Black shift dresses with simple lines for work and evening

A black shift dress is supposed to be simple, a clean line from shoulder to hem with nothing fussy on it. Ours follow that idea, though we cut them closer to the body than a classic boxy shift and sew most of them from stretchy knit. If you want a tent shape, this isn’t it.

The sheath midi and the rib tank, two plain starting points

Start with the sheath. It’s a straight midi that skims the figure, round at the neck, and its sleeves stop three quarters of the way down so your watch stays on show. There’s no season to it. Wear a blazer and low pumps at work, then lose the blazer and add earrings for dinner.

The rib knit tank midi is even plainer. No sleeves, a round neck, and the ribbed texture keeps black from looking flat. In fall a fine turtleneck or a white shirt can go underneath, and with a straight blazer over it you’ve got an office outfit. A slim belt marks the waist if you want one.

High necks in rib knit, angora blend and velvet

Most of our black shifts close at the neck. The rib turtleneck midis go from office to dinner in the same outfit, and some open in a leg slit so a midi doesn’t shorten your stride. Rib stretches and springs back, which means no baggy elbows by evening. Does your office run cold? The angora-blend turtleneck midi warms like a sweater.

Velvet is the evening branch. A turtleneck midi in black velvet suits the theater or a business dinner, and a long-sleeved velvet mini answers the party question. With a covered neck, move your jewelry to your hands and ears.

Shorter knits exist too. A turtleneck mini with thick tights and tall boots is fine for the office, and it’s just as good under a leather jacket once spring comes.

Hips decide the size on a straight black dress

A close straight cut shows everything, so the chart matters. When bust and hips point to different sizes, let the hips win. Otherwise the skirt pulls when you walk. We sew every black shift dress in XS to XL, and M covers about a US 6–8. Raise your arms when you try it on. The sleeve should stay put.