“You can wear black in any moment of the day, no matter your age. You can wear black to almost any occasion. A black dress is essential for every woman,” said Christian Dior though it is Coco Chanel who is credited with having freed the LBD from its associations with mourning. ‘The Chanel Ford’, featured in Vogue in 1926 with the caption ‘The frock that all the world will wear’, began knocking down stereotypes about appropriate colors for each occasion. Black, a color that enhances the silhouette, complements all other hues beautifully, and has a particularly elegant night vibe, has come to be embraced by women and men the world over, with designers nearly always boasting their own interpretation in their autumn/winter collections. The one downside to a little black dress is that, if simple in cut and fabric content, it risks lending the wearer a drab or boring air. LBDs were meant to be accessorized, so make sure to liven up your favorite dress with one of these suggestions.
Creative matching
For many fashionistas, one of the biggest developments in fashion to be celebrated is the newfound freedom when it comes to shoe and bag colors. If ‘matchy-matchy’ was once in, today it’s all about contrasting or complementary looks. Black goes well with everything so if the toss-up is between a gorgeous black or a knockout beige shoe, go for the latter. We’ve been seeing a lot of beige or coffee hued shoes with black dresses and trousers in blogs and on catwalks. A shiny patent leather works particularly well to add a little shine to an otherwise serious look, while a leopard print shoe is fabulous for day or night. If you go for a monochrome neutral tone in your shoes, wear a bright colored bag (rich purple will be one of the key hues for Autumn/Winter 2018-2019) and at night, bring out a sparkly pink, purple, metallic, or multi-hued bag for a bit of extra artistry.
Daytime looks
For many women, an LBD simply doesn’t get the amount of use its price merits. That is, you may have invested in a little Chanel or Givenchy dress which you only feel right wearing to a cocktail or evening soiree. In fact, actors such as Blake Lively or Jennifer Lawrence have shown time and time again how a few accessories can change an LBD, turning it into the center of a very casual day or office look. Match it with a hip-length blazer in a pastel or bold monochrome hue, high-heeled open-toe shoes, a dark brown bag, and a long oversized necklace that almost reaches the waist. Keep your hair down, wear a cool pair of shades, and use a chunky watch to cap off the trendy urbanite look. For boho chic styling, pair your LBD with a long, knee-length cardigan (which should be longer than the dress itself), plus boots and a chunky leather bag. Rock chic chicks, meanwhile, should go straight for leather: a quality leather jacket paired with a good shoulder bag and sneakers are a bold yet appealing choice.
Dressing an LBD up
Some LBDs seem specifically made for the day, either because they have a very simple cut or because they are made of a casual fabric. It’s so easy to add a night-time feel to a dress like this. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and go for a chunky pearl necklace with various layers. Use oversized pearl earrings too, ideally dressed up with a bow or any additional element (such as fur, crystal, or gold or silver details) to differentiate your look from overtly classic styles. Your beauty styling will be key in this type of look. Long wavy locks and red lipstick will add an über elegant touch without adding any expense at all.
A little black dress and… sneakers?
One look we’ve been seeing a lot on the streets of New York involves an LBD worn with pristine white sneakers. This is a great weekend day look and it will certainly save your feet the stress of walking various blocks on a given day. Kendall Jenner recently made fashion headlines by wearing a mini LBD with a mid-calf trenchcoat and white sneakers – and yes, all her accessories were black, including her shades and bag (‘matchy-matchy’ seems to work okay with black, though the same cannot be said with lighter hues). Another trendsetter is Alexa Chung, who was recently spotted wearing a mid-thigh dress worn with Oxfords and ankle-length socks. Only for the brave!
Layering in the autumn and winter
An LBD does not only have to be worn on its own. In fact, it makes a great base for a layered outfit. Think baggy sweaters, open ponchos, or pretty lace and pearl taps with transparencies, which can be worn over your dress for a more discreet look. Even a midriff top with sparkly details will turn your dress into a unique item for a night out on the town or a quirky cocktail look. You can also wear your LBD over another garment. A spaghetti strap LBD, for instance, makes for a gorgeous day outfit when you wear it over a long-sleeved, striped cotton top. The ultimate shoe for this look is sneakers. Match it with an unexpected bag by Chanel or DKNY. Think metal rather than leather straps. Also, don’t forget the jewelry; Pandora’s mid-chest-length necklace will work great. The great thing about necklaces is that you can’t go wrong with any style. Whether it’s a cable chain necklace or a beaded chain necklace, it will definitely add to the beauty of your outfit.
The key to a winning LBD look is to be creative with the items you already have in your wardrobe and jewelry box. Think of how you can use color to create contrasting looks, don’t be afraid to ‘dress down’ your LBD for a great work or weekend outfit, and invest in good oversized and pearl jewelry, which will jazz up a plethora of outfits in your wardrobe. Finally, find your inspiration in your favorite stars and celebs, who tend to break new ground and create looks that need a dash of daring to pull off.
