The Daytime Cage Black Dress (Including a Petite and Plus Size Pick Under $100)

Cage-like cutouts tend to end up on evening dresses paired with high shine fabrics and embellishment; but plain, grid cut eyelet fabric makes the look work as a less formal interpretation. The texture makes it an option that’s interesting enough to not become a basic (in the boring, bland sense of the word) piece, while maintaining the versatility that makes little black dresses so popular in the first place.

Carven Cutout Cotton Dress, $830

Carven’s take on the style has a minimally gathered front and uncovered contrasting back panel, with a lining that stops a few inches short of the hem to play up the pattern.

Looks great with: thick strapped, dark metallic sandals that keep the cutout theme running from head to toe, and a statement necklace with rectangular stones.

From top to bottom

Venessa Arizaga Rock With You Necklace, $475

Steve Madden Spycee Platform Pump, $90

Nocturne Reem Necklace, $298

Dr. Martens Clarissa Sandal, $110

Under $100

eShakti Fiona Dress in Black Cotton Eyelet, $95

eShakti’s version has a more classic fit and all-over eyelet, but the same silhouette overall. Aside from the obvious price advantage, eShakti offers standard sizing from 0 up to 36W, customizes according to height – always an advantage for the petite or tall shopper – and offers a number of customization options. If your perfect version of this dress involves a maxi-skirt and a v-neck, for example, they can make it happen.

The Daytime Cage Black Dress (Including a Petite and Plus Size Pick Under $100) from Signature9