Move over LBD: Big Black Dresses are our new shape of choice

Big dress energy is taking over with these versatile monochrome pieces

The LBD is a classic for a reason — a black, mini dress that flatters the figure is the answer to many a wardrobe upset. But in 2020, we’re all about the comfort. Where LBD’s are reserved for days when we are also able to take on the heels and attitude, a big black puffy dress speaks for itself (and lets us relax a little).

A big black dress (or a BBD, as it shall heretofore be known) looks as good with a messy bun and runners than it does with a full-glam look. The a-line, tiered smock-shape we’ve seen over the past 12 months has radiated everywhere, from the runways at Cecilie Bahnsen and Ganni to the Zara dress we all know and love, and everywhere in between.

Contrary to popular belief, an airy, puffy shape will not necessarily be unforgiving to a bigger figure — quite the opposite. Pretty much any body shape can take on the BBD of the moment, and the comfort and versatility it affords to the wearer makes it all worth it.

Embellished, plain, cotton, silk, leather, belted, loose — in any colour, so long as it’s black. If you’re interested in cultivating some big dress energy for yourself, here are some of our favourites.

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ASOS DESIGN Curve tiered cotton poplin smock midi dress in black, €44.24 from ASOS

DREAM Prairie lace maxi dress, €222.95 from Sister Jane

MM6 Maison Margiela asymmetric panelled pleated crepe and cotton-poplin dress, €724.47 available from Net-a-Porter

Balloon-sleeved dress, €34.99 from H&M

Faux leather dress, €59.95 from Zara

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Jayda silk-taffeta midi dress, €1,628.62 available from Net-a-Porter

Stradivarius poplin smock dress with collar detail in black, €35.93 available from ASOS

Faux leather dress, €49.95 from Zara

Avavav ruffled tiered cotton-poplin maxi dress, €380 available from Net-a-Porter

Gathered leather dress, €450 from Arket

ASOS DESIGN high neck tiered mini smock dress in textured organza, €69.13 from ASOS

Combined voluminous dress, €49.95 from Zara

Cotton voile slip dress, €89 from Arket

Lee Mathews Hattie ruffled floral-print silk-chiffon maxi dress, €1,139 available from Net-a-Porter

Milk It Vintage oversized smock dress with balloon sleeves and open back in taffeta, €62.21 from ASOS

Simone Rocha broderie anglaise cotton-poplin midi dress, €655 available from Net-a-Porter

Baccara Rose midi wrap dress, €110.95 from Sister Jane

Baccara Rose midi wrap dress, €110.95 from Sister Jane

Cecilie Bahnsen Ebba tiered faille midi dress, €1,080 available from Net-a-Porter