Ethereal beauty Audrey Hepburn left the world in awe as she donned a perfectly fitted black Givenchy gown in the iconic film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Since then the little black dress, or LBD as it has come to be known, has become a must for every wardrobe.
The LBD
As a person who wears mostly black, I blame it on my years spent as a wannabe Goth in high school, there is one thing my wardrobe is not lacking and that is the Little Black Dress. I look through my cupboard and see my favourite black frock hanging on its hideous pink plastic hanger. My God, I have great memories in that dress.
You see, not many people would realise that I don it quite regularly when out on the town or heading to weddings – and I am at the age when weddings are coming frequently. My favourite LBD has been my saviour!
I throw it on, add a high waisted belt to the mix (every time I wear the gown a different coloured belt is added) and, of course, a different heel. I have a different look for every occasion, but I am wearing the same dress. Ah, how I love you LBD.
Iconic designer Coco Chanel is believed to be the woman who gave the world the little black dress in 1920. She was a revolutionary in terms of female fashion and took women away from the rigid by giving them practical fashion. Her little black dress, versatile and semiformal, became her trademark. And to this day her vision has become every females must-have item.
Style changes, trends change, but one thing has stayed the same and that is the little black dress. Your mother’s LBD from the 70s or 80s could probably still be worn by you today and look as sexy and stylish as it did all those years ago.
Versatility
The versatility of the little black dress is what makes it ideal for women. As I have previously mentioned, all you do is add simple accessories to your gown and a new look is created every time you throw it on.
The LBD can be worn in a formal setting or for every day casual wear depending on how you accessorise it. For evening-wear a good high heel, kitten or sky high, will add a sexy edge to the outfit; add a delicate clutch bag of any colour to the mix, subtle jewellery and you are ready to wow the town.
For a casual look add a cardigan, ballet flats, a thin waist belt and a sling bag and you are ready for a day of shopping and coffee with the girls. I now bow down to the genius that is Coco Chanel and the awesomeness that is the little black dress.
Dress for your Body
Now the LBD is a must, but not every dress is made for everyone. Make sure to find something that is right for you, for your personal style and for your body type.
If you have a big bust make sure to buy a dress that is flattering to this. A great neckline for us big busted girls is a v-neck, which will elongate your upper body and add some sex appeal to the outfit.
For women with a small bust a dress with ruffles will create a full shape and add sex appeal to your frame. For pear shape girls (heavier on the bottom), try a full skirt that hides your hips and cinches in your waist. This will create that perfect hour glass shape that all women crave.
The LBD: Rock It
Audrey Hepburn wore it in Breakfast at Tiffany’s; leaving the audience in awe of her elegance and understated beauty. This is the power of a simple dress. The class that is exuded from a simple outfit is startling. Every woman, of every age and body shape can rock one.
Once you find your LBD, one that fits your personal style and your body to perfection, it will leave you with a confidence booster. This is a must for every woman and next time you go shopping try to find that perfect little black dress that is right for you. And remember, it doesn’t have to be an expensive find. Any little black dress will do as long as it’s right for you and your personal style.
Go out and rock that little black dress, ladies!
