Simple, versatile, timeless…the little black dress (LBD) is a truly indispensable item that no wardrobe should be without. It’s the ultimate fashion go-to for any occasion, from casual daywear to night-time glamour. There’s no doubt that the plain and sombre LBD contrasts strongly with traditional vibrant African prints, but the glory of the LBD lies in its potential to add distinctive flair and style with statement-piece accessories, be it feathered jewellery, platform sandals or a fringed bag. Rest assured, there’s no way you can look drab in a little black dress.
The story of the LBD
A western classic, the LBD originates from Paris, dating back to 1926 when Vogue published a drawing of a simple black dress by Coco Chanel. It was hailed as a universally accessible item and a uniform for women of taste. Immediately a massive hit, the LBD later made its way to America where it was updated by Christian Dior in the 1960s and adopted by Hollywood stars on- and off-screen. Since then, the LBD has been embraced globally as a fashion phenomenon and today is every woman’s wardrobe staple.
Making the LBD your own
With its enduring popularity, let’s look at how you can stand out and use accessories to style your LBD. Don’t forget, the beauty of black is that it’s a blank canvas and will go with absolutely anything.
Standout shoes
Top off your LBD with show-stopping shoes. Go for bright colors and shine to make a bold statement. Alternatively opt for black for the ultimate smart, classic chic. And a nude shoe will help give the impression of lengthy legs. Whatever color you opt for, if the occasion is dressy, then go for height. A stiletto teams up beautifully with the timeless LBD. But if it’s an everyday look you’re after, don’t be afraid to dress down by pairing your LBD with pumps or even sneakers.
Statement jewellery
Large gemstones, feathered pendants and tribal beading: anything goes when it comes to accessorizing your LBD with jewelry. Choose a necklace that fits within the neckline of the dress to show off the cut. Alternatively, opt for earrings; low hanging or embellished earcuffs from the latest 2018 collections will add glamor and extravagance. For a more conservative look, select simple jewelry that will complement your LBD rather than show it off.
A bag with bang
Against the backdrop of your black dress, your bag will be easily noticed. But again, the good news is that anything goes. This year’s trends include woven leather, straw carryalls, and lots of fringing. Don’t worry if your bag doesn’t match your shoes, just ensure they blend and complement each other.
These tips should help you make the very most of your LBD. It’s easy to get tired of one item of clothing, but with such incredible versatility, your LBD can easily be restyled to ensure it makes an outing time and time again.
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