Here are 6 ways to wear a black dress in the summer, from minimalist to romantic.

Like a writer facing a blank page or a painter staring at an empty canvas, a simple black dress—with all its endless outfit possibilities—can actually feel intimidating to style. This is especially true in summer, when black isn’t the most obvious choice. As the weather warms up, many people reach for whites, prints, and pastels—anything to brighten the mood after a long winter.

Vogue’s Favorite Black Dresses for Summer:

The Minimalist Maxi
Toteme cotton-poplin midi dress
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$560 NET-A-PORTER

The Ultra Mini
Matteau open-back mini dress
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$335 NET-A-PORTER

The Romantic Midi
Dôen Ischia midi dress
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$350 NET-A-PORTER

The Bias-Cut Slip
Banana Republic bias-cut maxi dress
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$198 BANANA REPUBLIC

The Halter Style
Leset Lauren maxi dress
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$220 NET-A-PORTER

The Minimalist Maxi
Cos pleated maxi dress
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$189 COS

The Beach-Ready Cover-Up
J.Crew lace-trim mini beach dress
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$98 J.CREW

We’d argue, though, that nothing looks cooler than a black dress on a hot day. Bold and even unexpected, black brings drama and structure to a carefree summer day. And while the endless styling options might seem overwhelming to some, the black dress’s versatility is also its strength. This wardrobe chameleon looks just as sharp at the beach with sandals as it does on a city street with wedges and sleek sunglasses. Plus, there’s a summer-ready black dress for every style—from the strict minimalist to the hopeful romantic. Keep reading to shop our favorites and see how to style them.

Minimalist Maxi
Toteme’s minimalist black maxi is perfect for hot summer days in the city. Keep your accessories just as sleek—Khaite’s leather sandals, a natural raffia tote, and slick black shades.

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Toteme cotton-poplin midi dress
$560 NET-A-PORTER

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Khaite Archer sandals
$720 KHAITE

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Cos hand-woven market tote
$159 COS

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Saint Laurent SL 868 sunglasses
$390 SHOPBOP

Scarf Hem
Embrace the artisanal elegance of Loewe’s scarf-hemmed maxi dress by adding thoughtfully quirky accessories: silver flats, crystal earrings, and a smooth satin tote.

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Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza tank dress
$1,990 LOEWE / $1,990 NET-A-PORTER

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Zara metallic ballet flats
$36 ZARA

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Tory Burch Curiosity drop earrings
$200 TORY BURCH

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The Row Cecily large tote
$1,650 NET-A-PORTER

Ultra Mini
There’s an art to wearing an ultra mini without looking like you’re heading to a club in Ibiza. Here’s one idea: simple flat sandals, a cute anklet, and a colorful woven tote.

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Matteau open-back mini dress
$335 NET-A-PORTER

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Emme Parsons Susan slides
$465 SHOPBOP

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Miu Miu raffia-effect woven tote bag
$1,850 MIU MIU

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Chan Luu Costa anklet
$145 CHAN LUU

Lace
Liberowe’s black lace maxi is easy and ethereal for lazy summer days. Wear it with lace-up sandals and delicate drop earrings.

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Liberowe Jolie maxi dress
$1,280 NET-A-PORTER

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A.Emery Nolan leather sandals
$210 NET-A-PORTER

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Alémais Calypso drop earrings
$390 NET-A-PORTER

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Arch4 Caspian cardigan
$450 NET-A-PORTER

Halter
For those with a busy schedule of summer gatherings, Leset’s black halter dress is sure to become a wardrobe staple. Add festive accessories, like wedges and a trim clutch, for more formal events, or dress it down with flip-flops for a day off.

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Leset Lauren maxi dress
$220 NET-A-PORTER

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Christopher Esber Scala sandals
$845 NET-A-PORTER

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Bembien Perla woven clutch
$270 BANANA REPUBLIC

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Sophie Buhai Flamenco earrings
$990 NET-A-PORTER

Romantic
For proof that black can be feminine and romantic, look no further than Dôen.The brand’s best-selling smocked dress. It looks great with ballet flats and a silk headscarf.