I don't currently own a black dress. I am not a fan of dresses. But I do have black slacks and capris and dark gray twill pants too. The only time I have to wear them is when someone passes. I am a super low maintenance gal. And I much prefer color then basic black.
If i had to buy a little black dress it would be knee length and capped sleeved with a slight dropped waste and soft flow fabric. (to help hide the extra bumps i have
.) Now if were talkin shoes... oh how thats my weakness. Regardless of a few extra lb. my shoes always look cute.