Black Evening Dresses

Boutique Le Lace Bardot Long Sleeved Dress black

Vilshenko's black and cream Anabelle dress is cut to a deceptively simple round-neck silhouette that deftly showcases the ornate pink and yellow floral-print silk crepe de Chine. It's crafted in the UK with a diagonal seam across the waist for a slimming effect above the fluid floor-skimming skirt. Style it with tassel-drop earrings that mirror the graceful movement of the dress.

Mara Hoffman's penchant for vivid pattern is beautifully showcased in this black Xylophone-print dress. It's crafted from organic linen that is light enough for summer but holds the shape and has a slim-fitting one-shoulder silhouette with a softly ruffled panel. Wear it with wedges in the day swapping to stilettos come evening.

Galvan's black gown is a timelessly sophisticated choice for evening. It's expertly knitted in the UK from heavyweight jersey and designed with a wraparound halterneck and thigh-high front slit that draw attention to the nipped-in waist. Wear it with hair swept up to showcase the deep scoop back.

Dolce & Gabbana delivers a masterclass in evening glamour with this black crepe midi dress. It's printed with the label's new-season tonal-pink Rose design and overlaid with a veil of light-reflecting sequins that ensure head-turning impact. The boat neck back scoop neck and elbow-length sleeves work to flatter. Style it for your next event with drop earrings and statement sandals.

Under the helm of Jonathan Saunders DVF's flattering silhouettes are twisted with a contemporary eye. This white silk crepe de Chine dress is printed with the graphic black Chatham design and cut to a soft wrap-style silhouette that falls from slender black shoulder straps. Wear it in the evening with statement earrings and point-toe mules.

Italian couture-like construction ensures Elie Saab's chesterfield-green velvet-devoré gown has a decidedly regal feel. A sharp V-neckline and gathering at the waist lends it a subtle sultry twist while the fully pleated skirt is lined with light-green chiffon for added swing. Match your earrings to the black lace sleeve inserts before polishing it with a statement clutch.

Evening allure is what Versace's global reputation is built on and this black sheer ruched dress is a sublime example. The product of fine Italian craftsmanship the second-skin silhouette features long ruched-tulle sleeves and coordinating cross-over panels that define the waist alongside a side hemline slit for a sultry flash of skin. Amp up the vamp factor with sculptural sandals.

Anthony Vaccarello looks to exquisite fabrications to convey Saint Laurent's glamour-tinted rebellion for Pre-AW17 and this black velvet-lamé gown is the stunning result. Supremely crafted in France the plunging V-neckline draws attention to the décolleté while the waist is defined with a gathered front seam that creates pleats across the floor-length skirt. Polish it with the brand's head-turning logo heels.

DVF's Aviva gown is shaped with a slim black jersey top and falls in a white and metallic-silver silk-blend maxi skirt that's detailed with an intricate abstract jacquard design. The V-neck draws the eye down to the flattering waist-whittling wrap silhouette. Wear it for evening with a shimmery clutch and barely there heels.

Preen By Thornton Bregazzi brings a darker punk-inspired edge to two of spring's sweetest prints - gingham and stripes. This Ellie dress has a neat sleeveless shape with black and white checked silk-georgette at the body and velvet-trimmed stripes at the ruffled skirt. Add to its rebellious appeal by styling with black leather lace-ups for evening.

Supersized paillettes are a defining feature of Altuzarra's Pre-AW16 collection. This black silk-crepe gown is the most striking example embellished with black pink metallic-silver and yellow graduating sequins at the chest and short sleeves. It sweeps dramatically to the floor with a small train so wear it to your most special events with ankle-strap heels.

Modern elegant silhouettes are Roksanda's signature - a point illustrated by this black crepe Margot dress. It's beautifully tailored with white silk-lined bell sleeves detailed with subtle folds at the neckline and waist to soften the angular silhouette and finished with an exposed zip that runs the length of the back. Style it with a sculptural clutch to complete a chic evening look.

For a striking and timeless evening look opt for The Vampire's Wife's black and metallic cobalt-blue Night Garden dress. It's crafted from shimmering floral fil coupé with delicate self-fastening shoulder straps and is slit at either side of the hem to ease the precise feminine cut. Try it with block-heeled pumps for a modern contrast.

Old-school glamour is at the heart of Erdem's Pre-AW17 collection. Exquisitely crafted in the UK this black floral-embroidered tulle Perry gown is adorned with a mauve-pink satin bow that falls from one shoulder and a tonal-grey and pink crystal-embellished motif on the other - a nod to the collection's 1940s influence. Elevate the sweeping eyelash-lace hem with stiletto heels.

Shoulders continue to be Roland Mouret's focal point for SS17 as exemplified by this black cotton-blend Martin dress. It's crafted with an elegant diamond-shaped racer back and the bodice has an asymmetric peplum waist panel so that from the front it looks like two separate pieces in one. Laser-cut florals are a beautiful finishing touch. Add a flash of colour in your choice of evening clutch.

Valentino's sky-blue silk crepe de Chine dress is a key runway piece from the Victoriana-inflected AW17 collection. The aura of romance is expressed via characteristically exquisite workmanship: note the delicate black bead embellishments and tulle inserts that adorn it from the high neck right through to the pleated hem. As with framing a fine painting simple is best when it comes to accessorising such an artful piece.

Natasha Zinko suffuses even the most classically elegant silhouettes with a fun feminine feel. This black dress is cut on the bias to ensure the lustrous silk-satin fabric falls beautifully over the body and turns to reveal peach-pink rabbit-fur crossover straps. Enhance the playful feel with your choice of accessories.

Red-carpet glamour is filtered through an old Hollywood lens at The Vampire's Wife. For Pre-AW17 the label's signature Cate dress is reworked in a striking black pink and gold floral fil coupé and cut to stop just short of the floor. The demure silhouette is contoured with precisely placed ruffles and lined in luxurious silk. Simply add pointed mules and gold jewellery for a ladylike evening look.

Valentino's black wool and silk-blend crepe gown is an impeccable example of refined elegance and needs little accessorising. It's punctuated with pintuck pleats which travel from the round neck to the waist where the skirt flares out effortlessly until it reaches the floor. Add edgy appeal with the label's Rockstud clutch.

The black and white circle-intarsia pattern on Alexander McQueen's stretch-knit dress offers both bold impact and body-sculpting appeal. The monochrome panels are strategically positioned to enhance the flattering effect of the fit-and-flare silhouette. Simply slip into black suede stilettos for instant evening polish.

For an assured and sophisticated evening presence consider this black Lanvin gown from the Pre-AW17 collection. It's crafted in France from lightweight velvet with a black satin cowl-neckline panel and asymmetric waistband. The column-shaped skirt is slit high at one side and fully lined in silk. It needs only the most minimal accessories for flawless elegance.

Adam Lippes's black silk-faille gown is a contemporary piece of grand proportions. It's expertly worked with a strapless top that skims the figure and falls into a dramatic box-pleated skirt that stops just short of the floor. Note the internal boned bodice: it'll ensure a flawless fit all night long.

The penultimate look in Versace's Pre-AW17 presentation this black silk-cady dress is a study in sultry detailing. It's expertly crafted in Italy with multicoloured filigree leaf appliqués and clusters of black crystals and sequins disguising seductive nude mesh-lined cut-outs and the ankle-skimming skirt is sliced to the mid-thigh. Sleek black stilettos will make the perfect evening pairing.

Black and white silk sleeveless gingham dress from Tome. Size: 4. Color: Black/white. Gender: Female.

Black silk blend chiffon cape dress from Tom Ford. Size: 44. Gender: Female. Material: Silk/Cotton/Spandex/Elastane/Viscose.

Black cotton blend baroque embellished fitted dress from Versace Collection. Size: 42. Gender: Female. Material: Polyester/Viscose/Cotton/Spandex/Elastane.

Black evening dress with tassle sleeves from Badgley Mischka. Size: 6. Gender: Female. Material: Acetate.

Black silk lace sleeve gown from Rochas. Size: 42. Gender: Female. Material: Silk/Polyamide.

Black spaghetti strap evening dress from Theperfext. Size: XS. Gender: Female. Material: Silk.

The collection from Versace evokes maximalist Italian design and opulent detailing. This black and silver-toned cotton-blend fitted dress from Versace Collection features a v-neck, a sleeveless design and metallic embellishments. Size: 46. Gender: Female. Material: Cotton/Polyester/Spandex/Elastane/Viscose.

American fashion designer Rick Owens is renowned for his signature dark and offbeat aesthetic, as showcased in this black dress, which has a more feminine and flattering vibe. Expertly constructed, the dress features a crew neck, a side slit, a sleeveless design, a long length, a ruched design and a back zip fastening. Size: 44. Gender: Female. Material: Cotton.

Black cotton-blend asymmetric dress from Rick Owens featuring a round neck, a sleeveless design and an asymmetric style. Size: 42. Gender: Female. Material: Cotton/Spandex/Elastane/Viscose.

The collection from Versace evokes maximalist Italian design and opulent detailing. This green, black and white printed fitted dress from Versace Collection features a round neck, a fitted silhouette and embroidered details. Size: 42. Color: Black/white/green. Gender: Female. Material: Polyester/Spandex/Elastane/Viscose.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana live and breathe Italian spirit, reflected in their collections of sleek accessories and Sicilian seductiveness. This silk and cotton-blend shift dress features a V-neck, short sleeves, a shift silhouette, a polka-dot pattern and a graphic printed design. Size: 46. Color: Black. Gender: Female. Material: Silk/Cotton/Polyamide/Spandex/Elastane.

Black sheer gown from Reinaldo Lourenço featuring a v-neck, a sleeveless design, a lace detail, sequin embroidery, a zip fastening and a lining. Size: 36. Gender: Female. Material: Polyamide.

Multicoloured cotton blend panelled dress from Tadashi Shoji. Size: 6. Color: Black. Gender: Female. Material: Cotton/Nylon/Polyester.

Black cotton broderie anglaise dress from Red Valentino. Size: 38. Color: Black/ red. Gender: Female. Material: Cotton/Polyamide/Polyester.

Multicoloured silk sequin embellished evening dress from Oscar de la Renta. Size: 8. Color: Black. Gender: Female. Material: Silk/Polyester/Sequin.

Black and pink blossoming pleat dress from Romance Was Born. Size: 8. Color: Black/pink. Gender: Female. Material: Polyester.