These modern black dresses are the new LBDs you can wear forever

Bloom Shirred Linen-Gauze Midi Dress, $426, Faithfull The Brand at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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If you like a little romance, even with your LBD, this midi dress with a skin-baring cutout   is your best bet. Designed with a shirred bodice and billowy sleeves, the tiered hem moves beautifully as you walk. Finish the look with a pair of  open-toed leather mules or simple throw on your Chuck Taylor’s.

Crêpe De Chine Dress, $4,200, Prada

Credit: Prada

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This Prada dress has a sophisticated silhouette with a seamed waist and pleated skirt that creates a delicate, fluid movement. This ultra chic dress also features a new jacquard knit triangle logo that adds a conceptual note. Work this dress with sandals, Mary Janes or your whitest pair of sneakers.

Sleeveless Polo Shirtdress, $251, Y-3 at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch

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If comfort reigns supreme in your fashion bible, then this Y-3 sleeveless shirtdress is made for you. Cut from ultra-comfortable cotton in a loose silhouette, you can wear it with a pair of sneakers, or your favourite pair of flatforms.

Dusk Cutout Patent-PU Mini Dress, $374, Rotate Birger Christensen at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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There’s something alluring to be said about puffy sleeves—they’re not quite in-your-face as shoulder pads, but have a similar, softer, more feminine effect. Combined with the fact that it’s made from patent PU and has a daring cut-out back, this dress ticks all the boxes for the perfect ‘cool girl’ aesthetic. Style yours with simple pumps or strappy sandals.

Feathered Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress, $702, Michael Michael Kors at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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Sometimes classics really are the best. Like this contemporary take on a classic 1920s flapper dress by Michael Michael Kors. Featuring wispy plumes that flutter with every move, this dress calls for your best baubles and stilettos.

Short Black Tweed Dress With Embroidered Gold-Tone Studs, $4.250, Balmain

Credit: Balmain

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Balmain nailed it with this fitted studded dress. The all-over gold-tone stud detailing works beautifully here. With a dress this embellished, you don’t really need to do much. A simple pair of earrings and pointy-toed black shoes are all you’ll need to steal the limelight.

Meteor Dress, $1,555, Off-White

Credit: Off-White

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We love this body-hugging long black dress from Off-White because it’s so effortlessly cool and easy-to-wear. The midi length more than makes up for the skin-baring cut-outs and we know it will surely make heads turn. Pump it up with a pair of boots in a bright hue. Not for the faint hearted.

Tome Embellished Stretch-Silk Halterneck Mini Dress, $594, Gauge81 at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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If you’re not over the Y2K trend, consider this dress by Gauge81. It’s made from lustrous stretch silk with a retro-style halterneck complete with gold-tone choker. Time to put on those dancing shoes.

Cutout Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress, $248, Nanushka at The Outnet

Credit: The Outnet

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Inspired by the glamorous ‘80s, this LBD by Nanushka comes with strategic cutouts for high impact. Pair with statement earrings, stilettos and glossy red lips.

Rhinestone-Detailed One-Shoulder Jersey Mini Dress, US$1,070, Nué at Moda Operandi

Credit: Moda Operandi

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‘Nuff said.

Glitter Velvet Mini Dress, $883, Christopher Kane at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch

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This mini dress is made from black velvet with glitter. The off-shoulder neckline makes this the perfect dress for a romantic evening date.

Look Through Gathered Midi Dress, US$230, Third Form at Moda Operandi

Credit: Moda Operandi

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For an LBD with an added oomph, this black dress by comes in smartly designed adjustable, interchangeable straps with a body skimming fit that falls just below the knees.



This article was first published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.