A woman in an AFRM Hazel mesh black and white polka dot midi dress demonstrates how to style it from day to night against a dark gray background. With her hair styled in an updo and drop earrings accentuating her look, she holds a black jacket draped over her arm for evening elegance.

AFRM

The Dress Edit

How To Style A Black Dress From Day To Night: 4 Chic Tips

When I say that learning how to style a black dress from day to night will instantly transform your closet, I really mean it. Firstly, you’ll feel like you suddenly have three times as many outfit choices. Secondly, you’ll look chicer than ever knowing how to properly accessorize the most classic dress style of all with minimum effort. So, whether you have the dresses but need the styling tips or want to know how to accessorize before making a purchase, I have you covered. Keep scrolling for my top styling suggestions and all of the designer dresses, bags, and shoes I recommend adding to your lineup before they sell out!

Wearing the LOVERS AND FRIENDS Kate black corset mini dress, a woman showcases versatile styling from day to night while seated on a barstool at a modern bar. Smiling confidently with one leg crossed, she highlights her ensemble with black heels adorned with bows. The chic ambiance, featuring white chairs and lush plants, amplifies her elegant transformation.

LOVERS AND FRIENDS Mary Kate Mini Dress

Dressed in the LIONESS Original Sin black one-shoulder mini dress and knee-high black boots, a person stands confidently against a white building, holding a studded black bag. Perfectly showcasing how to style this dress from day to night, they glance aside with one leg slightly bent as shadows of tree branches dance on the wall.

LIONESS Original Sin Dress

Mini Silhouettes: How To Style A Black Dress From Day To Night

Knowing how to style a black dress from day to night is all about the type of dress you choose. For example, it needs to look just as good with sneakers or casual boots as it does with heels or dressy flats. That’s where these designer little black dresses come in…

1. Style Structured Black Mini Dresses With Chic Flats (And Then With Heels). Sometimes all you need to take your dress from day to night is a quick shoe change. For example, the Mary Kate mini dress by Lovers and Friends. They’ll look amazing with the Seraphine slingback flats by Gucci and the Vsling crystal-embellished shoulder bag by Valentino Garavani for low-key events. Then, switch things up after dark for a dinner date or a cocktail party. Add the Condora spikes red sole ankle strap pumps by Christian Louboutin to elevate the corseted top and tie-up straps.

2. Add Dressy Boots To A Casual Black Dress. For an outfit that works from day to night with zero adjustments, try a casual little black dress and knee-high boots. Preferably the Original Sin dress by Lioness and Santia boots by Christian Louboutin with the Sierra studded shoulder bag by Isabel Marant to match. Throw a simple trench over top for a chic finish to your look. You’ll have all eyes on you and your outfit.

Shop more Designer Black Dresses From Day To Night selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • LOVESHACKFANCY Deanna Halter Dress

    $325
  • IRO Miassa Dress

    $295
  • ISABEL MARANT Elidia Dress in Plain-Colored Crepe with English Embroidery

    $825
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Lavender Pointelle-Knit Mini Dress

    $495
  • ISABEL MARANT Daphne Dress

    $1,590
  • DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Astrid Wool-Cashmere Wrap Dress

    $558
  • CURRENT AIR Vienna Knit Midi Dress

    $155
  • CURRENT AIR Ruffled Mini Sweater Dress

    $138
  • LIONESS Original Sin Dress

    $69
  • LOVERS AND FRIENDS Mary Kate Mini Dress

    $228
  • AMANDA UPRICHARD Alyse Dress

    $370
  • LULUS Elevated Element Strapless Gown

    $84
  • SIMKHAI Janese Dress

    $425
  • SIMKHAI Burke Draped Dress

    $645
  • ENGLISH FACTORY Faux-Leather Mini Shift Dress

    $90
  • ELLIATT Legacy Dress

    $199
  • AFRM Hazel Bare Mesh Midi Dress

    $78
  • PILCRO Ruffled Tiered Midi Dress

    $188
  • GABRIELA HEARST Immanuel Strapless Wool Maxi Dress

    $2,750
  • FREE PEOPLE Hampton Mini Dress

    $168
  • RIXO Clarice Appliqued Lace-trimmed Velvet Midi Dress

    $360
  • ZIMMERMANN Illustration Ruffled Knitted Midi Dress

    $995
  • SIR. Aries Square Neck Lace Slip

    $520
  • VALENTINO GARAVANI Cotton-Blend Velvet Mini Dress

    $4,900
  • HELSA Faille Halter Mini Dress

    $258
  • ANTHROPOLOGIE Tommie Cap-Sleeve Shirt Dress

    $168
  • AJE Charmed Ruffled Satin-trimmed Linen-blend Mini Dress

    $525

How To Style A Black Dress From Day To Night: Midi Dresses Edition

We’ve covered how to style a black dress from day to night with mini silhouettes. Now let’s look at classic black midi-length styles for your weekend plans…

3. Black Leather Dresses With Heels Are The Ultimate Smart/Casual Duo. Surprisingly, leather dresses like the Tommie cap sleeve dress by Anthropologie can look effortlessly chic, but also casual – even with heels. So, try styling yours with the Voyou small shoulder bag by Givenchy and the Gucci pointed-toe booties for a striking day-to-night ensemble this fall/winter season.

4. Black Polka Dot Dresses And Monochrome Heels Will Never Go Out Of Style. Finally, is it timeless dresses and shoes you’re looking for? Then styles like the Hazel bare mesh midi dress by AFRM and the Norma pumps by Saint Laurent were made for you. Firstly, they’re destined to stay in style forever. Secondly, these pieces go perfectly with the equally stylish Paco leather shoulder bag by Rabanne. The ultimate outfit for day-to-night soirees where the dress code requires classic elegance.

Shop All Designer Black Dresses From Day To Night

Posing against a gray backdrop in the ANTHROPOLOGIE Tommie black leather zip up midi dress, featuring a front slit and paired with studded high-heeled sandals, they showcase how to transition a black dress from day to night. With a small bag draped over one shoulder, their hands rest elegantly on their head.

ANTHROPOLOGIE Tommie Cap-Sleeve Shirt Dress

In a hallway lined with clothing racks, a person models the CURRENT AIR Vienna black knit midi dress paired with knee-high black boots, demonstrating how to style it from day to night. They lean against the wall with an outstretched arm, gazing towards the camera. The concrete floor and exposed pipes contribute to an urban edge.

CURRENT AIR Vienna Knit Midi Dress

Winter Is Coming, Here’s How To Wear A Dress In Cold Weather