Is the Answer to Summer Dressing Nothing More Than a Simple LBD?

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Very few fashion items have achieved the kind of icon status that they’re known simply by their initials. The LBD, or the little black dress, needs no introduction. It’s long been pigeonholed as evening wear, but its true beauty lies in its versatility. The best little black dress is just as easily styled with a kitten heel for night as it is with a pair of flip-flops and a straw tote for day.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Little Black Dresses:

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Whether your vibe skews minimalist or more romantic, there’s an LBD to match. And options abound across the price spectrum, from high-end labels like Gucci and Khaite, who have perfected the LBD in their own right, to more contemporary dress offerings from brands like Leset or Dôen. It’s a blank canvas you can dress up or down, layer or wear all on its own, making it one of the most hardworking pieces in any wardrobe. Shop 30+ of our favorites in the edit below.

Leset

Rio stretch-ponte mini dress

Theory

gather shoulder T-shirt dress

Loewe

Trapeze cotton-blend mini dress

Norma Kamali

open-back satin mini dress

Solid & Striped

Lindsay cotton poplin babydoll minidress

Staud

Beau gathered poplin mini dress

The Row

Essentials Mirna crepe midi dress

Reformation

Nataly sleeveless organic minidress

Dôen

Almadia crochet-trimmed mini dress

Andine

Maradona ruffle cotton gauze chemise

Matteau

Shirred cotton-poplin mini dress

Favorite Daughter

meet cute bow back minidress

Versace

embellished crepe-jersey mini dress

Saint Laurent

smocked ruffled mini dress

Jacquemus

piazza gathered minidress

Leset

Barb lace-trimmed satin minidress