Pictured: ZW Collection Strapless Dress ($70)
There's really never a bad time to shop for a black dress. It can be an absolute lifesaver anytime you're confronted by outfit paralysis—meetings, dates, holiday parties… all the usual suspects. Like any classic wardrobe staple, it's best to buy while the buying's good, and right now, my friends, the buying is very good.
Per usual, Mango, Zara, and J.Crew are a treasure trove of chic black dresses at price points that are particularly welcome this time of year. As we get into that tricky holiday season rife with stacked calendars and ambiguous dress codes, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a versatile black dress at the ready for those moments when getting dressed starts to feel hard. From the office-friendly to the party-ready, these chic black dresses will get you through this season.
Zara
The way the drama of the turtleneck perfectly balances the length.
Excuse me while I buy leather opera gloves and move to Paris.
No notes.
That texture, that neckline.
A perfect length.
She's ready for NYE.
So is she.
This floral print on black feels so fresh.
Don't underestimate a simple black dress paired with black accessories. The mix of textures—the sheen of the leather bag and the addition of little sheer socks—is where it gets fun.
Not your average strapless dress.
Love the easy drama of a single bare shoulder.
Amazing with a menswear-inspired long coat.
Mango
The styling with flat, square-toe boots is everything here.
Elegant.
Here for the big '90s energy.
Here's one more. Reminder: This is not cheating.
This deserves a red carpet TBH.
If you didn't know that Mango has a little curation of elevated gowns, now you know.
Another variation on this classic silhouette.
You really need to see the back detail to get it.
Click in to see how Mango styled this with an oversize leather jacket.
It's holiday party season, after all.
If you're feeling fancy.
The answer to what to wear to a holiday party.
J.Crew
Let the record show that loads of J.Crew's dresses are currently on sale.
This is not on sale, but it's definitely still going to sell out.
Cher Horowitz would.
Just add a turtleneck layer, loafers, and tights.
Yes to this dress, and yes to the cool factor of adding a blazer—always.
I love the versatility of being able to remove the feathered cuff detail, but honestly, why would you?
An alternate feather option for anyone feeling glam.
Wrap me in cashmere any old time.
Main character energy in a good way.
This dress is machine washable and made from a fabric created with sustainably sourced wood pulp, and it has pockets. Say less.
Very "home for the holidays."
We're not done with rosettes.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and ShopbopFrom sweaters to jackets.
-
Hold the Sandals—This Is the Shoe Trend to Wear With Dresses in SeptemberAs seen on Alexa Chung.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
I Asked a Fashion Designer What to Buy From H&M Studio's Pre-Fall Collection—Here's What She SaidEverything is seriously so good.
-
These 33 New Fall Zara Items Are Giving Off "I'm Chic Walking in a Metropolitan City" EnergyCool, elevated, and forward pieces.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
