Black summer dresses for hot days and warm nights

A summer black dress works on a hot office day and still looks right at dinner, because a dark print hides the small creases of a long afternoon. Ours are mostly prints, with white dots or small flowers in red, blue and yellow, and most of them return to the catalog every March.

Dots for the desk, the train and Friday drinks

Polka dots on black are a little retro and very easy to wear. The knee-length one with a small keyhole at the neck is our pick for a meeting. Beige pumps, a light blazer. At six the blazer comes off, a white jean jacket goes on, and you’re ready for dinner.

Dotted wraps come in midi as well, and you set the waist yourself by tightening or loosening the wrap. One of them has a ruffle at the hem in the same fabric. There’s a short wrap for weekends, too, the one you’d wear for a coffee or a two-day trip with white sneakers and a straw bag.

Sleeves matter at the office. The long-sleeve dotted midi covers your knees and arms, and some dotted minis have long sleeves too, one with flounces on the skirt, another with a decorated sleeve. Thick tights and loafers in early fall. That’s the office covered.

Flowers, a scarf and a bare shoulder

Red flowers on black are the boldest. Wear red or black heels in the evening, and keep jewelry to one pair of earrings, since the print’s busy already. Blue flowers are calmer, and the blue floral wrap midi goes to work with flats and a light jacket.

Yellow flowers come on a mini with a scarf you can tie at the neck or around your waist, and an elastic waistband that fits slim and fuller waists alike. It’s made in two lengths, 84 cm and 88–89 cm, and you tell the manager which one when you order. Pick the longer one if you ride a bike.

The polka dot mini with one shoulder is a fun summer black dress for a date. One arm out, the other covered to the wrist, with a ruffle trimming the neckline. You’ll need a strapless bra or a clear strap.

Frequently asked questions

Are any of these satin?

Some are, like the black floral flutter-sleeve mini and the satin wrap. Their descriptions list the fabric.

What do I wear over a black sundress at night?

An unbuttoned white shirt or a jean jacket. Our black floral sundress has thin tie straps and its flared skirt reaches past your knees, so it’s comfortable on a bus and on a walk.

Can I order before summer?

The summer styles are hidden from September to February. Choose your favorite now and check the size table, then look again in March.

Which summer black dress is best for travel?

The dotted short wrap or a dark print. Browse more warm-weather ideas on our summer page, every polka dot style, or roses and other blooms among the black dresses with flowers.