The Little Black Dress is de rigueur for everything from work to special events. The look might be simple, but the history is rich, dating all the way back to Coco Chanel’s designs in the mid 1920s, with American Vogue calling it a “uniform for women of taste”.
Even today, no fashionable closet is complete without one or two pretty little black dresses that, with the addition of jewelry, and a change of footwear, can go from casual chic to elegant for nearly every occasion.
Updated versions of the LBD, appeared on the 2012 spring runways of designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Roland Mouret, Elie Saab and Herve Leger. The dresses were fitted and cropped, some bearing a shoulder, showcasing crossed straps, or featuring long sleeves. One thing remained true to Ms. Chanel’s original intent: no one was in mourning here. The look is sexy and universally appealing, sleek and cosmopolitan. And, still, as essential as ever.
Wear with relatively little jewelry and tights for day, even a small neck scarf for color. Add chandelier earrings, bare legs, and a heel, for night. Try bold, rich red lips or an up-do to add to the dramatic, evening effect.
