You may have seen my Instagram post recently about breaking up with dresses. I feel good about it and I pretty much have, but a gal still needs a good Little Black Dress, it seems. I do think I could make a strong case for a Little Black Jumpsuit superseding the need for a dress these days in my closet, but since I already ordered a bunch to try, we’ll stick with dresses for now. And I have to admit, I’m opening up a bit more to dresses again after finding some killer LBD options that make me feel almost as badass as wearing a great pair of pants. 

When I think ‘little black dress’ for me, I think a versatile short-to-knee-length dress I can wear for a few occasions, like a cocktail event or wedding, or whenever I need a go-to last minute dressy, but not formal, option. The styles I tend to find most flattering on me are sheath dresses and wrap dresses that have an interesting neckline, zero to very few ruffles, are typically sleeveless and are not off-the-shoulder (with one exception — I can never make an off-the-shoulder work without feeling like a linebacker…some of it has to do with the short hair, some has to do with all those planks in barre3, I tell myself).

The Search For The Perfect Little Black Dress

Fit Info: For reference on the fit of these dresses, I’m 5’4″ and have a shorter torso, especially above the bust, but petite sizing only works for me part of the time. I wear a 32DD in bras and I have a booty (#thanksbarre3). I also have more of a straighter than super-nipped in waistline. (#thanksyummyfoodandchildbirth) Anyway, let’s check out the options.

The Donna Karan Wrap Dress

This was the first dress I tried and I was really impressed. The shape is great and flattering and makes me appear taller. The wrap at the front hemline helps with that, as does the belted waist. I’m adoring this collar, too! It’s one of my top picks, but it is a little snug in the waistline, and the back length a leetle bit too long. I’m still loving though. It’s super-chic.

Donna Karan Wrap Dress (6) // LOVE this. Definitely a contender. Fits pretty true to size, but maybe just a bit small in the waist, and the seaming there doesn’t give. This is super-flattering with the front hemline showing a bit more leg (good for us shorties), but I’m thinking it may be juuuust a bit long from the back view. I’m not sure how hemming this would be with the scooped hemline. 

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

Two Reasonable LOFT Dresses That Are Solid Finds

The Sheath Wrap Dress

This first dress is super-cute, and nice and lightweight for summer. The fabric is so light (Tencel-like) that I thought it would be unflattering, but it isn’t. Alas, the plight of the short torso…you can see how the upper body is too long on me, and the darts don’t hit in the right place, making it gape in front. Womp womp. If you don’t have a short upper torso this is definitely worth a try! LOVE the asymmetrical hem.

Wrap Sheath Dress (6) // So soft and light and lovely and reasonable. They didn’t have a petite in my size, hence the long upper body issue, but I also think that might have been too short. It also comes in red if you need a pop instead of an LBD. On sale! Use code TREAT for 40% off.

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

The Strappy Wrap Dress

This second LOFT find was also a good one. It’s SO soft and lightweight, too. It might just make the cut for my summer option. The back view isn’t super amazing or as dressy to me as some others (sorry for the bra straps too — doh, I should’ve grabbed my strapless), but if I need a summer option (aka for an outdoor wedding or event), I’m pretty sure this would be it.

Strappy Wrap Dress (6p) // This is SO soft and comfy and flattering. It’s a little more summery/casual than a real go-to yearlong LBD, but it’s a solid option for right now. And on sale! Use code TREAT for 40% off. 

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

The Rad One I Adore But Isn’t Quite Right

OH this dress. “Try the Theory faux leather dress from the #Nsale” Shana said. “You’ll love it!” she said. AND, of course I do. BUT it’s so unforgiving. I need to size up and they’re out of an 8, wouldn’t you know it. This is the one that feels most ‘me’, so I’ll have to stalk the site for the 8. But I guess it wouldn’t be as versatile as my only LBD. Oh, but to throw this on with a long coat and high tops. It’s my dream…for another day. Le sigh. (Did you buy the 8 and are thinking of sending it back? Hit me up ASAP! Omg thank you thank you)

Theory Faux Leather Sheath Dress (6) // Sadly, this size ‘fits’ but doesn’t lay well when I move at all. It wrinkles up and the lining even shows a bit at the bottom after moving around. Do you feel sorry for me yet? Haha I’m only joking. But hop on it if your size is left to snag it during the sale!

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

Three Classic Calvin Klein Options & Maybe A Winner?

Ruffle Collar

This first CK option has a really cool neckline and a soft scuba fabric, but whew. Not forgiving here, especially in the mom-pooch area. Look away. I think the regular instead of petite might have helped me here. And yes, that’s my child with headphones on playing a game so I can #survivesummer. Working with kids at home is for the birds. How quickly I forgot the luxury of THE SCHOOL YEAR. Haha. Can I get a hell yeah?

Calvin Klein Sleeveless Sheath With Ruffle Collar (6p) // Runs slightly small I’d say, or maybe this fabric just requires Spanx. Love the collar. The rest I can leave. The other two were made of more flattering fabric.

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

Asymmetrical Neckline

This next CK option is currently my top choice. I’ll have to try it on a couple more times to be sure, but I felt great in it and it is forgiving and comfy, AND still has a rad element in the neckline that is super me. Also, I’m wearing a regular bra here and it’s not showing, so…#winning. Also? Under $100!

Calvin Klein Sleeveless Sheath (6) // Super-cute and I think my top contender. It’s comfortable, doesn’t show every bump and detail, and is well-made. The rad asymmetrical neckline is my jam for sure, and I love the exposed zipper. It’s heavier than the LOFT dresses or even the Donna Karan, but not wool or anything wintery. It’d be great for year-round for dressier events. 

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

Capped Sleeve Dress

This last one is the same fabric as the previous, but just a simpler neckline. I like it a lot as far as fit and feel, but it’s just a little plain for me. 

Calvin Klein Cap Sleeved V Neck Sheath (6) // Super-cute. A tiny bit long on me. Well-made. True to size. I like the cap sleeve here but it may be just a tiny bit plain for my taste. A solid option nonetheless.

Halogen Calf Hair Mule // Adorable, low heel, stays on your foot. TTS. 

Shop Little Black Dresses

I’m sure a few of you have found your favorite LBD. DO share your finds with us! It’s a closet piece that makes sense to spend a little time finding, and can be changed up with fun accessories for a different vibe each time you wear it. 

xo,

L

Hey, friends. Hop on over to follow me on Instagram @laurajansenstyle to see more of what I’m up to in Portland, Oregon. If you want to shop my current pieces I’m loving and wearing, head over to My Closet!