NYC Required Apparel: Little Black Dresses For Every Season

If there’s one article of clothing that all New York City women should have in their closet it’s a little black dress. Not since, well, anything has one single item of apparel been versatile—and stylish!—enough to take you from the office to the opera with only a change of accessories. Hot date? Add a statement necklace and high heels. Job interview? Throw on a blazer and opaque tights and you’re go to go.

Despite its ubiquity in NYC, finding the perfect little black dress (you know, the one that hugs in all the right places and doesn’t wrinkle, fade, or lose its shape) is almost as hard as finding the perfect man. But luckily, Haute Living is here to help. We scoured our favorite NYC retailers for chic little black dresses that you can wear all year long.

SPRING: When there’s still a nip in the air, choose cap or three-quarter sleeves or a higher neckline for added warmth.

Etienne Deroeux Sleeveless Silk Blend Shirt Dress ($475)

Noam Hanoch Eva Open Back Lace Dress ($795)

Halston Heritage Cap-Sleeve Sateen Dress ($445)
SUMMER: You’re tan, toned, and smiling thanks to never-ending sunny skies—now is the time to show off a little skin. 

Cushnie et Ochs Deep V-Neck Mesh-Inset Sheath Dress ($1395)

Herve Leger Bandage Dress ($780)

Rebecca Taylor Charlotte Lace-Paneled Silk Studded Dress ($595)

FALL: Break out your high-knee boots and your favorite patterned stockings for a monochrome look that’s anything but boring.

Josie Natori Dahila Lace Dress ($450)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress ($199)

Jovani Textured Long-Sleeve Cocktail Dress with Beaded Cuffs ($560)

WINTER: Contrary to popular belief, it’s still possible to look sexy when you’re covered from head-to-toe. Simply choose a more form-fitting fabric and pair with fleece-lined tights—best. invention. ever.

 Stella McCartney Jewel-Neck Open-Back Godet Gown ($4095)

Cynthia Steffe Emilian Embellished-Sleeve Dress ($258)

 Rag & Bone Ashlyn Cut Out Shoulder Ribbed Dress ($395)