The “little black dress” is considered an essential piece to complete a wardrobe by many women and fashion experts and in my personal opinion, every woman should own at least one. One dress that can take you from the office to a funeral to a cocktail party, depending on what you accessorize it with and the style you choose, can be a money-saver and perhaps the most versatile item you own.
Coco Chanel is credited with designing the little black dress, “LBD” in Paris during the 1920’s. Coco, living in a post World War I, fully understood that every woman desired to look fantastic and didn’t want to “break the bank” doing it. She designed a dress that was visually versatile, in a simple color that most importantly had to be affordable so that everyday women could have access to it.
I buy LBD’s like some people buy packs of gum…ok, maybe not that often but I own more black dresses than anything else in my closet. But there is a huge difference in some of the styles and prices and only a few that I consider a “true” LBD.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR…
A “true” little black dress is one that is as simple in its design as possible so that id doesn’t become “dated”. The beauty of the LBD is in its complete fashion versatility as an article of clothing. You of course want to look for a design that is flattering to your body type. It should be something that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion…worn with a jacket and pumps for daytime business wear or more ornate jewelry and accessories for an evening out.
- Depending on your face and body shape…a few tips on choosing “your” style. (These aren’t rules per say since everyone’s different but a few tips that can help you decide and what to look for when shopping for a little black dress.)
- Necklines…Oval face shapes suit any neckline while square faces are flattered by a scoop neck. Round faces tend to look slimmer in a V-neck, while people with oblong face shapes can wear high necklines well.
A sleeveless black dress can be worn as is or with a lace blouse or jacket. There are some of us though who prefer not showing off our upper arms so when choosing a LBD with sleeves, look for simple ones, nothing too trendy.
- Petite – A hem that hits just above the knee will make your body appear longer.
- Pear – Halter necks or T-back styles will help balance your larger bottom half and show off your shoulders and upper body.
- Apple – If your middle is your “problem” area, a dress with a defined waist will help create the illusion of a smaller tummy.
- Boyish – Peplum dresses or belted details will give your straight-up-and-down form the suggestion of curves.
- Hourglass – A form-fitting dress will showcase your naturally womanly figure and accentuate your waist.
- Plus-size – Fitted but not too tight. A faux wrap dress with a low V-neck is flattering. The skirt shouldn’t be too loose or too tight and just skim over the legs to create a smooth shape.
MY FOUR “LBD” PURCHASES THIS MONTH…
This Ann Taylor Loft dress is actually one I’ll wear for years and years. There’s nothing trendy about it and I can literally wear it for any occasion. The neckline is flattering to my body, the wrap-style is timeless, it’s super comfortable, the length is perfect and while it has sleeves, they don’t take away from the simple lines. With different accessories, I can change-up the look easily and effortlessly. This dress would retail for approximately $89.50 but I bought it at Discover Goodwill for $9.99.
This Laundry by Shelli Segal dress, while not technically a little black dress, is still something that I would consider one. Again, the length is perfect for me, and while it’s a bit “busier” with its lace overlay, it’s still a classic cut. By changing out a bracelet, earrings or shoes, I can wear it for several different events. A necklace isn’t necessary with a style like this. I put a black sweater over this with tights and boots and it totally changed up the look, making it more casual. Similar Laundry by Shelli Segal dresses sell for approximately $200 but I got it at Ashley’s Attic (829 N. Tejon – 719-237-1323) for $20.
This Marc New York Andrew Marc dress is a “true” LBD. It’s structured, sleeveless, the perfect length and there’s nothing “trendy or dating” about it. This will be “in style” this year and 10 years down the road. I could wear this to the office with pumps and a jacket, I can add sparkly jewelry and sexy sandals for a cocktail party, tights and boots will give it a more casual feel, and the list goes on…..This was my “splurge” dress for the year, costing $138 at Nordstrom.
*Ok, so I have to admit, I haven’t shopped at Nordstrom in years and it was quite a delightful experience! (Except for the sticker shock!) Back in January a good friend had given me a Nordstrom gift card for my birthday but I hadn’t used it until now since I don’t get to Denver that often and that’s where the nearest Nordstrom is. I wanted to buy something that I loved, would last for years, would be in style for years, and that my husband liked (because his opinion does matter to me, though it doesn’t always dictate what I wear.) As soon as we walked in the store I saw a million things that I loved. My husband immediately pointed to several dresses he thought I’d look fabulous in but even without looking at the price tag, I KNEW they were out of my budget…the prices ranged from $1,200 to $1,500! Even though it had been a long time since I had been in the store, I knew there was a section with more price-friendly outfits so that’s where we headed. There was actually quite a large assortment of beautiful dresses ranging in the $100 to $150 price and I don’t have a problem occasionally spending that when I know it will hold up and be in style for years and years to come. When the very helpful salesperson opened the dressing room for me, my immediate thought was “I’m not in thrift anymore!” The dressing room was as large as one of our bedrooms with the most flattering light, the most amazing mirrors and a raised circular platform to stand on. It was fabulous!
This “teeze me” dress, (you can find this brand at Macy’s and Dillard’s, among other stores) is fabulous and makes me feel sexy without showing too much skin. It is what I’d consider the most trendy of the four dresses because of its hemline but because I liked it and it was super affordable, I bought it. This brand sells for approximately $59 to $79 but I bought it at Goodwill. The price was $7.99 but half off that day so I paid a whopping $3.99.
So regardless of your budget, you can see that anyone and everyone can afford to hang a little black dress in their closet. If money’s not an issue, you can afford to own several, and even pay full price for more trendy pieces. If you are limited with your funds, choose a dress that will stand the test of time versus what’s “hot” this season. Think about where you’d wear your LBD and what type of accessories you already own or can inexpensively pick up to change-up the look. And when you do find the perfect one for your body, lifestyle and budget, well, it will be the one piece of clothing you can always count on to make you look and feel good and never question yourself again with, “what should I wear?”
*A note…the proper undergarments always make a LBD look even better!
I’ve showcased my very favorite ($1.99) little black dress before but here it is again, that we totally changed up SIX different ways. And while the length isn’t necessarily in the “rules” of the LBD, it still works because of the simplicity of the design.