As I’ve built my wardrobe intentionally, I’ve focused first on making sure that I have wardrobe essentials— classic pieces that are the backbone of outfits. In addition to that, my aim has been to have some versatile pieces for special occasions. A black mini dress, or a LBD (little black dress), can be dressed up for special occasions and if the dress isn’t too dressy, it can also be dressed down and worn for semi-dressy or casual occasions.

I recently got this black mini dress gifted to me from Z Supply. It’s feminine with a tiered ruffle skirt that falls slightly longer in the back, which I love for coverage. (I am 5’7″) It is super comfortable. It’s fitted in the right places but it’s not tight or restrictive. It’s made from a lightweight, stretch material— but it’s not see through! This black mini dress is a great price point, under $100. I got it in my true size, medium, and it fits me perfectly. Here are five ways I’m wearing this black mini dress. Some looks are more casual while others are a bit more elevated.

Black Mini Dress Outfits:

1.) Black Mini Dress + Mary Jane Flats + Black Handbag

Dress (medium, gifted) | Necklace (sold out, Bexley 20″ – similar) | Bag | Shoes (old from Mango – similar, similar)

If you see something you like you can shop the item(s) and support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links in this post. The dress in this post was gifted, but the blog post was written on my own. As always, I really appreciate your support!

This first look is not casual, but it’s also not super dressy. I would wear this level of dressiness to church on a Sunday. This would be perfect for going somewhere where jeans aren’t appropriate but neither is getting super fancy— it’s an in-between look. I love the fancy flats, but heels could take it up a notch. As you can see, it’s a black monochromatic look as I paired black accessories with the black dress. I like the repeated pops of gold in my jewelry and the hardware on my handbag and on my shoes. The end look is easy, put together, and cohesive.

2.) Dress + High Top Sneakers + Colored Handbag

Dress (medium, gifted) | Necklace (sold out, Bexley 20″ Necklace – similar) | Bag (old from ABLE – similar) | Shoes (I sized down 1/2 size – similar)

I love this look and it’s the most casual of the five. I paired the more dressy, feminine dress with casual, high top sneakers. Sneakers and dresses is one of my favorite pairings. The sneakers make the dress feel way less dressy. I added a pop of color here with a red crossbody bag and it makes the look feel more bright and fun and less serious and it contrasts nicely against the black dress.

3.) Blazer + Black Mini Dress + Heels

Blazer (sold out from H&M – similar) | Dress (medium, gifted) | Necklace (sold out, Bexley 20″ – similar) | Stud Earrings (gifted) | Arch Earrings (gifted) | Heels (old from H&M – similar)

This third look is lovely! I really like the structured menswear style blazer with the feminine ruffled dress. It’s a great juxdaposition which I always love in outfits. I added heels to this look and it feels elevated and business-chic. I think this same look would be really cute and more casual with sneakers (white ones, or the black chucks) instead of the heels.

4.) Cardigan + Black Mini Dress + Chunky Boots

Sweater (small, sold out from H&M – different color – similar) | Dress (medium, gifted) | Bag | Boots (whole sizes only so I sized down 1/2 size)

This look is the most outside of my comfort zone, but I like it. I buttoned-up a rib knit, balloon sleeve cardigan over the dress, making it look like a skirt. I added the chunky black boots to take the outfit away from looking too sweet by adding a bit of edge. The end look is an everyday outfit.

5.) Moto Jacket + Dress + Cheetah Print Mules

Moto Jacket (old – similar) | Dress (medium, gifted) | Sunglasses | Necklace (sold out, Bexley 20″ – similar) | Bag | Shoes

This last look is a great, everyday outfit. I threw a black, faux leather, moto jacket (hard and structured) over the black dress (flowy and soft) which creates contrast. I slipped on my cheetah print mules to add some whimsey and interest and grabbed my leather tote bag for a warm tone to pair back to the shoes.

Do you have a black dress in your wardrobe that you can wear in a variety of ways? If black is not a color you wear, do you have a neutral dress in another color that is versatile? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!