The Little Black Dress (a.k.a LBD) has become a staple of fashion, elegance and necessity since its formal debut in Vogue in 1926. We have transitioned this acronym into other hybrids such as LBB’s (little black bags), LBC’s (little black capes), LBJ’s (little black jackets) and LBS’s (little black sneakers) See below. We’re going to give you a few amazing tidbits as well as our top picks for this season:
by Samantha Ibrahim
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Did you know that black dresses were actually worn only to funerals and was reserved for the months after to mourn in the early 20th century? It wasn’t until Coco Chanel published her sketch in Vogue when the idea of wearing black dresses became more mainstream.
From Power Meeting to Dinner: #womanboss
D&G Black Scalloped Lace Dress
Dolce And Gabbana Black Medium Sicily Dauphine Leather Top Handle Bag
Chanel Vintage ‘Première’ watch
Chanel Vintage quilted briefcase
The idea of wearing black in a more casual environment became more evident when in the 1940s, French singer Edith Piaf, glamorized the LBD and it became her trademark. Thousands of her admirers copied her look, thus making the dress a more common outfit. Probably the most famous example of a Little Black Dress was in 1961, when it was paired with pale pink lipstick, pearls and a cat named Cat.
Weekend:
Add a cheeky twist to your dress collection with Boutique Moschinos embroidered sheath. A musical motif adds a sartorial twist to its curve-hugging silhouette – Black jersey, pearl embroidery, scoop neckline, thin straps, hidden back zip – Form-fitting – Team with a biker jacket and sky-high heels if going from day to cocktails
Dolce & Gabbana ‘Ibiza’ slip-on sneakers
Audrey Hepburn had shined in an LBD in her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The 1990s gave the style world the image of Elizabeth Hurley, when she wore a black and gold safety pin-adorned Versace dress at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral, in which she forever changed the way an LBD was seen. And now to present day when the Little Black Dress has been accessorized with sequins and leather, the dress has evolved into a new way for women to dress.
Evening Dinners, Cocktails, Summer Weddings:
Aidan Mattox Sleeveless Illusion Inset Dress
Hervé Léger Bandage Dress with V-Neckline – black
A LBD can appear timeless by adding a few accents and accessories to make a new outfit every time you step out of the black Lexus. Add booties and a leather motorcycle jacket for a rocker chick look or add some Louboutins and a diamond necklace for an elegant dinner party.
Summer Vacation:
White & black Striped Shorts
Alexander McQueen Stretch Knit Bardot Top
Dolce & Gabbana ‘Sandalo’ sandals
Medium Dolce & Gabbana ‘Sicily’ tote
As the trends change, styles changes, and colors are added in. Little black dresses have become Little black jumpsuits and little black two-pieces. There a thousand and one ways to spice up and little black outfit for any occasion. Whether it’s to a premiere party or to a backyard fest, the simple and elegant Little Black Dress can be worn casual or fancy, but ultimately it has become an integral part of the fashion world in the last 90 years and will continue to stay. Add your own spice to your LBD.
-SI
