As I work on upgrading my closet basics, one of my most-worn pieces this past year has been this Helmut Lang polo dress. It’s simple yet versatile, has a stunning fit, and is so well-made. It’s a forever closet piece.
I’ve talked about my love for this dress so much that I even convinced my (very chic) mom to buy it recently, too. She sent me pics you’ll see later in the article (thanks, mom!)
This Black Helmut Lang Dress Wins A Spot In My Forever Closet
So, why do I love this dress so much? The fit, the fabric, the style, the collar, the deep V neckline, and the versatility all got me hooked. It’s the whole package and definitely worth the cost.
This dress is a great travel piece, too — you can dress it up or down with the right shoes and accessories. And while it doesn’t dress up super fancy, you can see below how I styled it for a casual outdoor wedding last fall. It looked fab!
Where To Buy: Bloomingdale’s | Helmut Lang | Bergdorf Goodman
Fit Notes: The dress fits fairly true to size for a barely loose flattering fit. You could size down if between sizes, but I love my typical size small. I’m 5’4″ with a booty and am a solid size 6. I love the side slits for a flattering look on my shorter frame. If you’re taller, there is a super-cute maxi version, too.
The Best Shoes To Pair With Helmut Lang’s Black Polo Dress
I originally featured this dress last June, and I have gotten tons of wear out of it since. You can see just how incredibly versatile this dress is based on how well it pairs with three of my favorite shoes (plus one bonus look by my mom.) From weekend getaways to casual weddings, this dress is so. freaking. good.
1 | Helmut Lang Dress + Loeffler Randall Sandals
I got these cute Loeffler Randall sandals last year and it was the perfect combo for a little weekend getaway. Both pieces are super comfy but still look a bit elevated for sightseeing, shopping, lunch out, etc.,
2 | Helmut Lang Dress + Schutz Knee-High Heeled Boots
Dress (S) | Boots | Similar Bag
Last fall we had a casual outdoor wedding to attend. It was going to be hot when we got there and then cooler after sunset, so I wanted to cover up a bit more and these knee-high boots did the trick. They were warmer, but also chic and very ‘me’ in style. I love, love a boots with a dress instead of pumps. I like the bit of edge and weight boots add.
And, I love mixing neutrals like this…black with brown and a tan clutch. I topped it off with this favorite cashmere wrap for evening.
3 | Helmut Lang Dress + Nike Mid-Top Sneakers
Dress (S) | Sneakers | Belt Bag
This is the perfect sightseeing outfit in my opinion — and these Nike mid-tops are comfy enough to wear all day long. I wish I had taken this dress along on my recent trip to NYC…this combo would have been amazing for the warm days when we were bopping around Brooklyn and Manhattan. Though this look could work almost anywhere.
The dress loosens a tiny bit with wear but doesn’t get all baggy and misshapen. It’s comfy but stylish, which is always my jam.
4 | Helmut Lang Dress + Free People Blair Lace-Up Boots
And here’s my lovely mother who bought the same dress recently. She sent over these pics and of course, I had to share. Not that we care what you wear at what age around here, but it’s nice to see pieces on a variety of peeps!
I love how she styles the Helmut Lang dress for everyday with really cool, lace-up Free People boots and a fitted denim jacket. My mom is 5’6″ with a straighter figure and is wearing a size Medium.
Dress (M) | Similar Jacket | Boots | Similar Necklace
Shop More Helmut Lang Polo Dresses
You can occasionally find Helmut Lang’s polo dress in other colors, but the black is the most worthwhile investment in my opinion. Here I rounded up multiple lengths and cuts of my beloved polo dress, but also a cute top version! I probably need that, too.
I also came across this pretty similar dress from Good American with extended sizing, too. It’s more mid-range priced at $149 but looks especially similar to the maxi version of my dress. I can’t vouch for it having the same amazing ribbed fabric or same fit, but I’m sure it’s worth a try!
This dress warranted its own (hopefully helpful) post because it’s so versatile and comfy-chic…which is right where we want most of our closet pieces to land, yeah?
xo,
L
Would love for you to say hi over on my Instagram @laurajansenstyle where there are mostly odes to snacks, OOTDs, and everyday mom life stuff in Portland, Oregon. xoxo
Profesh photos by Posy Quarterman
You both look
Gorgeous! Can your mom do more posts?! I want to be her when I grow up.
Thank you so much! She send me pics when she has time! We’ve always so enjoyed fashion together. It’s so fun.
I actually bought this dress last summer (I can’t remember if I had seen it here or somewhere else – but I was definitely influenced by someone one way or the other) and it was a great post-partum dress for me at that time. I am 5’1″ and actually had it hemmed to make it a little shorter, and I cuffed the sleeves, just because I’m fussy about proportions, but agree with everything you said. it’s clingy but not too much, looks great with a variety of shoe options, and is just overall a go-to. Can’t wait for the weather to warm up here in MN to wear it again!
Ah I’m so glad it worked for you! It just hits all the marks.
Your mom is stunning and has styled this outfit beautifully!! Love to see more from her.
Thank you so much!