Some of my clients enjoy wearing casual black dresses for Summer. That means easy breezy frocks across an assortment of fabrics, jersey dresses in fitted shapes, and casual footwear. Wearing black in Summer can look and feel less heavy because outfits showcase skin, which breaks up the black. 

Here are four outfits that do just that.

1. Sleeveless Tiers & Moto

The muumuu dress is sleeveless, and topped with a black moto as an option if it gets a little chilly. The flat metallic sandals accentuate the relaxed vibe of the outfit, break up the black, and add some glam. I can see a small chain-strap crossbody work well with the outfit.

Me+Em Sleeveless Frill Panel Dress

2. Body-Con & Sneakers

Despite the body-con fit, this is a casual dress because of the jersey fabric and side tie ruching. The crisp white sneakers take it to extra casual territory, making it a simple everyday look. The stretch of the dress makes it comfy and easy to move in too.

Banana Republic Soft Ponte-Ruched-T-Shirt Dress

3. Arty Drape

Not quite black, but almost. The stripes break up the black and the diagonal lines are magically flattering and interesting. The sleeveless silhouette adds structure to the voluminous drape of the dress. Dainty ankle strap sandals and a statement necklace add a fun polished touch.

Noblu Roxie Dress

4. Sack Dress & Slides

Sack dresses can be hard to feel fab in, and they usually work better when they’re a little shorter because showing skin creates structure. This version is midi length, but the gauzy fabric here provides subtle structure because it exposes more skin. The diagonal sleeves and collar add structure to the volume too. Black slides were chosen here, but personally I’d have preferred to see cognac slides to break up the black. Add jewellery, eyewear, watch and headgear as desired.

Eileen Fisher Sheer Overlay Silk Dress

I don’t enjoy wearing solid black dresses, and especially not in Summer. So my version would be a casual dark blue dress, of which I have a few. I wear them with white, blush or tomato red footwear.