The ‘little black dress’ is a staple in my wardrobe… and as much as I try and break away and substitute a new colour for my ‘go to go anywhere’ outfit, I always come back to the black. For so many reasons I can’t live without an LBD or two in my life.
Black works with my hair… and these days I can’t say that about all colours.
Black is flattering on the body… as much as I adore white and pastel colours… on me they add too many extra pounds.
Black is timeless… I can bring out an old favourite from the wardrobe and feel confident that it will hold its own.
Black can enter any room… when in doubt I always wear black… it can be formal it can be casual… Worn with heels, an LBD can sparkle, with flats the little black dress can work throughout the day… I have even worn my best LBD with flip flops… granted, an unusual combination… but it was for an unexpected and casual lunch, my options were limited… and it worked.
Black is the perfect canvas for jewellery… pearls a la Chanel or more colourful pieces… the LBD can take on so many different looks with the addition of a wonderful necklace or a stunning brooch.
Black is an ideal backdrop for scarves… Any colour and any shape generally works with the LBD… as a shawl, tied short around the neck or draped long over the shoulders.
Black is ‘investment dressing’… I am happier to spend more on the little black dress than I am on any other colour… The LBD is my outfit when I don’t know what to wear or when I am in that frame of mind that ‘nothing looks good’… you know the one? Trying on every piece of clothing in the hope of a ‘new look’, only to reject them all and end up wearing the old faithful… It is my fall back when I suffer from I-have-nothing-to wear-syndrome… which we know is obviously untrue but nevertheless something we women do feel very often… Wouldn’t you agree?
The little black dress, originally intended as an evening or cocktail dress, is attributed by most fashion historians to the brilliance of Coco Chanel in the 1920’s. As Chanel so wisely said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” These days the LBD has surpassed the role of evening wear and is a dress that can be worn at any time of the day….
Coco Chanel speaking about fashion… her first interview… even without a full understanding of French it is fascinating to watch her and see the backdrop of her apartment.
So can you tell from all this that I have been looking at my favourite websites with a view to a new LBD?… My girls tell me I don’t need any more little black dresses… I know that they are right… I don’t need any more little black dresses… but does that mean I am not considering an update to my ‘staples’… Never.
For a Little Black Dress inspiration
The new W.E directed by Madonna about Wallis and Edward… the film sets and fashion styling are very worthy of a watch…
The Little black Dress: Vintage Treasure by Didier Ludot… a little book on the LBD that I love…
Dressed in Black by Valerie Mendes… Chief curator of Textiles and Dress at the V&A in London
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and these LBD’s are on my shortlist
Sandro black dress with very pretty sheer neck line here… ( this Parisian brand just gets better and better)
A tempting Theory option from here
A long sleeved DKNY that would be brilliant for travelling… here
and last but no means least this one from Diane Von Furstenberg… here
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Are you as much of a fan of the little black dress as I am?… xv
