The little black dress, LBD as we call it, has effortless elegance which is what so many want to achieve with their style. Effortless elegance seems like a contradiction but like many evergreen trends, it relies on tension. A woman wearing a little black dress has no reason not to shine. The LBD does not give the woman who wears it anything to hide behind.
The color black holds such significance. It is the fashion uniform for a reason— you can’t go wrong with black. Black is severe and seductive, demure and raven, posh and discreet, austere and chic. Black inspires contradictory sensory associations. According to Anne Hollander, fashion historian, “black could be used with creative perversity for emotional effect”.
Every woman needs her own version of the quintessential little black dress. Karl Lagerfeld said that “one is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress”. You can dress it up or down effortlessly depending on the occasion. If done right, it never goes out of style.
Here are 5 Things you need to know about the LBD
It was inspired by Coco Chanel
It is said that Coco Chanel was the one who made the LBD famous when she designed a simple straight-lined black dress in the garconne style (a woman who expresses a quietly assured, masculine-feminine style) in 1926. Prior to this, black was only worn for mourning.
The little black dress is inspiring
The LBD is refined, timeless and therefore iconic. It evokes femininity and sophistication. It has a classic look that stimulates elegant lifestyle, clean crisp and on point. So many of the clothes we buy, because they are grounded in fashion, have an expiration date that is subject to fads and trends. The LBD can lasts for years without looking like a fashion faux pas.
The little black dress is great in its simplicity
The real secret to the LBD is in its simplicity. It is the main event and is best worn with only one staple jewelry item. Remember how Audrey wore just pearls as the staple necklace when she wore her little black dress in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Black contrasts extremely well so any accessory you add is sure to pop. Be careful not to go crazy in sprucing up the LBD. For a classic look, keep it simple.
It Flatters Every Body Type
Black is neutral and demure. It flatters everyone. Because black recedes, it makes one look taller and smaller. It doesn’t clash with any skin tone. Find a LBD that fits your body type. There’s a little black dress for everyone whether you’re a plus size or petit. Find one that fits perfect for your body type.
Also, think of the occasion you are going to. Should it be a cocktail dress, short dress, long evening dress, or sexy black dress? What’s the season; will you need it to be strapless, with sleeves or without?
Try on many different dress types to find what looks best on your body. Maybe it’s a square neck, v-neck, or empire waist that flatters you the most. Make it work around your body!
The LBD goes with every season
We think darker colors for the colder months and lighter colors for the warmer monts. Black is the exception to this. You can wear black throughout the year, repurposing your black summer dresses in the winter by adding a sweater and putting on stockings.
Because the little black dress is so versatile, it can be your go-to dress for a romantic dinner, a work holiday party or a trendy rooftop after business drink. You can never go wrong with the wearing a little black dress.
Here are some of my favorite little black dress styles from Naked Zebra.
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Lina Mini Ruffle Shift Dress
Carlee Mini Dress
Gigi Mini Dress
Lilly Mini Ruffle Dress
Kendall Pleated Ruffle Dress
Ainsley Ruffle Dress
Do you have a go-to little black dress? How do you dress up and accessorize your little black dress?
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