black short dress with thick straps FANCYINN Junior's V-Back U-Neck Inslace Hem Wide Tank Mini Skater Cocktail Dresses Black S : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry The Bardot Thick Strap Mini Dress is designed to make a statement with its bold design and comfortable fit. Women's Thick Strap Lace Trim

You still want a gown, still want that elevated finishbut the overall effect should feel lighter, as if the look belongs in sea air and sunset light

they want to ensure you get good coverage and still look elegant and fashionable

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute

16 Gwyneth Paltrow, November 2000 Getty Images Gwyneth Paltrow took the little black dress to a whole new level at the Bounce premiere in 2000

The top and skirt wouldn't be two pieces you might expect to put together, but just make sure there's a similar color story and then pattern-mix to your heart's content