A little black dress is arguably the backbone of any wardrobe. A failsafe outfit option that can be worn in a multitude of ways, it's something we tend to reach for in our hour of fashion need.
In party season, the LBD comes into its own. Case in point — Emily Ratajkowski at The Fashion Awards in London earlier this month, wearing a mini dress with cape shoulder detail from an upcoming H&M x Stella McCartney collection, set to launch in spring next year. With a smokey eye, minimal jewellery and barely-there heeled sandals, she let the dress do the talking, for a pared-back yet totally-chic red (or rather blue) carpet look.
However, LBDs don't have to be short. Earlier this week, Emma Chamberlain wore an ankle length slip dress to the Marty Supreme film premiere in LA. The side lace-up detail, matching lace-up pumps and ribbon choker gave her 'fit a gothic glam twist.
![beverly hills, california december 08: emma chamberlain attends the los angeles premiere of a24s marty supreme at samuel goldwyn theater on december 08, 2025 in beverly hills, california. (photo by axelle/bauer griffin/filmmagic)](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2250911823-693a9b6ccd6a1.jpg?resize=980:* "Los Angeles Premiere Of A24's "Marty Supreme" - Arrivals")
Feeling inspired? You should be. Below we've rounded up the best LBDs on the high street to add to your wardrobe. From minis to midis, embellished to strapless, there's one to suit every style. The only problem is choosing which one to order...
M&S Velvet Embellished Mini Skater Dress
Consider us obsessed! Velvet, embellishment and a full skater skirt, this dress has it all and it's under £100. We love you M&S.
Réalisation Par The Gemma Dress
This might just be the ultimate LBD. Dress it up, dress it down, this midi dress will live in your wardrobe well beyond party season, and we guarantee you'll reach for it time and time again.
For those who like their LBD with a little something extra...this giant bow embellished dress is giving serious main character energy. Add some low-denier tights, platform heels and you're good to go.
Topshop Lace Trim Midi Slip Dress
Count on Topshop to deliver something seriously chic for under £50. This lace trim slip will look equally as good layered with a T-shirt and flats, as it will with statement earrings and a bold lip.
Mango Short Faux-Leather Dress
This strapless LBD looks so much more expensive than it is. We love how Mango have styled it with a chocolate faux-fur jacket and trousers underneath.
Zara Long Satin Dress
LBD's can be long too! The sexy halterneck balances out the longer hemline of this Zara number.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
