What could be more feminine, alluring, or as diverse as the little black dress? The timeless little black dress is a must-have for every lady. It is the one garment you can always rely on when you have no idea what to wear.

The dress became the height of fashion in 1926 after being introduced by Coco Channel. This aesthetic shapeshifting dress can go from fierce to functional, from over-the-top glamourous to casual and chic and the list goes on. The timeless little black dress has proven to be a wardrobe staple and an amazing investment when scored in high-quality fabric. From the office to a classy evening date, let’s get to know the various flattering styles the little black dress comes in and how to properly accessorize.

Ways to Style Your Timeless Little Black Dress

“The creation of the black dress is the purest form of expression for a designer. The absence of color allows one to focus on the fundamental elements of design: texture, tone, and silhouette.” – Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Rodarte.

Big designers such as Givenchy, Christian Dior, Debbie Wingham, and Christina Stambolian have revolutionized the little black dress by adding their own spin to it.

Powerhouse office wear

The ideal LBD for work should be functional and chic. Half sleeves make it suitable to be worn indoors and a knee-length should make it comfortable and office appropriate. To add to a classic formal style top your dress with a well-fitting, open, or buttoned at the-waist blazer. Choose shades of grey or darker colors to blend in with the formal office aesthetic or try an all-over floral subtle print accessorized with a belt at the waist for a brighter look.

Life of the party

The little black dress is perfect for rocking a night out with your girlies. Whoever said that black was an emotion and not an ordinary color must have known what was up. A mini bodycon with cutouts paired with strappy heels could do. Give your look a futuristic look by keeping an eye out for accessories made with a holographic sheen or made from Perspex. Don’t forget your leather jacket to complete your baddie look.

Casual daytime look

A well-styled timeless little black dress is perfect for those quick trips to the grocery shop or a lovely afternoon picnic in the park. To style, we need our LBD to look like we made an effort on our fit without trying too much. A cute floral chiffon sundress paired with sandals gives off spring or summer vibes while an LBD layered with a neutral color like beige or tan sweater, clinched with a belt and paired with ballet flats gives you an effortlessly classic look. For an even more relaxed look try adding a flannel or denim which pair great with black.

Dressy show stopper

If you had to choose between always overdressing or always underdressing, which one would you pick? For example, going to a big event in a plain white tee and jeans or going to Burger King in a sparkly sequence dress with killer heels. I would choose the latter because I already am that girl. Dressing up has me in an amazing mood all day or night especially when I pass by my reflection.

Angelina Jolie wore a daring black body con dress with an unapologetic thigh-high slit to the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I have never seen such a powerful statement made with a dress that exuded pure seductive femininity in a conservative way. Her jewelry and hairstyle were kept minimal to make the dress stand out and boy did it have the paparazzi wilding as she struck her famous pose.

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Elegant evening LBD

When dolling up for an elegant evening having an LBD made from fabrics such as silk, lace or satin is sure to have you feeling like a feminine ethereal goddess. A strapless cocktail dress with a full skirt can be very glam and a sure show-stopper. The beautiful Selena Gomez is the queen of both casual and glam. She proved the glam when she wore an elegant maid of honor gown at her best friend’s wedding. The dress had a rhinestone-embellished bodice, thick shoulder straps and a full skirt all fitted to perfection. To accessorize she wore dangling earrings and a bold red lip with the classic low bun.

Evening timeless little black dresses can be worn with metallic or black stilettoes with silver or gold jewelry to add a touch of sparkle. Stay away from sequins and cap-sleeves to avoid looking punk rock or like a stylish ’80s diva.

Edgy chic

One word, leather! If you can pull the edgy style with ease without going overboard, then I dub thee a true fashionista! Fashion is constantly evolving and what was considered to be trendy in the 90s that is the grunge and bold look has now become subtle and chic. Instead of going full-on punk rock most people nowadays give hints of rock and roll through minimal pieces or accessories.

Kendall Jenner’s known for her edgy looks when it comes to mini leather dresses. She usually pairs her dresses with chic heels or tall sock boots. If you are going for a softer chic look avoid dominatrix vibes by picking a dress with a demure neckline and voila, you’ll be ready to hit the streets and turn heads.

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Trends come and go but the timeless little black dress is here to stay. The LBD should not only make you look chic, stylish, and put together it should also flatter your assets and minimize your insecurities, whether you are petite or plus size. My dear glamorous vixens once you go black (dress) there’s no turning back.

About the Author

Abigail Mbithe

Abigail is a 20-something wild child who still believes in unicorns, fairy tales, and everything beautiful. When she’s not trying to invent a new hairstyle or fighting acne, and keeping her skin ageless, she’s either sipping on something or hanging out with her tribe.