Wearing the Little Black Dress
The LBD Classic Wardrobe Staple Works Its Magic On The Runways
Jul 26, 2008
No reminder is necessary about how a little black dress can slimline your figure and be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe. However, this fall winter season, with so many designers featuring the LBD on their runways, the little black dress is coming into its own.
The High Fashion Little Black Dress
Fashion Houses like Balenciaga have renewed the appeal of the little black dress by dramatizing its classic style by modernizing the look with architectural shapes like sculpted collars, volumnous sleeves and cut-outs. Whether this is one-shoulder dressing, like a Calvin Klein or a cocoon-shaped mini dress from Missoni, the LBD comes into its own for 2008. Some of the hottest black beauties are from Nicolas Ghesquière’s Balenciaga’s fall collection, featuring dresses which are being touted by the fashion press as the look du jour.
This fall's black dresses have dramatic lines, with collars that scream attention, like Christian Lacroix’s high-neck lace combination or Zac Posen’s Reglisse silk dress, with seriously sculpted neckline Another up-to-the-minute look is Miu Miu’s Bustier Prom Dress, or for some LA Luxe, Alberta Ferretti’s long-sleeve, floaty layered chiffon number — all from Net-A-Porter.
A must-have high-street buy this season is UK retail store, Debenhams’ silk satin cut-out dress, based on Balenciaga’s hot runway look LBD for fall. At only £45 this dress is certain to be a winner for all those Christmas parties.
The Ultimate Vacation Little Black Dress
One dress that has been hailed by many women’s glossies, including Shop Til You Drop and Marie Claire, is the ultimate little black dress, the brainchild of Australian designer Sacha Drake. If ever there was a dress to pack in your carry-on bag for minimal vacation packing, this is it. This one dress can be transformed into 20 different styles, (including halter, one-shoulder, strapless, cowl-neck) once it has been twisted, stretched, and tied in many directions!
The Classic Wardrobe Staple Little Black Dress
The LBD is the most enduring of all wardrobe items. A fail safe option for evening which is understated, elegant and oozes (unshowy) sex-appeal. According to Marie Claire, December 2007, “it allows so much scope for individual style,” working its magic, whether it is structured, draped, floaty or embellished.
No other outfit in your wardrobe salvages you from that “I have nothing to wear” moment, quite like the little black dress. Wear it day or night, on a big night out or to the office, for lunch with the girls, or on a casual date.
For longevity and practicality, choose an LBD that has a simple, classic shape, in a cut that flatters your body shape and in a style that won’t date too quickly. Part of its magic is its slimming properties. Invest in the best you can, in terms of fabric, cut and design. This is one dress that may last longer than the rest of your wardrobe put together. A just-above-the-knee hemline is safest and the most flattering.
Take a LBD and transform it into a number of versatile outfits by updating your footwear, purse and other accessories. For some eye-popping color add a bright bag and shoes, for an air of elegance add a silk scarf or a headpiece. Change its look completely by nipping in the waist with a belt or adding a pair of opaque or highly patterned tights.
Ultimate Black Dress Image courtesy of Sacha Drake
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