black casual maxi dress Cotton Polyester Split Skirt Square Neck A back slit allows for effortless movement Muchica Women's Summer Black Elegant

PSA: because black tie dress codes are pretty rare, you wont get as much wear out of your outfit as you would if you were buying a white t-shirt or jeans, for example, so renting your look would be a clever and sustainable choice

Jackets and pants are sold separately so you can mix sizes for a better fit, and free returns and exchanges make it easy to get it right the first time

Photography by Alana Harris Necklace: Very Allegra Dress: LIKELY Butterfly Heels: Sophia Webster Clutch: Saint Laurent Butterfly heels Butterfly heels These Sophia Webster heels are quite possibly the most fun shoes I own

Brown Sandals Flat sandals are of course my go-to to pair with summery black dresses

5-foot-9, sizes 6 to 8) test each dress