19 Nov 2009 Dressing up the little black dress

One of my favorite pieces that I go back to time after time is my “little black dress” – a staple of any woman’s wardrobe. It can be re-worn several times with different accessories to look like a totally different dress. In fact, some women own more than one LBD.

There are many different versions of the LBD, with varying lengths in hemline. The most common hem lengths are to hit mid-calf and then right at the knee. Those are timeless and very elegant. 

This season, there are some interesting updates to the shape of the classic little black dress. One new look is the mini LBD, which covers up a lot up top, and shows off a lot of leg. This shape looks great with a pair of strappy stilettos. 

Another variation this season is the one shoulder LBD. It doesn’t matter your age or body size, any confident woman can pull off this look. A strong cuff bracelet or bangle are perfect with this style.

A little black dress is an investment piece for your wardrobe, and the better the quality, the longer you will be able to keep and wear it. I recommend spending as much as you can afford on the purchase. However, if you can’t afford to spend a lot, you can find many LBDs at more affordable prices. 

When you shop for the perfect little black dress, take at least two different shoe options with you, so you can have a true idea of how it will all look together. Choose a dress with fabric that looks more elegant than formal.

Always remember that if you like the shape and fabric, but the waist might be a tad too loose, you can always purchase the dress and have alterations made. Fit the dress to the largest part of your body, and a great tailor can make the necessary adjustments. It will have been tailored to fit your body!

Whatever look you choose, you need to make sure that you can get maximum versatility out of the dress. You should be able to take it from a casual business dinner to a more formal event. The accessories that you pair with your LBD will take it from casual to glam! In addition to changing out accessories, for a splash of pizzazz think about having your shoes or handbag in a fun color. 

Three things to think about as you accessorize your little black dress: 

First, black can be mixed with metallics. Typically, we think first of pairing silver with black. However, gold is a much more elegant, rich look. It gives an awesome contrast to the black. 

Second, black on black is an extremely sophisticated look. It’s fun mixing the different shades of black together. 

Last, think of adding a brilliant dash of color – in your shoes, handbag or even a scarf. This gives a fun, flirty look to your perfect LBD.