Little black dress offers timeless look
No matter the season, function, fabric, fit or budget, it always delivers
If you don’t have one, get one. No one should live without the iconic Little Black Dress (LBD).
It’s chic, timeless and essential, says Caroline Belhumeur, Club Monaco womenswear designer.
“Across the decades, it’s always been an essential because it looks effortless. I’m reminded of that moment in Breakfast at Tiffany’s — it’s so easy to just throw on and look put together in a second.”
Audrey Hepburn wore it best, agrees author Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner — “her Givenchy in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is iconic.”
No matter the season, function, fabric, fit, or budget, the LBD never fails to deliver, says Baumgartner, author of You Are What You Wear.
“Its versatility has made this item a wardrobe must-have.”
According to Belhumeur, the biggest mistake women make is not keeping it simple. An LBD should always look effortless, not like a fashion statement, she says.
So if you want to stand out in a sea of sparkle this New Year’s Eve, she says to pair the LBD with an overthe-top necklace, a statement belt, a standout fashion shoe or wear it with your hair up and big earrings — “but don’t try all of these together!”
Baumgartner suggests choosing one type of accessory, whether it’s a shoe, pin, earring, belt, to serve as the focal point of your look.
“Pick a piece that’s chosen from an internally motivated place — speaks to who you are, who you want to be, pushes your boundaries, represents your creative vision.”
The LBD is a favourite with fashionista and author Vicky Oliver: “The little black dress takes pounds off, makes hair look resplendent, shows off legs nicely. It’s the perfect backdrop against which your personality shines.”
On top of that, they’re easy to wear, never show wrinkles, wear and tear or even a little dirt, adds Oliver, business etiquette expert and author of Live Like A Millionaire — Without Having To Be One.
Stand out with great earrings: The size and shape of yours can really add something to your little black dress.
“For a blended look, dark red earring drops make a gorgeous statement, be they ruby or a semi-precious red quartz. For high contrast, go for striking yellow — either a yellow quartz or, if money is no object, a yellow diamond.”
A lot of women love sparkly handbags, says Oliver, adding that she prefers a black satin for a bag. Consider taking along a little black shrug if you’re wearing a sleeveless LBD, she adds.
“I wear a shrug so I won’t freeze! I have some in wool and one in black lace which is gorgeous.”
Choose a little black dress that will be timeless with tips from Caroline Belhumeur, womenswear designer for Club Monaco: Above the knee. Open at the neck. Fitted through the bodice. Understated fabric so you can accessorize it.
It should take your breath away when you put it on.
Shoes make the dress — the little black dress, that is! Instead of jewelry, make a major statement with some sexy footwear!
“I typically wear my LBD with my LBB (little black booties). Head-totoe black is a fashionistas’ favourite!” says fashion maven Crissi Giamos, of Town Shoes. She owns hundreds of shoes and boots, and always dresses for success.
“For an edgier, unexpected ‘ath-luxury’ look, I will throw a white cotton tee under a LBD, add a leather jacket and finish it off with casual runners,” Giamos says. The footwear expert recommends these great shoes for that Little Black Dress: Step out in style in the fabulously red Manner shoes by Penny Loves Kenny; $79.99, DSW Canada.
Fancy footwear will turn heads with the midnight black Gushing 2 high-heel dress pump by Nine West; $71.98, The Shoe Company.
No heel but you’re high on elegance with the colourful Anastasia Lace Up flats by Kate & Mel; $69.98, Town Shoes.