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Have you seen the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffanys”? Did you notice the “Little Black Dress”? Do you have a little black dress in your closet? Why a little black dress? The little black dress is a staple item from which you can build a wardrobe.
Where did the term little black dress originate? Coco Chanel was the creator of the little black dress (LBD). In 1926, Coco Chanel came out with the first little black dress.[1] Prior to this time, black was typically only worn at funerals, but Coco Chanel introduced her modern fresh ideas as women grew in society. Women began to shed the full heavy layered dress of the early 1900’s and quite frankly get more comfortable. As said by Coco Chanel “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.“[2]
The uses for a basic black dress are endless; therefore, we all need one. One can leave work and go out to dinner and cocktails in a little black dress. One can wear their little black dress with a black jacket and go on an interview, wear a cardigan for a casual look, add a scarf and attend a funeral, dress it up with jewelry and dance all night at a wedding or throw on a wrap and enjoy the theater. One can wear their little black dress in a pinch for any occasion that comes up last minute; however, you must be sure you own the right style black dress.
The style of your little black dress should be right for your body. All body shapes look great in a black dress, as long as your little black dress complements your body shape. Your little black dress should not be tight as it will be used for many types of occasions. The basic style of the little black dress is made up of straight clean lines free from embellishments. This is a tank style dress with at least one inch wide straps. The neckline of your little black dress should complement your upper body. For example, a bustier woman may choose a scoop neck or a boat type neckline. A smaller female should choose a V neck style. The V neck should be high as plunging necklines are not appropriate for all occasions. The length of your little black dress should be just above the knee. The style of the skirt portion of your dress should complement your lower body. A pencil skirt style may be right for thin women, and a heavier woman may go with a looser flowing A-line. As you customize your little black dress, you are also customizing your signature style for future dress purchases.
The waist line of your little black dress should also complement your body. You may choose a straight dress, an empire waist or a true waist. Whichever you choose, be sure this is not a belted dress, as that is an embellishment. The little black dress is meant to show you at your best. Wear your basic black dress with basic black pumps for a clean look. Basic black pumps are the next staple item you should have in your closet.
The little black dress you choose should not be trendy or a fad. As your little black dress is meant to be a staple item in your wardrobe and never go out of style.
Your little black dress will not let you down. Your little black dress is a part of your signature style and will always be waiting for you in your closet at a moment’s notice. The little black dress is a simple classic look.
Related articles
- The little black dress (myinstyleclub.wordpress.com)
- Budget Stylista: The Little Black Dress (collegecandy.com)
- Little Black Dress of the Day (tease.thedailywh.at)
- Discover the Ideal Little Black Dress to match your Appearance (daniellehallett.wordpress.com)
- Style Icon Who; Redefined Women’s Fashion-‘Coco Chanel’ (stylebyladyg.wordpress.com)
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