An interviewer recently asked me, “What is the one staple every well-dressed woman should own?”  I did not hesitate to reply, “Without a doubt — a little black dress. It can take you to the office, out for dinner or a cocktail party — a wedding or a funeral – depending on how you accessorize it. The secret is finding a simple, well-fitting LBD that makes you look and feel fabulous!”

The Little Black Dress first came on the scene in 1926, when Vogue magazine featured a simple, long-sleeved, black crepe de chine dress designed by Coco Chanel (right).  Prior to that, black was a colour worn to funerals or during periods of mourning.

Vogue advised that the little black dress would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste” – affordable, versatile and classic. “For any girl, any woman with little money, it’s marvelous to have the possibility of having one dress for the whole season, for the whole year, and be well dressed.”

Other designers followed suit with their own versions, and the Little Black Dress (LBD) became an integral part of nearly every woman’s wardrobe.

The LBD’s popularity rose to new heights in 1961 with the romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring Audrey Hepburn (Left).  Who could forget Holly Golightly’s infamous black dress with long cigarette holder, diamond necklace and tiara?

Since then, the LBD has been replicated, recreated, repudiated, and revered – and today still remains the essential staple of a woman’s wardrobe.

I firmly believe that a woman should invest in at least one simple, well-made, figure-flattering little black dress.  But how do you find YOUR perfect little black dress?

✓ Look for natural fibres for longevity – silk, linen, wool and cashmere – and great construction. On a tight budget?  Buy vintage!  It’s a great way to own a wonderfully tailored dress for far less than a similar new one.

✓ Buck the trends when it comes to hemlines.  The most flattering hemline on any woman is either just above or just below the knee and it will never go out of style.

✓ Get a dress that fits you.  Now.  Not for when you lose 10 pounds.  Now.  Most of us are guilty to some degree of buying something that is just a bit small and convincing ourselves that it will be our incentive to lose that 5/10/20 pounds (or whatever).  And then we don’t.  So be honest with yourself.  Love yourself.  And buy a dress that fits you and makes you feel like a goddess.  You won’t regret it.

✓ Play up your best features/Play down your worst.  We all have something about ourselves we are self-conscious about.  Look for a dress that helps flatter/conceal/hide whatever it is.  For example, if you really dislike your upper arms, buy a dress that has sleeves, whether they are cap, short, ¾ or long.

Big busted?
Try v-necklines, wrap dresses and stay away from boat necklines and puffy sleeves.

Small busted?
Gathers, ruching or pleats just under or at the bust are a great way to add a little volume. Soft ruffles and cowl necklines are a good choice; avoid deep v-necklines.

Not happy with your waistline?
Try an empire-waist (shown left), dropped waist or shift style dress. But do me a favour – try the empire first – especially if the skirt flares out slightly. If you are more pear-shaped (a bit bigger on the bottom) it hides everything and makes you look like you’ve lost 10 pounds!

Finally, find a little black dress that highlights your best features. Ask your BFF to tag along, and go to a reputable shop where the staff are knowledgeable and honest. 

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LBD / Little Black Dress Quotes