Black dresses are versatile, universally flattering and great at concealing bulges – we round up nine great options that won’t bust your budget
December 2, 2019
Black dresses are a blessing. The colour black can look formal, casual, prim and proper, as well as sexy. On its own, it is already a slimming shade.
Black hides bulge and muffin tops. It can also conceal the look of a few extra pounds – even for a flowy dress. Needless to say, roomy, comfy black dresses are a godsend to all. Whether it is a mini, midi or maxi dress, you can easily dress up or dress down a black dress for both formal and fun occasions.
Attending a wedding? Slip into a pair of red heels and bling up. Going for a Christmas brunch or dinner buffet? Wear it with sneakers, and some accessories. Keep one in your bag if you’re out with your baby/babies/kids (someone might puke on you #truestory), and always pack one in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets misplaced (#touchwood!).
This makes a black dress a true investment – you can wear them everywhere. And the best thing is, they don’t have to be expensive to look good.
Ahead, you’ll find nine black dress options in different styles that are good for work and/or play.
This glittery black dress features a front knot that creates gathers all along the side of the dress, which camouflages any bulge.OK for work, but perfect for parties, dinners and a fun night out with the girls.
#2 Pleated Short Dress, $45.90, from Stradivarius
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The glossy pleats add a dressy vibe to the long-sleeved, round-neck dress. Perfect for both work and play.
#3 Wide Dress, $49.95, from Zara
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The pearl details add a classy feel to the dress. Wear it to buffets, and look good while you eat away. Good for work and play, too.
#4 V-neck Dress, $59.90, from Stradivarius
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A cute, roomy minidress with a semi-V, semi-sweetheart neckline that adds a touch of romance and girliness to the outfit. Perfect for dates and casual occasions.
#5 Asymmetric Poplin, $69.90, from Zara
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The puffy sleeves add a girlie touch to the long, asymmetric dress. Good for a casual work environment, and definitely, perfect for play. Might get a bit warm due to the thickness of the fabric and dress length.
#6 Chiffon Dress with Smocking, $84.95, from H&M
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This frilly dress is more suitable for play than work – unless you work in a more creative work environment. It works for both a girls night out and dinner with your partner.
#7 Short Denim Dress, $89.90, from Bershka
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This exudes casualness and makes the perfect black dress for a chill weekend. It looks fitting for a grocery run. Add a statement necklace and killer heels and it can work for a wedding lunch too.
#8 Full Dress, $89.90, From Zara
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This is the ultimate casual gown-dress. It’s super versatile. Suitable for work and play, this black dress makes a statement without you doing anything. Wear it with sandals, sneakers, pump, boots or heels, and it will look great. The only downside is probably the amount of time it takes to iron this long dress.
#9 H&M Puff-sleeved-dress-$94.95. from H&M
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This is one dressy dress that works for all evening and night-time events. Wear it to a wedding, karaoke session, girls-night-out, etc. The narrow horizontal gathers camouflage any belly bulge, too.