How to Wear the Little Black Dress
The LBD is Versatile, Chic and Always in Style
The little black dress is the essential basic for every woman's wardrobe. Bookmark these fresh fashion ideas for dressing up or dressing down the LBD for any occasion.
The reason it's called the perfect "little black dress" and not the perfect "little burgundy dress" is that a woman can to get the most wear out of versatile black – more than any other color – by dressing it up or down with other garments and accessories.
Keep two things in mind when building your wardrobe from this one fabulous dress:
- The key to successfully making an outfit for any occasion from just one little black dress is beginning with a classic shape that flatters your body type – babydoll-, mini-, and maxi-dresses aren't as adaptable as a clean, timeless cut.
- Keep it simple: the beauty of the LBD is in its unabashed minimalism. No matter how much you layer your look, stick to mostly neutral shades with a few pops of analogous accent colors.
Here's how the little black dress can make you a fashion chameleon – smart and professional by day, sexy and sultry at night, and fun and funky on weekends.
Little Black Dress at Work
Keep It Professional at the Office
- For daytime, layer a trendy bow tie blouse, a crisp white shirt or slim-fitting turtleneck under the LBD.
- Slip on a solid-colored cashmere cardigan, or a cropped blazer.
- Put on a pair of opaque tights with a pair of tall boots (for a casual look), or peep toe shoes with high or kitten heels (for a more formal daytime ensemble).
- Finish off your work-friendly look with diamond stud earrings (or whatever you can manage) and some pearls.
Little Black Dress at Night
Saucy and Sexy for a Night on the Town
- Wear the LBD on its own with sheer or fishnet stockings, sexy stilettos, a little bit of bling (dangly earrings or a diamond tennis bracelet), and a small clutch.
- To keep evening chills at bay, add a touch of faux fur. Shrug on a fake fur cape, bolero or mini-poncho – it'll keep your shoulders warm and leave the rest of your outfit on display.
Little Black Dress on the Weekend
Comfy and Funky at Lunch with the Girls
- Layer a cozy turtleneck or long-sleeved tee under the little black dress.
- Put on a pair of opaque or funky patterned tights with a pair of tall, mid-calf, or ankle boots. Alternatively, stay grounded with a cute pair of flat shoes.
- Cinch on a thick belt, put on some bangles or a chunky cuff bracelet, and slip on a long necklace with a funky pendant.
- Layer over a fitted tweed blazer, cropped jacket, or leather jacket.
- Finish it off with a scarf, gloves, and your favorite short-brimmed cap.
Go Ultra Simple for a Casual Date
- For anytime elegance, wear your little black dress over a cream or charcoal gray turtleneck or fitted tee.
- Buckle on a black leather belt.
- Slip on opaque or patterned charcoal gray tights and a pair of black peep toe wedges.
- Finish it all off with a bright scarf for a splash of color.
The copyright of the article How to Wear the Little Black Dress in Women's Dresses/Skirts is owned by Johneen Manning. Permission to republish How to Wear the Little Black Dress must be granted by the author in writing.
