Little Black Dress
From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion
The little black dress is one of fashion's most ubiquitous, irresistible garments. Not only does it suit every occasion, it also flatters every figure. There is truly a black dress to fit every shape, accentuate all the good, conceal the 'not so good' and make a woman feel her very best. Is it any wonder the black dress is such a must-have?
About the Fabulous Black Dress
Parties. Professional galas. Last-minute get-togethers. Casual lunches. Business meetings. Lazy Sundays. They're all vastly different and require completely different types of clothing, and yet the versatile black dress easily steps in and saves the day every single time. This is because black is the universal neutral, the go-to color most women will readily admit they love and the one that is known for its magical slimming abilities.
It's not just its versatility that makes the black dress so special, though. The sheer elegance and effortless chic that radiates from a woman wearing a black dress is something to behold, indeed. Black dresses require little else in order to make a strong statement. A contrasting handbag, a piece of jewelry or two and a complementary pair of shoes do the trick nicely. The black dress is simply easy.
The Perfect Little Black Dress
We owe this fashionable wonder to Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who adopted the color and transformed it into something more acceptable than just mourning-wear. In fact, Chanel created the famous little black dress (affectionately referred to as the LBD by fashion mavens worldwide) in 1926, an homage of sorts to the growth of women in the workplace, their growing independence and their need for something as versatile and practical as it was beautiful. The original dress was made of silk, fell just below the knee, with a slash neck, straight cut and diagonal pin-tucks. It's quite clear that this style of dress is just as relevant today as it was so many years ago, yet more proof that the LBD is, without question, an enduring garment.
What to Look For
We've covered the reasons it's so special, but the aesthetic qualities that make a dress perfect are important to understand, particularly if you're in the market for one yourself. Shopping for black dresses can be both satisfying and confusing. There are easily hundreds upon hundreds of styles to choose from at any given moment. So what should you buy when faced with a sea of black dresses, each one as appealing as the last?
The trick is in finding the one (or in most cases, the ones) that will really suit your lifestyle best. If you routinely attend fancy events, your best bet is to purchase an evening dress to work for every occasion. And if your routine involves leaving work and heading out for a little after-work recuperation with co-workers or girlfriends, a transitional style will work best.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you shop for this important piece:
- Is it versatile? We use this word often, and with good reason. A dress that carries you from work to play is convenient, and can be altered slightly by the use of accessories. For example, a cardigan worn over a sleeveless black dress is ideal for daytime; when evening arrives, slip a light shawl or scarf on instead and play up the accessories to the hilt.
- Does it flatter your figure? This, more than anything else, is the most important factor of all. An ill-fitting dress will simply look unkempt, unpolished and inelegant. Pay attention to the way the dress skims your curves; does it feel tight around wide hips, does it accentuate large thighs, does it highlight a bulging belly? If the answer is yes to any of these, then you're not wearing the right dress for your body shape. The right dress will minimize any flaws and draw attention to your best features.
- Will it last? Little black dresses are a dime a dozen, but high quality dresses are what you should strive to purchase. This doesn't necessarily equate to a large price tag, but it's important to shop with endurance in mind. A cheap dress is an acceptable choice if you're only interested in wearing the garment once or twice, but if longevity is the goal, it's important to pay attention to the construction of the dress.
Wear It Well
The LBD can be worn in myriad ways, which is part of its great charm. Throw a casual style on over leggings or jeans if the weather isn't quite appropriate for going bare, or pair it with a chic and toasty cardigan when your arms are chilly. Enhance dressy styles with minimal details – your shoes are the best complement for an elegant black cocktail dress; you don't want to detract from its overall decadence. With the perfect black dress in your repertoire, you can be sure you'll wear it well and often!
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