Is this the classic of all classics?

So I did mention the other day on one of the comments someone left me - wouldn't it be nice to wear out out a colour that wasn't black?  So many people wear black (bar one of my best friends who wouldn't be seen dead in it, she is a head to toe navy girl.  Her stock line is "oh I love that, do they do in navy?"!)

And I am probably most guilty of having a wardrobe that is predominantly void of colour.  If you held a gun at my head, for me it's black.  It's always black.  When I am asked about what are the most important things in a basic wardrobe, I have to admit the first thing that always comes to mind when you're putting together a capsule collection to wear, is something black. 

Black coated or leather skinnies, black blazer, black fine knit jumper, black oversized jumper, black fitted polo neck, black boots, black bag....and a white shirt. (there is more too...)  I'd hate for anyone to think that all I wore was black.

But the ultimate black item that I truly think is a must have for the majority of us (there are always exceptions to the rules... you know who you are navy lovers) is the LBD. 

Maybe it's so important to me because when I was younger (a lot younger) it always seemed to be the epitome of style.  You were properly grown up, elegant and went out out, if you had an "LBD" in your wardrobe.  Along with red lippie (although I'm not going to lie, it has taken me 42 years to find one that works and I stumbled across that by total accident the other day when the 11yr old and I were having a make up trying on session in M&S.  It's not even supposed to be red - it looks wine coloured, it's called Oxblood, but on me, it's the perfect shade of red.  Clearly that's where I've been going wrong.  Trying on red shades to get a red lipstick - you can sort of see why I would - when all along I should have been trying burgundy ones out.  As they turn red on me.  Hopefully that will help someone else) 

Clearly we won't be wearing our hair scraped back, therefore avoiding all Robert Palmer references and my days of second skin black dresses are long gone (although I do have a ruched Patrizia Pepe one I really should see if I can pour myself back into, after I've surgically attached the Spanx to myself) 

Now is the best time to buy as the offers are in abundance.  Seriously, I can't keep up with the discount codes that are flooding my inbox. 

Starting with a whopping 25% off Atterley Road with the code NEW25.

With a different sort of dress.... this could easily be worn during the day - I like the idea of a thin jersey polo neck under it for a layering look.  Or simply perfect for a night out. 

Atterley Road Black leather V neck dress £175 pre discount 

Another bargain at hush with their dress me up dress me down Sienna Dress.  This is gorgeous - can be worn with opaques or nude tights or with leggings as seen here. 

Sienna Dress was £55 now £45 with their Halloween offer.



Another super versatile number from hush - this isn't included in the offer but you can use PUMPKIN15 for 10% off. 

Winter Newport Dress £49 pre discount



More jersey that would work for all occasions at Jaeger.  Again they have 20% off this week till Sunday, code OCTOBER20.

Jersey Seamed Detail Dress £99 




A more fitted jersey number at Me+Em and a fantastic 20% off everything with the code FNJC1. 

Twist Knot Dress in black £98  Great flattering ruching at the waist.




It's not often that you find boho style dresses in the Winter so if you want something a bit more laid back but still with a dressy edge, then this is perfect from Mint Velvet. 

Black Pintuck Swing Dress in Black £99



Yet another discount offer at Warehouse - 20% off with the code STYLIST20.  All prices pre discount.

And this black dress is perfect for those who prefer something less fitted. 

Black Cornelli Trim Dress £55



But my personal choice from Warehouse would be the fabulous combo of the slightly casual style knit fabric with full on glamour beading.  This one to me is the ideal party dress. 

Black Embellished Neck and Cuff Dress £50



Upping the glam stakes now with a couple of dressier options.  Best thing about most of these is that you could wear them into the Spring as well.  

Starting with one from Warehouse again - now I love this, I really really do but the level of Spanx needed for me (or I would perhaps go so far as to say any mere mortal who has a penchant for wine and crisps and a loathing for exercise) gives me stomach cramps at the thought.

But it's such a stunning dress, love the variation on a black dress with the texture and the silhouette is stunning. 

Black Bardot Lace Dress £55 - pre discount



Very similar to the Triangle dress they had in the Summer which I LOVED.  Super super versatile.  You probably wouldn't be dressing this one down in the Winter (assuming you live in Blighty, East coast USA or Europe)

hush Anastasia Dress £65 (don't forget PUMPKIN15 for 10% off this price) 



A far dressier number now but stunning for a party. 

Atterley Road Black V Neck Audrey Satin Dress £115  You can see why it's called the Audrey, can't you (don't forget your 25% off)