Since the dawn of Vogue, fashion enthusiasts around the world have rambled about the crucial importance of the LBD. As we all know, ‘the little black dress’ is a wardrobe essential that has a multitude of functions, easily transitioning from day to evening. In theory, everything about the LBD screams simplicity. However, many women find it difficult to select and style the right piece. The confusion doesn’t end there. So, you’ve found the ideal dress – comfortable, sleek, and luxurious – exactly how do you transition it from the office to a cocktail party? Don’t worry. Here are three crucial tips to aid you in selecting and styling an adaptable little black dress.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
The perfect LBD should have a simple texture and silhouette. Choosing a light, breathable fabric will increase comfort, allowing you to more easily transition the piece from day to evening. Additionally, choosing a comfortable fabric and flattering silhouette will make you feel more confident. As we know, confidence is the key to looking and feeling fabulous!
This Ralph Lauren LBD checks all of the boxes. The soft jersey dress offers easy pull-on styling and has a gorgeous curve-hugging silhouette paired with a modest and professional knee-length hemline. The cap sleeves, empire waist, and crossover V-neckline are figure-flattering and flirty without revealing too much. Appropriate for day and evening, this piece can be easily transitioned from the office to a holiday party. So, we’ve laid the foundation. Now, let’s amp it up!
ACCESSORIZE
As you know, the LBD’s best quality is its adaptability. Take a page from the Blake Lively stylebook: layer a blazer on top of the dress to quickly inject a level of professionalism into your outfit. Opting for a light colour or printed piece will reveal your creativity and personal style. Blake’s nude blazer, brown leather handbag, and tan shoes beautifully offset the darkness of the dress, making it more appropriate for daytime.
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The addition of a statement necklace adds another layer of personality to the outfit. Blake’s approach to styling her LBD, or in this case a ‘little navy dress’ (don’t be afraid to opt for a more unique neutral colour like navy or charcoal), highlights the flexibility of a quality garment. By removing the blazer, opting for a velvet burgundy heel, and reaching for an evening clutch, Blake could easily transition this piece from the streets of NYC to an LA red carpet event.
ELIMINATE TO ELEVATE
To elevate your style for an evening event, you must meditate on the old adage: less is more. The beauty of the LBD lies in its simplicity – scaling back your ensemble emphasizes the garment’s quality and silhouette.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
A sleek ponytail, select jewellery pieces, and neutral heels allow Blake’s fitted cap-sleeved dress to do all the talking. Similar to the Ralph Lauren example, Blake’s figure-hugging dress is beautiful, flattering, and sexy without revealing too much. Both professional and flirty, the garment is structured, luxurious, and best of all, adaptable. Investing in a strong staple wardrobe piece like Blake’s sophisticated garment makes it easier to ‘outfit repeat’. A quality garment can be recycled by switching out accessories or even eliminating them altogether. Try sidelining your accessories. Instead, pair the dress with a bold lip and undone hairstyle for a simple luxe evening look.
Written by Sydney Van Kerrebroeck