Your Perfect LBD Exists—and These Chic Picks Are All Under $100

My favorite fashion rules are those that lend themselves to simplicity: Take one thing off before you leave the house, for instance. Quality over quantity. Jeans and a white tee never go out of style. Finally—the reason we’re gathered here today—never underestimate the power of a little black dress.

The Best LBDs Under $100

• The Timeless Touch: Mieazom Sleeveless Square-Neck Sundress, $39
• The Strapless Design: Free People Onda Drop-Waist Tube Mini, $58
• The Backless Style: Hello Molly Essential Wear Midi, $79
• The Playful Pattern: Lioness District Maxi, $88
• The Special Occasion Savior: Superdown Astri Maxi, $88
• The Work Warrior: Abercrombie & Fitch Paloma Maxi, $90
• The Halter Hero: Vince Ruched Halter-Neck Maxi, $95
• The Going-Out Option: Meshki Calantha Ruffle Mesh Mini, $95
• The Bubble Dress: Aritzia Poplin Dress, $98
• The Drop-Waist Darling: ASTR the Label Drop-Waist High-Neck Dress, $99

It can be sultry or professional. Wear one to a funeral or your own birthday party. There is never a wrong time to wear one, which makes it a true wardrobe unicorn. However, contrary to unicorn lore, there’s a sea of black frocks for shoppers to choose from, meaning there’s one for every body type, aesthetic, and budget. And on that note, I present the best LBDs under $100 to wear on repeat for the rest of the year.

Mighty Minis

If we’re using the truest interpretation of the LBD, it ought to be little. I love a minidress; wearing one makes me feel flirty and feminine. And who doesn’t want that? This summer, tube dresses and linen have been especially prevalent. As for me, I’m just waiting for a chance to take this ruffly Meshki frock out for a night on the dance floor.

Modern Midis

The trusty Goldilocks of hemlines. When a mini feels too revealing, but a maxi looks too formal, a midi strikes the perfect balance between the two. Plus, they’re great for dressing up or down with the right footwear. Milkmaid and drop-waist styles are two of the hottest summer trends.

Magic Maxis

Maybe you didn’t shave your shins. Maybe you got a nasty sunburn. Maybe you believe the sight of your legs is a privilege that must be earned. Whatever the reasoning behind it, everyone should have at least one good maxi in their closet. Look for a halter neckline or an open back to add sex appeal or polka dots for a bit of playfulness.

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.