How many black dresses does a girl need?

I'm considering bidding on a cute black dress on eBay. It's different from any of the other dresses I own, and it would be nice for fall/winter.

But I'm hesitating, because I have looked in my closet and right now I have five black dresses, not including the super fancy formal gown! They break down like this:

- short sleeved canvas shirt dress
- semi-fancy cocktail dresses
- tank-style that can be sundress or cocktail dress
- midi-length 3/4 sleeved plain column dress
- funky short sleeved casual affair that I forgot about

However, the one I'm looking at is a ponte knit type, 3/4 length sleeves, very on-trend as I understand it. And I've kind of been wanting a heavier knit dress for winter, since my other ones are more summery.

Yes, I am trying to justify it to myself...

What do you think of it?

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11 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Do you look good in black? Do you wear dresses often?

I have a boatload of charcoal gray dresses. They're one of my staples. Gray is my favorite neutral and I wear dresses atleast 5 days a week.

Would you prefer a color?

My only hesitation would be about whether you can return it or resell it if it doesn't fit nicely.

rute

I have 4 black dresses: 2 Sleeveless that I wear to work with a jacket, 3/4 sleeves and party / cocktail. If your wear a lot a black, go for it!

Deborah

Well clearly I am the wrong girl to ask! Mander, I have quite a lot of black dresses covering all seasons and occasions. I would find it hard to pass up this dress as I think it would be so versatile, I love 3/4 sleeves and the shape of the dress too. I can only encourage you on this one:)

lyn67

Go for it, Mander. I have a 3 dresses like this one (one plain black, and one plain grey, and one black and grey animal:-)) and they are workhorses to the office for me! Comfy and always stylish+very versatile= good for a FBO, when too late to think about!

missvee

If you like wearing black, and it fills a wardrobe hole, then I'd say go ahead. Has the seller given you the measurements? It looks kind of short in the picture but that could just be the camera angle.

Glory

Do you wear your other black dresses frequently? I really like the style of this one. I say go for it as it doesn't sound like you have a winter one.

kimlee

The other ladies have made the same points that I would make - you need to ask yourself a) is black a flattering color for me, b) do I wear dresses often enough to get my investment in this piece, and c) will it play nicely with other pieces in my collection.

April

The answer to your question depends entirely on the girl in question. I currently have four black dresses: a shirt dress; a casual summer dress; a dressier summer dress; and a truly dressy dress. None of them is getting any wear at the moment, because I just haven't been feeling dresses in a while, so for me, four is too many.

When you survey your closet, I would not count any black dress that isn't in the same category as the one you're looking at. So the fancy cocktail dresses don't count, and the ball gown doesn't count, because they're not interchangeable with the new one.

Also, what is the reason you forgot about that last dress on your list? Is it because you're not finding black dresses particularly useful for you at the moment? Or is the number of black dresses a testament to the fact that you *do* love them and wear them, in which case the new one could be a good addition?

Mander

(website)

All excellent points! I decided to go for it because my other casual black dresses are rather summery. The one I forgot about is something I bought intending to wear as a summer dress but never really had an occasion for. I might sell it, actually, if this other dress works out.

I do wear a lot of black and I've been thinking about trying to wear more dresses. Hopefully this one isn't too short but I think that the style would look ok with leggings and boots so it may be fine even if it is a little short for my usual style.

celia

Will you show us when the dress comes? I am curious now

Sara L.

I have a lot of black dresses too. I like to wear black and it looks good on me, so I don't fight my natural inclination to buy black. If it fills a wardrobe hole and you like and look good in black, I would buy it.

Transcona Shannon

Is this a trick question (lol)?

I think if black is a good colour for you and they all serve slightly different purposes, then having several black dresses is fine. A ponte knit one like this is a great fall and winter piece.

Sarah

Oh dear, this is funny. I have...let's see...seven black dresses. In all fairness, one has a tiny bit of white detailing!
I love black dresses. Long ones, short ones, lace ones, ponte ones. I wear them year round here, with sandals in summer and boots and cozy cardigans in the winter. They work well for me, and I wear ALL of them.
So to answer your question, as many as she can wear!

shiny

That dress reminds me of this one:

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=6600

I have a lot of black dresses. Ignoring formal dresses, let's see, I have:

- sleeveless mock wrap, polyester
- sleeveless midi sheath, lined, not sure what you call the material
- ponte knit sheath with banded waist (that I'm getting rid of because it bleeds when it gets wet in the rain!)
- 3/4 sleeve v-neck substantial-weight knit (i.e., it's quite warm for fall/winter)
- 3/4 sleeve scoop neck lighter weight knit with ruching (my "travel" dress.. perfect for fall and spring or chilly airports)
- 3/4 sleeve cowl neck sweater dress
- summery knit dress i use, primarily, as a beach cover up but have worn it out at night on really hot nights
- maxi

I'd add that AT dress (love the zippers! love the waist surrendering!) but I'm thinking I'll hold out this year and add inky blue instead. If only that dress was in blue... it'd be mine already.

Mander, you need a black sweater dress next.

rachylou

I have a dress similar to this. It's a fantastic everyday dress, esp. for fall/winter.

Suz

I think it's a great style, Mander. I would go for it.

qfbrenda

at least four! LOL

I have:

black sweater dress
black long sleeved wrap dress
black ponte knit sheath, to dress up or down
black summer dress with spaghetti straps

They are all so different that they don't compete with each other at all.

It sounds like will be a great dress for you. I hope it fits well!

Ah yes, I've been hunting for the right sweater dress for a couple of years now. I really want one with long sleeves, though, and nearly every one I've found in my size is either sleeveless or has short sleeves. Urgh. I guess you're meant to wear them over a long sleeved tee but I don't really like that particular kind of layered look on me.

The hunt continues!

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