Versatile, flattering and timelessly elegant, the little black dress is the must-have item in every woman’s wardrobe. From graceful, curve-creating halter necks to stunning flared hemlines, there’s an ‘LBD’ to suit every figure. Established by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the little black dress has gone from strength to strength and today every designer worth their salt, from runway names to budget brands, has a wide range to choose from.
The beauty of the LBD lies largely in its flexibility: whether you’re heading to the office or the dance floor, you can count on your LBD to deliver the perfect outfit for every occasion.
important meeting
It is the morning of the big presentation, if you manage to conquer this client and make the sale, you know that the promotion will finally be within your reach. You’ve spent the last few weeks thinking about nothing else: you’ve gone through the slides a million times and have prepared answers for every question that could be asked; but one thing you haven’t planned is what to wear.
Step up the little black dress. For a powerful boardroom look, an elegant blazer with a notched collar and single button closure will accentuate her waist while maintaining a professional appearance. Try Guess or Donna Karan for a great designer gift, or for a blazer that won’t break the bank, Topshop has a wide range of modern yet sophisticated blazers.
Keeping the theme simple yet classic, this look can be tastefully finished off with dainty silver jewelry. He chooses a pair of small earrings, a minimalist silver pendant and a slim silver bracelet to complete his transformation into a stylish and successful executive.
girls night
So you did it, you did the big launch and you got the sale. Your bosses are thrilled and your colleagues a little envious, but after all that hard work, all you really want to do is get out of the office and celebrate with the girls. How lucky you have the little black dress; a few simple modifications can take you from the boardroom to the wine bar in minutes.
The goal is to let your hair down in the first place, so why not do exactly that? For shoulder-length hair, untying the strands and letting them fall freely over the face gives a lovely, warm, natural look to accentuate your features. Now for the jewelry; Put the plain silver aside and throw on some chunky, funky beads and a matching bracelet. Choose a bright color, like turquoise or purple, to add a fun and playful touch, and finish with a sparkly tote bag to complete the look.
black tie ball
A few months later and his well-deserved promotion has taken effect. An invitation to the company’s annual gala dinner appears on his desk, and his first thought is “what will I wear?” Well fear not, once again you can count on an LBD to ensure you have a glamorous and striking figure in the ballroom.
For a formal function, a strapless gown is always a great choice, and accessorizing with real or imitation pearls will provide the elegant finishing touches to ensure you stand out from the crowd. A simple pearl necklace will draw attention to your shoulders and can be elegantly accessorized with a pair of drop earrings and a matching pearl bracelet. Your makeup essentials can be slipped into a small satin clutch and this stunning ensemble is glamorously completed with a pair of black strappy sandals. Make sure to wear them before the event so you can comfortably dance the night away.
Christmas party
The holiday season comes faster each year, but once again, an LBD is perfect for creating a timeless festive look. This time of year is all about making the most of the long nights and brightening things up with a little sparkle. A flowy and fun dress is perfect to get into the spirit of the party. Complement with warm gold tones and dramatic eye makeup to ensure a kiss under the mistletoe.
For a bit of glitzy glamour, a pair of gold strappy sandals and a matching bag work wonders. Jewelry should be fun and festive; this time of year you can afford to be a little more extravagant. Experiment with costume jewelry or, if you’re feeling brave, try a feather boa for that extra playful detail.
Gold rules
A final word on accessories: keep in mind that “less is more.” Think of your LBD as a canvas on which to create the perfect image of yourself. Accessories like shoes, jewelry and bags can subtly draw attention to your best features and allow you to create a masterpiece.
For more on how to add cool shoes to a little black dress, visit: Christian Louboutin