While there is an abundance of pretty printed dresses available right now that scream summer, some occasions call for a simple black dress. These are the ones we reach for when we are getting ready in a hurry, when we don’t know what to wear, when we want to look and feel our best without having to try too hard … the equivalent of a sartorial comfort blanket, a black summer dress is chic, comfortable and easy to wear. When the temperature rises, beat the heat in a little black dress – throughout summer, opt for natural fabrics like linen or cotton that will help keep you cool. Here are ten of the best black dresses to buy now and wear all summer long …

Main featured image: Zara.