Ever since American Vogue published the first simple little black dress created by Gabrielle “Coco” Channel in 1926, the little black dress became a classic fashion piece that every woman should own. It is simple, classic and very versatile. You can wear it as casual wear, as office attire and even as a formal wear. It is just a matter of changing the accessories. Any woman can look good in a little black dress. But the real challenge lies in how to choose the perfect little black dress for you.
Iconic Little Black Dresses
Almost 100 years since its debut in Vogue, the little black dress has been worn by many celebrities around the world in every decade.
Who can forget the iconic little black dress by Hubert de Givenchy worn by Audrey Hepburn as she took a bite of her croissant in front of a jewelry shop in 5th Avenue, New York in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961?
And then there is Princess Diana’s “revenge dress”. In 1994, the Princess of Wales was seen breaking royal protocol by wearing an off-shoulder black dress by Christina Stambolian. It was shortly after her husband’s cheating scandal.
Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Hurley, Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie, Meghan Markle, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, Winona Ryder to name a few are just some of the female celebrities who have been photographed wearing different styles of the little black dress.
The Little Black Dress
The little black dress has many different styles, length and cut. By definition, the little black dress is a simple black dress. Traditionally, it is an evening and cocktail wear meant to be worn after five in the afternoon. Although its length is supposed to be just around the knee or even shorter; nowadays, even a dress that reaches the floor is considered a little black dress. So, a little black dress that is black regardless of length qualifies as a little black dress.
How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress
There is only one thing that you should consider when choosing the little perfect black dress for you and that is your body type. The perfect little black dress should look like it is made for you and you alone. Something that will make you feel confident, beautiful, elegant, sexy and sophisticated.
Here are some questions that you should ask yourself before you make a purchase:
- Does it highlight the part of my body I most proud of? (whether it is the waist, legs, neck, arms, décolletage or collarbone)
- Does it cover the part of my body that I want to play down?
- AM I comfortable wearing this dress?
- Does the dress reflect my personal style?
- Does it fit well?
- Do I like how my body looks like in this dress?
- Do I have the right accessories and shoes to pair with this dress?
- Is it made of quality materials?
- Do I see myself wearing this again?
- Can I think of three other combinations or look that I can create with this piece?
- Is it well within my budget?
If you answer YES to all the questions above, congratulations! You have found the perfect little black dress for you!
One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a little black dress.
-Karl Lagerfield
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