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The luxury designer’s take on the classic LBD has us all in a quiver with its soft crepe and boned bodice. Inspired by those designed by founder Hubert back in the 60s, this strapless little black dress would’ve looked as en vogue then as it does today. Parisian fashion house Balmain has been around since the dawn of the LBD. Blending retro structuring with military-style buttons, this little black dress looks like it was made for Jackie O.
Shop for lace, crepe, scuba, or tulle party dresses in black for your next night out. Shop for your occasion and pick a faux leather dress for a sexy dinner date or something with sequins to shine as a wedding guest. You can even find two pieces, romper and high low dresses, to suit your personality taste and flatter your beauty.
Who pioneered little black dresses?
Simply put, the Saint Laurent Metallic Mini Dress offers a dash of sparkle to light up your night. The Metallic Mini Dress is everything you’d expect from the French fashion house Saint Laurent. The short black dress envelopes your body like a glove, with the figure-hugging ribbed knit adorned with metallic flecks to make you dazzle all the more. Leather has long been a favored fabric for the little black dress.
We all identify as women, and our typical dress sizes and heights are 2/S, 5 feet 9 inches; 8/M, 5 feet 3 inches; 12/L, 5 feet 10 inches; and 14/XL, 5 feet 7 inches. This dress ran slightly large for some testers—if you’re between sizes, we suggest sizing down. One tester with a straighter figure found the Résumé to be a bit too big everywhere. Our panelists with larger hips liked how forgiving the dress was in the waist and hips, but they found the bust a tad too large .
Mini Bodycon Dress - Spaghetti Straps / Sleeveless
Don’t forget about effortless accessories to polish your overall look. Try a boater hat and dainty chain necklaces that add a subtle touch of glam to everyday looks. The neutral hue of black offers the opportunity to style it with different types of accessories and layers without clashing. When it comes to styling your black dresses, you can’t go wrong with trendy accessories or glam layers that add to your formal and dressy looks.
You can opt for a LBD with sleeves if you aren’t so keen on your upper arms. If you are an apple shape, you’re likely to want to skim over your tummy area. Opt for a dress which drapes over your figure rather than clings. A v-neck will be a good option as this helps to create long, lean lines.
How to choose a little black dress
We love it styled with bright accessories for a fun pop of color or metallic pieces for a more subtle look. If your little black dress is strappy and you just can’t not wear it (even though you’ll freeze), simply layer it over a cute turtleneck or crewneck long-sleeve tee for extra warmth. We adore jewel tones in winter like emeralds, deep blues, and plummy purples. The short, flared hem is gorgeously youthful while oozing sophistication at the same time. A subtle V-neckline draws the eye down to your waist, further defining that hourglass figure that just begs to be shown off.
So, if you’re looking for a tried and true outfit that will carry you from one wedding season to the next, consider adding a little black dress (or two!) to your wedding guest wardrobe. There’s an art to selecting a little black dress that’s equal parts stylish and timeless. Pick a look you love, find a flattering fit and cut, and understand quality fabric and good construction. “It’s all about being confident in who you are,” according to Influencing in Color, a Houston-based group of fashion influencers. Katie Sturino, a body-acceptance advocate and the founder of body-care line MegaBabe, added that an LBD “shouldn’t be something you look at in two years and go ‘what was I thinking? ’” To select a timeless look, opt for simple, clean lines and a cut and hemline that you know you’ll want to wear for years.
More perfect little black dresses to flatter your figure
Or you could try a dress that incorporates tummy control like the option below. If you’re curvy, a little black dress is one of your best friends. You might want a dress with sleeves to cover your upper arms, or you could opt for a one-shoulder number because you love your shoulders. You may want to look for a dress with some ruching around the tummy area to hide a belly. Below are some initial tips to get you thinking about how to wear a little black dress that will work for you.
For a dress that’s sustainable as it is stylish, look no further than eco-friendly brand Reformation’s Milano Dress. Made from figure-hugging stretch-jersey, this dress will have you feeling wrapped up and stand out at the same time. Pair the Givenchy Chain-Trim Mini Dress with bare legs, chic ankle boots, and minimal jewelry to let that extravagant neckline take the limelight . Throw on a weighty overcoat, and you’re ready to paint the town red. The pleated skirt works to elongate your legs, falling just short of the ankle so you can truly feel that swishy skirt when you walk. The devil’s in the details with this deceptively simple LBD, with the barely-there button and elegant long sleeves pulling everything together like a charm.