Black Maxi Dresses: How to Choose One, and the Shona Joy Styles to Buy

The best black maxi dress is the one whose fabric matches the occasion: satin for evening and black tie, slinky jersey for travel and dinners, and stretch cotton for daytime events. Shona Joy cuts all three, and the newest is the Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black, a satin acetate slip with a low T bar racer back. Below are eight black maxis from Shona Joy at Coveti, how they fit, and how to wear each one.

• Best for black tie: La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress, bias cut satin.
• Best backless: Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress, with an adjustable bow at the open back.
• Easiest to pack: Miro Slinky Jersey Sleeveless Maxi Dress, stretchy viscose jersey.
• Most relaxed fit: the Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress, with no zip and no fastening.

How to choose a black maxi dress

Black flattens detail, so a black maxi lives on its fabric and its cut. Look at three things before the colour. First, the cloth: satin catches light and reads as evening, jersey drapes close and reads as relaxed, and a structured stretch cotton holds a shape. Second, the back: a low back, a racer back and a cowl all give a plain black dress a second view as you walk away. Third, the fit note: a slip that sits away from the body is forgiving, while a fitted pencil maxi needs an exact size.

A black maxi also needs one point of light. On satin, the sheen does that job. On jersey and cotton, add it with a metallic sandal, a gold cuff, a glossy lip. The aim is a long, clean line from shoulder to floor, so keep the extras small.

Eight Shona Joy black maxi dresses

1. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Black

New for October, cut from 74% acetate and 26% polyester satin with a low scoop neckline and a low T bar racer back. The fit is relaxed and designed to sit away from the body, and there is no zip, so it pulls straight on. The model is 178cm and wears an AU8. Wear it with a fine sandal and a slim clutch for an evening wedding.

2. Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress

Also new, in a stretch cotton blend of 56% cotton, 40% nylon and 4% elastane. It has a round sleeveless neckline, a fitted bodice with gathers at the waist, a centre back split and an open back that ties with an adjustable bow. The fit note is slim through the waist and body. Choose it for a cocktail party, where the bow at the back is the detail people notice.

3. La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Black

From the La Lune line, in soft touch satin of 58% LENZING ECOVERO viscose and 42% viscose. A one shoulder neckline, double adjustable rouleau straps, a low cowl back and a maxi skirt cut on the bias. It is a slip silhouette designed to be worn away from the body. This is the formal one: black tie, an evening ceremony, a gala.

4. Agnes Ruffle Slip Bias Maxi Dress in Black

Matte finish satin of 62% viscose and 38% LENZING ECOVERO viscose, with a V neck cutout edged in ruffle trim, an asymmetrical ruffle on one shoulder and an open low back. Slim fit, designed to skim the body. The matte finish suits guests who prefer less shine.

5. Miro Slinky Jersey Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Black

Slinky jersey of 91% viscose and 9% elastane, with an asymmetrical neckline and silver hardware at the shoulder and the gathered yoke. It is fitted with some stretch and lined. Jersey does not crease in a suitcase, which makes it the travel pick.

6. Miro Slinky Jersey Gathered Maxi Dress in Black

The long sleeve sister of the Miro, with a round neckline, long fitted sleeves and the same gathered asymmetrical yoke with silver hardware. Choose it for a winter dinner and a cooler evening ceremony.

7. Campbell Halter Plunged Maxi Dress in Black

A plunged halter neckline over a pencil maxi skirt, in the same 56% cotton, 40% nylon and 4% elastane stretch cotton as the new Campbell bow styles. It is fitted through the bodice, with a centre back split for walking. Wear it with a sculptural earring and the hair up.

8. Campbell Ruffle Side Split Maxi Dress in Black

Strapless, with a ruched bodice, ruffles down the bodice and hem, and a high side split. It is a fitted style designed to be worn close to the body. The ruffles add movement that plain black can lack.

How to style a black maxi dress

For a wedding: pick satin and add warmth with gold jewellery and a coloured bag. Our guide to can you wear black to a wedding covers when black is right for a ceremony. For black tie: the La Lune cowl back with a strappy heel and a long earring; see black tie dresses from Shona Joy. For dinner: the Miro jersey with a tailored blazer such as the Irena Oversized Tailored Blazer over the shoulders. For day: the Campbell stretch cotton with a flat sandal and a straw bag.

Layering works best in black on black. A sheer layer such as the Lucent Scarf in Black, a 330cm length of viscose georgette, draped over the arms keeps a strapless maxi appropriate for a church and comes off for the reception.

Black maxi dress fit: what to check

Shona Joy publishes a fit note on every style, and it is the most useful line on the page. “Designed to sit away from the body” (Savanna, La Lune cowl back) means you can take your usual size with room through the hips. “Slim fit” and “designed to skim the body” (Agnes, Campbell bow) mean the dress follows your shape, so choose the size that fits your widest point. “Fitted” (Campbell halter and ruffle, Miro) means close everywhere. Coveti lists every Shona Joy style in UK sizes, and the size guide on each product page converts UK sizes to US, Italian, French and German sizing.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes go with a black maxi dress?

A fine strappy sandal in black, gold and silver suits satin and jersey for evening. A pointed slingback suits stretch cotton by day. For a long dress, choose a heel high enough that the hem clears the floor, and take the shoes to your fitting if you plan to have it hemmed.

Can you wear a black maxi dress to a wedding?

Yes, at most modern weddings, especially in the evening and at black tie. Choose a dress with some light in it, such as satin, and add gold jewellery and a coloured bag. Check the invitation and any cultural traditions first, since some families still read black as mourning.

Which fabric is best for a black maxi dress?

Satin is best for formal evening events because the sheen keeps black from looking flat. Jersey is best for travel and long dinners because it drapes and does not crease. Stretch cotton is best by day and holds a defined shape.

Is a black satin maxi dress formal enough for black tie?

A floor length black satin dress is one of the classic black tie choices. The La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress, cut on the bias in soft touch satin, is the Shona Joy style most suited to it.

How do I make a black maxi dress look less plain?

Choose a dress with a back detail, such as a racer back, a cowl, a lace up tie and a bow, then add one strong accessory: a sculptural earring, a metallic heel and a bright clutch. Keep the rest minimal so the long line stays clean.

Related guides: Shona Joy black dresses, backless dresses, black wedding guest dresses, black bridesmaid dresses, black dresses, satin maxi dresses, designer maxi dresses.