Wardrobe Essentials: The Little Black Dress
The little black dress is an essential piece in every woman’s wardrobe. It can be worn just about anywhere, from a cocktail party to a museum opening to night club. If you select a versatile black dress, you can alter its look completely by changing your accessories. You can go from sophisticated and chic to funky and fun by switching jewelry, handbags and shoes.
Choosing a Little Black Dress
When shopping for a little black dress, look for a simple silhouette that flatters your figure. You don’t want anything too tight or too frumpy. Instead choose a shape, such as a sheath, that follow your body’s contours without being too binding.
Many little black dresses are sleeveless. However if you are not comfortable about your arms, you can choose cap sleeves, short sleeves or even long sleeves.
The length or you dress is up to you. The most common length for a little black dress falls just above or at the knee. If you are going to be wearing the dress for more formal occasions, you may choose a tea-length dress which is a few inches below the knee around mid-calf. If you plan to wear the dress to cocktail parties or more casual events, instead choose a shorter skirt.
Little black dresses come in every fabric imaginable from wool to silk to velvet to jersey knits. You can choose sequined or lace designs, but what works best is a simple dress that you can dress up or down.
Accessories for a Little Black Dress
One little black dress can have many different looks depending on what you wear with it. Change your jewelry, bags, shoes and other accessories to get a whole new look.
For a cocktail party, select dangling earrings, a slingback pump and glossy patent clutch handbag.
For a more conservative event, choose pearl earrings, a classic pump or round-toe Mary Jane, and a small evening bag.
For a more trendy look, add a chunky colorful necklace, a skinny patent leather belt and platform sandals.
For a first date, a bold peep-toe pump, a brightly colored satchel and a big cocktail ring are great options.
Shopping for a Little Black Dress
You can find little black dresses in every price range. Here are a few of our favorite black dresses this season.
Little Black Dresses Under $100
Gathered Jersey Dress
This comfortable little black dress features a banded waist and a gathered skirt. It is a soft jersey knit that is comfortable and flattering. The best thing about this dress is the price. At only $24.50 from Old Navy, you can’t beat this bargain!
Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress
The halter neckline and flouncy A-line skirt make this a flirty choice. This dress is very affordable at just $98 from Nordstrom. You can dress it up with a stack of bangle bracelets and a metallic strappy sandal.
Little Black Dresses From $101 to $200
Anne Klein Dress Belted Sheath
This Anne Klein dress features a ruched side waist with a goldtone buckle. The boat neckline and knee length skirt keep this dress a little on the conservative side. You can buy this jersey sheath at Nordstrom for $160.
Ming Wang Long Sleeveless Dress
This elegant long dress is made from a fine-gauge knit that doesn’t wrinkle or lose its shape easily. The sleeveless style and round neckline are classic and classy. This dress is available at Nordstrom for $184.
Little Black Dresses From $201 to $300
Karta Beaded Shift Dress
This Karta beaded dress features a jeweled neckline and a short A-line style. This is a feminine dress that has a touch of glitz with its tonal beading down the front. This dress is priced at $216 at Neiman Marcus.
Lauren Moffatt One Shoulder Flutter Neckline Dress
This dress features a modern looking asymmetrical neckline and a pleated ruffle at the bust. It falls just above the knee and can be worn for just about any occasion or event. This dress would look great with a black peep-toe pump or a metallic high-heel. Get this dress at ShopBop.com for $295.
Little Black Dresses From $301-$500
Classy Little Black Dresses from Black Halo
This elegant little black dress feature an asymmetrical neckline, cap sleeves and a tea length skirt. It has a flirty slit in the back for a touch of sex appeal. You can get this dress at edressme.com for $328.
Nicole Miller V-Neck Taffeta Dress
This flirty taffeta dress features a full skirt that falls just above the knee. This dress is very feminine and has a V-neck and V-back. It also features a bow that ties in the back. You can find this dress at Bloomingdale’s for $345.
Little Black Dresses Over $500
Carmen Marc Valvo Collection Taffeta Party Dress
This flared party dress features a jeweled sash that ties at the waist. It’s perfect for a special date, a dinner party, or anytime you want to look pretty and stylish. This dress is $565 from Bloomingdale’s.
3.1 Phillip Lim Open-Back Dress
This silk dress features beautiful fringed trim. This dress isn’t for the body-conscious woman. It’s open back and cut-in shoulders make it very revealing. This dress would be perfect for a cocktail party or gala. You can order it from Neiman Marcus for $650.
Shopping Tips
If you are looking for a little black dress that you can wear for a multitude of occasions, then spend a little bit more money and change up the look by varying your accessories. If you are going to only wear the dress once or twice, then you don’t need to spend a bundle. As you can see there are plenty of options that are both chic and affordable.
When shopping for a little black dress at your local mall or boutique, wear the undergarments and shoes that you will be wearing with it. This is the only way to be sure how the dress will really look. After you have selected a dress that you like, it’s always a good idea to put the dress on hold. This will give you time to shop around both online and offline to see if you can find the same dress (or something very similar) at a better price. Most places will hold a dress for you for a day or two at no cost. Once you have determined that you can’t get a better deal elsewhere, you can make your final purchase.
When shopping, always be sure to check the store’s return policy. When an item is on sale, oftentimes it cannot be returned or even exchanged. Special occasion dresses can’t normally be returned.
A little black dress can become an essential in your wardrobe for years to come. Just take your time and shop wisely to be sure you are making the right shopping decisions.
Related posts:
- Victoria Beckham Little Black Dress Collection
- Kellie Pickler Black Backless Dress at 2007 American Music Awards
- How to Find a Prom Dress Online
- Faith Hill Black Dress Grammy Awards
- 10 Great Spring Dresses for Under $50
Tags: Accessories, black dresses, dress, dresses, evening, fashion, fashion essentials, formal dresses, handbags, Jewelry, little black dress, shoes, shopping, shopping online, style