Little Black Dress

What is a Little Black Dress

Every woman should have at least two little black dresses in their wardrobe because these dresses offer many variable styles and the cutest looks. The little black dress is a cocktail dress or ballerina length dress with the skirt length ranging from mid thigh to the ankles. The concept of the dress was a simple uniform type piece that can be dressed more professional for business attire but can also be accessorized and design for cocktail parties and formal parties.

The color black is already flattering to most body shapes and combining this with dress features like A-Line, sheath, and Basque silhouettes and strapless, sweetheart, and scoop necklines usually results in a beautiful piece fit for many occasions. Age is not a factor in the little black dress either as many dresses offer a demure style. With the little black dress it is hard to make a fashion faux pas as these simple, clean dresses typically do not make huge negative impacts. After taking a look at the little black dresses below, it is extremely easy to see why so many women have more than one of these special dresses in their collection.

History of the Little Black Dress

The popularization of the little black dress is attributed to fashion designer Chanel Coco in 1926 who presented a haute couture version that really became a uniform option for women who wanted a dress for many different occasions that would not lose value with the coming and going trends. The dress continued from that time to be a choice for women in the business world with many styles to mix and match. The little black dress also became a more sexy option as it showed off flattering looks and Hubert de Givenchy’s creation worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s brought even more attention to the little black dress as a sexy option for dates and daily wear. Over the years, the little black dress has become a prominent piece in any woman’s dress collection and many celebrities have shown off the variety and flexibility of this timeless dress.

Katie’s Black Dress

Many celebrities have worn the little black dress and a few have placed their own mark with the dress. Here Katie Holmes dons a very simple, black dress with a square neckline and light ruffling through the bodice. The dress falls to mid-thigh length and is a great option for dates and of course here for an appearance. The overall look is very simple with a few accessories but the little black dress does the job of looking super chic.

Jessica’s Scoop Dress

Here is another great black dress that is form fitting and worn by Jessica Alba for an appearance. This dress features a scoop neckline a small wrap skirt that falls below the knees. This is a dress that can be worn to most formal events without much hassle and would go well with a jacket which could make it a nice business piece as well.

Shoulder Straps

Elisha Cuthbert wears this little black dress for a promotional appearance and looks fine in it. The dress features unique shoulder straps with short, puffy sleeves combined with a sheath silhouette with the hemline coming slightly above an inner lining at knee length. This is a very cute dress that can be worn to any cocktail party.

Head Turning Black Dress

Reese Witherspoon has great fashion sense and combines her whole appearance, hair, makeup, accessories, shoes, and dress to create some of the best looks. Here she uses a strapless black dress that is sleek and smooth with pockets that comes to knee length. This dress is cute, sexy, and definitely a head turner with the right looks. This shows why the little black dress is a timeless piece that disregards all trends.

Where to Wear the Little Black Dress

Chanel intended the little black dress to be long lasting against trends that come and go and adaptable for work and play. The intention of the little black dress as a uniform for ladies with taste and of all social status eventually would come true as the black dress has transformed into one of the most versatile dresses. For events for mourning, many cultures prefer a black dress and the small black dress works for these times. For women who chose to dress gothic or emo, the little black dress can also work here as well whereas other colors could be considered direct opposites of the styles.

For work the black dress can be used as is or combined with a nice jacket for a very professional look. A choice example is a square cut dress with wide shoulder straps and a sheath silhouette that comes past the knees which works out great for on the job attire.

The little black dress can also be more designed for cocktail parties and other formal events. A little black dress with a V-neckline and an A-Line silhouette is just one combination that is party ready while a more formal look with a halter neckline and a form fitting skirt going past the knees with some accessories would be red carpet ready. Add a plunging neckline to the small black dress and a sexy, flirty design is ready to wear. There are countless styles that are also perfect for other events like first dates and making an impression, going to dances and providing comfortable movement, or attending a classy event like a college graduation. With so many opportunities to show off little black dresses, this is why these dresses are so popular.