote—while Cos’s belted funnel-neck style leans minimalist and refined. Madewell’s off-the-shoulder silhouette ends on a soft, romantic note, and Favorite Daughter’s chunky cashmere mini turtleneck channels cozy-meets-cool with sheer tights and pumps.
Slinky Slips
Slinky slips continue their reign as one of the all-time great wardrobe staples. Favorite Daughter’s fluid take moves with ease, while Hai’s square-neck version feels right at home layered under a roomy trench coat or cozy cardigan. Silk Laundry’s strappy iteration harks back to the ’90s, whereas Other Stories’ lace-trimmed, lingerie-inspired slip adds just the right dose of sultriness.
Modern Ladylike
This season’s take on ladylike dressing feels refreshingly modern–you can thank Miuccia Prada for that. Reformation’s off-the-shoulder, tea-length knit exudes elegance, while Polo Ralph Lauren’s wool-blend sheath is sophisticated without trying too hard. Whether it’s Aritzia’s sultry V-neck silhouette or H&M’s sheer, layered take, these pieces capture what dressing in 2025 is all about—timeless, chic, and confidently feminine.
Second-Skin Staples
No wardrobe is complete without a second-skin staple—or two. Skims leads the charge, with Vogue senior shopping writer Cortne Bonilla even penning a love letter to its buttery-soft fit. Wolford’s strapless silhouette, Leset’s body-hugging tank dress, and Commando’s minimalist turtleneck are all simple, yet completely striking options as well. Perfect for layering or wearing solo, these sculpting essentials transition seamlessly from commute-to-cocktail.
High Shine
High-shine moments always feel right for the festive season. Hill House Home’s diamanté mini brings playful sparkle, while Banana Republic’s shimmering sequin maxi channels old-Hollywood glamour. For something edgier, look to Gimaguas’s silver-studded tank dress or Simon Miller’s gold-foil fringed mini—each designed to catch the light (and every eye in the room).
Artful Draping
There’s no denying it: artful draping is the silhouette of the season, backed by brands like Alaïa, Toteme, Kallmeyer, Dries Van Noten. At under-$300, Hill House Home’s elegant Sloane dress and Leset’s softly off-the-shoulder maxi capture the same sculptural ease, while Mango’s draped-neck mini and Banana Republic’s pleated number offer up a polished, wearable twist. Go the extra mile and pair yours with a peep-toe pump and chic clutch.
Lustrous Velvet
Slip into lustrous velvet this season for a festive dose of everyday glamour. Banana Republic’s floral-print turtleneck maxi and J.Crew’s flattering slip are perfect for the end of fall, while Mango’s toggle-fastened midi and H&M’s sleek draped mini guarantee best-dressed status once party season officially arrives. Rich in texture and unmistakably chic, these velvet dresses make even the simplest moments feel special.
Comfort Classics
Why not reach for LBDs that deliver comfort and chic in equal measure? Éterne’s signature long-sleeve ribbed dress and Another Tomorrow’s crewneck T-shirt style define everyday wearability, easily elevated with a knee-high boot or hint of leather. Meanwhile, sleek tank versions from Toteme and Mango make the perfect transitional picks for those in sunnier climates.
’90s Minis
Embrace your inner model-off-duty in leggy ’90s-inspired minis from Staud, Zara, Norma Kamali, and Gap. Style them with a sleek smoking loafer or a pointed kitten heel, then top things off with an oversized leather bomber or classic khaki trench. The result? Effortlessly cool, endlessly versatile, and ready for anything on your fall-to-winter calendar.
Pretty Poplins
Pretty poplins are seasonless stars, balancing structure with a hint of charm. Dôen’s puff-sleeve prairie pick stays true to the brand’s ethos, while J.Crew and Other Stories offer updated shirtdress silhouettes great for layering beneath oversized outerwear and roomy knits. Staud’s pleated Wells dress rounds out the mix—a staple poplin piece that feels just as right with ballet flats now as it will with tall boots come late-November.
