Long Black Dresses

Need help choosing your wardrobe for an evening event? The Long Black Dress is the standard-bearer for a reason—it’s flattering, elegant and always appropriate in a formal setting.

You can count on Macy’s to offer the latest minimalist designs or the most opulently embellished formal dresses around. We’ve got a few ideas about how to style long black dresses to achieve the maximum “wow factor,” so read on and feel free to take notes.

Highlight New Angles
There’s a trick to making long black formal dresses seem unexpected. Choose designs with cool cutouts, unique details or fascinating textures that provide instant interest and you’ll always be well-dressed at a formal affair.

A long black velvet dress conveys a luxe feel for fall and winter, while the gossamer-fine fabric of a long black lace dress is perfect for warm weather.  A gown with illusion mesh offers a more daring look. We bet you never thought a long black dress with sleeves could be so bold!

Create a Foundation
Whether you end up wearing a clingy jersey dress or a taffeta ball gown, set yourself up for success with shapewear underneath. These figure-enhancing garments create a smooth foundation that ensures your dress—not your panty line—grabs the spotlight.

Select a body shaper that connects to a strapless bra, waist-whittling briefs or a curve-controlling slip. Whatever works best with your dress and your body type will be the right choice.

Sprinkle on a Little Icing
The old adage “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” remains true, but it’s certainly not the only type of fine jewelry you can wear to set off a long black dress.

Gold, pearls and colored gemstones, either precious or semi-precious, all pop against a black background, so feel free to experiment with real and costume pieces to your heart’s content.

Your event to remember begins with finding the perfect long black dress at Macy's.