little black dress?

Travelsmith has several styles of LBD. Talbot’s also has a nice selection of them.

I ordered something similar from Amazon - it was a brand that I'd never heard of - and I figured it would run really small - so I ordered an XXL - I'm normally a medium. It fits me perfectly.

Uniqlo comes to mind - they tend to sell simple staples that are easy to dress up or down; I usually find myself packing several Uniqlo pieces whenever I travel. Some of their dresses also include a built-in bra, which can be a selling point for some (I'm a fan) or a drawback for others.

This time of year Uniqlo a fair amount of linen-blend fabrics, which definitely will wrinkle a bit, but honestly, the slightly rumpled linen seems to be really in right now! I started traveling with some pieces purchased at Not Perfect Linen (an Etsy shop), and was surprised to find how I didn't feel like the disheveled mess I expected to.

I have a short sleeve black dress almost exactly like the one you've linked to that I got at Old Navy for about $15. Got a long sleeve one at Target for about the same price. I have actually replaced the short sleeve one with a new one, but only because they still have them, and I wanted to refresh what I had. Those two dresses have gone on multiple European trips with me and they are fabulous! Any wrinkles work themselves out quickly. They are great as dresses, also great over leggings and a long sleeve T if it's a bit chilly. No need to spend more $$$ if you find something like this!

I own a couple of the Lands End Fit & Flare dresses and have taken them on multiple summer trips. The cotton rayon blend travels very well. I was surprised how flattering the first one was and went back for more.

I like a black maxi skirt and tank top as an alternative. I can then wear each with other combos and it still looks dressy if needed, even for a museum day. As I get older I find this simple look is more "chic" when travelling. I wear a thin gold necklace, for example, the entire trip but underneath tees most of the time- but if worn on the outside so it shows, with simple diamond studs (also worn daily) and the black tank nobody would know it's not " fancy"- even if I wore it hiking earlier in the day.

Loved your post and reading the recommendations. I did a little search on Smarter Travel and here are the dresses that they recommend: https://www.smartertravel.com/8-great-little-black-travel-dresses/. I love the look of the Athleta Initiative Dress, so I think I think I am going to order it.

Sandy

Columbia’s PFG Freezer dress is my absolute favorite warm weather dress ever, home or travel. I have a couple (years old and still going strong) and now that I see they’re on sale, I might need another..... 😳

https://www.columbia.com/womens-pfg-freezer-iii-dress-FL5039.html?cgid=women-bottoms-skirtsDresses&dwvarFL5039variationColor=683#start=0

They are super lightweight, never wrinkle (I can stuff them in a ball in a packing cube and it’s like I was actually nice to them when I pull them out), flattering, and are soooo comfortable when it’s hot.

Love, love, love this dress.

I bought a similar style to this Eddie Bauer dress two years ago and have worn it in Europe, NYC, and D.C. It packs well and drapes very nicely. I just checked on the EB site and it's on sale right now. https://www.eddiebauer.com/product/womens-aster-crossover-dress---solid/23150913?showProducts=&color=100&sizetype=&size=

I have a ripskirt skirt in black, and that with a black tank top is really versatile, packs down to almost nothing, and easily hand washes and drys overnight. Amazon carries ripskirts but the ripskirt website has more options.

This is my favorite solid black travel dress that is so comfortable and looks nice paired with lightweight scarves or a statement necklace. I wore it twice as many days as expected during my 3-week trip to Italy last year. I’m 60, so I prefer one that slightly covers by knees.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LCH6B3U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

I also bring a second dress that’s usually more dressy and wear it to concerts & dinners. Usually a lightweight one from Christopher & Banks or Dress Barn. They’re typically polyester, so not as comfortable to wear all day.

I actually have the exact dress you linked. I bought it for our trip to Europe last summer and ended up not bringing it because the material is thick. I ended up bringing two of these dresses from Old Navy that I LOVE: the jersey knit swing dress. https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=390760002&CAWELAID=120299900002302803&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=59094350589&CATCI=pla-530814119991&tid=onpl000000&kwid=1&ap=7&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v7mBRC1ARIsAAiw34-OWDU91gjYX2SMM9AZMZLkrLVHlsk_9H5khXwSk24L1Yi7jwlib5MaAvG5EALw_wcB

The material is soft t shirt material (I used one for pajamas, they’re so comfortable). The material does wrinkle, which is the only issue. A print will make wrinkles less obvious. Other than that you can dress them up or down, wear with leggings, wear with sandals/heels/ sneakers, etc. They also have tall sizes if you want something that might cover your knees, depending on your height.

This dress, along with leggings, is what I’ll wear on the plane next time - as close to pjs as possible, but still presentable!

Uniqlo is perfect for that. I just bought a mid calf dress avail in black. Great price and wonderful fabric.
They also have some that are shorter check it out. Add a scarf, wrap or long beads and u are good to go anywhere with elegance. All at a great price point.

I was also on the hunt for a similar dress, and found one last week at Eddie Bauer.
It's the sleeveless " Astra" one mentioned in a previous comment.
It's nice light material, covers my knees for visiting churches, and fits really well. (No gaping armholes.)
I also have a black sleeveless one from Uniqlo.
It's black, but a slightly heavier knit, with a built in bra, and fits great.
It's sort of mid calf length.
Uniqlo also have very wide legged calf length pants that look like a skirt.
They are SO comfy.

I do like the Amazon one in the OP's post. It got good reviews!

I leave for France on Wed and was looking for this same thing. I ended up with this one (wrinkle free, flattering, and not all that expensive for a lined dress):
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-stretch-ruffle-crepe-sheath-dress-regular-petite/4663347?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=black

Chico's has many that are lightweight, resist wrinkling, and can be hand washed and will dry over night.

Happened to stop by Old Navy today. The dresses in Travel4fun's link were on sale for $8.00!! Tried one on and really liked it. I'm only 5'1", so usually dresses like this are too long. Liked them so much, I bought three!!

Hey I know I’m a bit late to reply, but in case you are still looking: my favorite little black dress for travel is the Chrysalis cardi by enCircled. It’s actually one of those multi-way items that can be worn as a scarf, dress, wrap, or cardigan. It’s not super dressy by itself, but I have added a jeweled belt to make it dressy enough to wear to a cocktail party.

I will say it’s a bit pricey but...I have gotten a lot of use out of mine and it is always an essential part of my travel wardrobe.

I have this in navy, and am pleased. I think it looks dressy when a scarf or fancy necklace is added.

AUSELILY Summer Loose Floral T Shirt Dress for Women Casual Loose Tunic Dress with Pockets (M, Navy Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSCYHB3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_kYp.CbJMKMG3B

Here is one that should travel nicely, and you will be in luck (sale price) if you are a size small. If you like the dress, and are not size small, still check with your local Talbots (and on-line from time to time) as merchandise may still be in the store (or returned by someone who ordered on-line).

I have what is called the ruffle neck dress (last year's model, or maybe it was the year prior) in both black and also a black/white thin stripe. Those travel beautifully......could be balled up and not come out wrinkled.

https://www.talbots.com/apparel/dresses/cotton-knit-shift-dress/P184036671.html?cgid=apparel-dresses&dwvar_P184036671_color=BLACK&dwvar_P184036671_sizeType=MS#sz=18&start=145

And, Ann Taylor is always a good source (even better when they start their sales, as in now) for good basic dresses. Lots of black ones from which to choose:

https://www.anntaylor.com/lbd/cata000042?goToPage=2

DW has done all our European travel with skirts/tops. Elegant top dresses up jeans outfits and an elegant skirt adds flare to colorful tops. Maximizes flexibility, and reduces wash worries.

I usually travel with at least one Eileen Fisher black dress. The rayon jersey dresses pack amazingly well and always look polished.