The infamous Little Black Dress

A little black dres is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often quite short. Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel and Jean Patou. Intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral colour. Its ubiquity is such that it is often simply referred to as the "LBD".

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is one of the most versatile and stylish pieces a woman can own. It can be worn to work or out on the town, depending on how you accessorize it. Things like jewelry or shoes can make a big difference in how an LBD looks.

Different Types of Styles:

1. Create a conservative look with your LBD. For a conservative look, go for accessories that look clean and pretty, but not too bold. Pearls, small earrings, and tasteful necklaces or bracelets come to mind, as do shoes that are more conservative like black Patten leather heals or ballerinas. If you have diamonds, make them shine their best on the black background. This is a good look for work.

2. Make your LBD look trendy. For a trendier look, go for a fun shoe that has a stiletto heel, and some bigger, bolder jewelry, like a statement necklace. This is a good look for cocktail parties or dinner.

3. Put together a funky look with your LBD. To funk up your LBD, add a lot of color, like a metallic shoe, or some neon stockings. This is a good look for younger women getting ready to attend a trendy gallery opening or to make an appearance at a new club.

Ways to accessorize:

1. Wear big earrings with your LBD. Sometimes earrings are all you need, and if this is the case, pick a big and bold pair. Dangly, Hoops, or Studs can all work, as long as they make a statement. This is not the time for anything dainty, and remember to wear your hair up to make the earrings known.

2. Pair your LBD with a statement necklace. A bold necklace adds instant pizzazz to a LBD. If you want something more conservative, go for more classic colors like silver, black, or pearls. For something a little funkier, pick a necklace with chunky stones and more color.

3. Grab a clutch to go with your LBD. A clutch handbag, though small, is the most dressy or all purses, and perfect for the evening. Traditionally, etiquette dictated that women wore only clutches to evening engagements and left the straps at home. Choose a fun color or one with sequins to really jazz up your LBD.

4. Wear a larger shoulder or handbag with your LBD. One of these larger bags is perfect for everyday use, as you can just throw all your essentials in it – even your lunch. Neutral colors are great because you can wear them each day of the week without needing to transfer the contents of your purse each time you switch outfits but if you want to spruce up your ensemble, pick a handbag in a fun color like pink or red. You could also pair your bag with an accessory you love wearing with your LBD. For example, if you always wear your grandmother’s citrine brooch with your dress, find a large shoulder bag in yellow to match.

5. Wear a button-down cardigan with your LBD. This is an ideal option if you want to bring an extra layer with you in case it gets cold.

6. Add a scarf to your LBD. There are a variety of ways you can add a scarf to your LBD to dress it up as well as to add versatility to your ensemble. 

Be daring and try something new with the little black dress! You can be bold an stand out or simple and chic. 

Fierce & Love,

Darianna Jefferson