How To Wear A Little Black Dress

Many women have the classic LBD in their wardrobe. But - does every woman know how to wear a little black dress?

From the LBD's hey day, Audrey Hepburn and the likes of Coco Chanel, the beloved fashion staple has been around far longer than anyone would have imagined when it first appeared on the fashion scene.

These days they can be worn in a myriad of ways, accessorized to the max, dressed up, down or boho and for those that prefer living on the edge ... rocked up and rocked out.

The little black dress is the archetypal best friend and comforter of women all over the western hemisphere and the nemesis (some would say) of our men folk.

It's also fair to say that many women will wear their dress/dresses according to individual size and shape.

We're not all built like toothpicks - equally we're not all blessed with voluptuous curves in all the right ... and wrong! ... places.

Each and every one of us is an individual - we're not just different shapes and sizes we're also governed by what we like, don't like, personal tastes and so forth.

The key to the little black dress is this: keep it simple. Clean lines, well cut, figure flattering and, generally - knee length.

Black Dresses

Before I share the info on how to wear black dresses with you - the first part of the advice that I can offer is relates to this: as you're reading through this guide, do take the time to factor in your body shape as you know ... one size really doesn't fit all!

With that in mind, with your little black dress firmly in your sights are you:

• pear shaped
• long and lean
• average and curvy
• petite and voluptuous
• skinny and angular

You can be any combination of the above and I'm going to assume that you have half an idea of what works and what doesn't.

As an example, an A line LBD will look fantastic on pretty much any body shape ... whereas something tight and clingy won't.

Now - are we on the same page? If so, let's work out how to wear a little black dress!

Now you're ready to pick up the tips on how to wear an LBD!

• Now we've factored in the basics, let's talk about how to wear a little black dress.

There is one basic rule:

• one versatile LBD = various styles and looks

So saying - before you make your purchase, study you, the dress you're wanting, prior top purchase. Make sure that the style will work for you.

Our little sojourn through the how to wear and how not to wear your LBD should also factor in a girls best friend ... value for money!

I've also tried to make this little black dress study guide a little easier to follow, by way of a few helpful pictures that I've created.

The purpose of the pictures is to try and provide you with a vuisual represenation of one dress, several different looks.

I've actually picked two classic shapes:

• a Jackie O type design
• an Empire line style

The second one will work for most body shapes, the first one is better for long and lean, petites or those with an average body shape ... average height, a few curves but not too many.

An Audrey Hepburn style black dress is more of a style than it is an actual dress.

The overall look you should aim for is super chic - a highly elegant yet classical appearance. Think along the lines of kitten heels, slingbacks, pearls and small, stylish clutches or totes.

Keep things simple, clean cut lines, no fussy accessories or needless embellishments are required.

Arrange your hair in a sleek style, understated yet looking totally coiffed at the same time. All may sound hard (in theory) but really, in practice ... it's not!

Just look at the guide picture I've created and work from there. Study a few pictures of Audrey Hepburn wearing her little black dress in Breakfast At Tiffany's - and you'll not go far wrong!

This really is one of the most timeless ways in which you can wear a little black dress and should not be overlooked as a viable way to dress on a formal night out.

Equally this look is easy to wear to more relaxed, informal events - in fact it can be adapted to suit the venue.

Don't be shy - fashion is all about fun and experimentation!

In case you need to know how to accessorize a little black dress, here are a few hints and tips to help point you in the right direction:

• remember that your dress is black - therefore you're only limited with your accessories color wise with what does and does not suit your own coloring
• decide on an accessory color and stick with it - either close match color or contrasting yet co-ordinating hues
• don't go overboard with your little black dress accessories - keep it stylish and elegant. You're aiming for chic, not freak!
• if you're intention is to go a little grungy, a little rock chic, then choose silver accessories, maybe purple or even mid to bright blues
• little black dress jewelry doesn't have to be expensive. You can create a beautiful look on a very tight budget if your shop smart
• go preppy - add a blazer
• getting colder? Add a beautiful scarf and, depending upong the shape and cut of your LBD, a short wool jacket and opaque tights
• monochrome works well - dare to be different with animal prints or mix and match black and white throughout your look

There are dozens of ways to accessorize a little black dress - you're only (real) limitation is your own imagination!

 Pictures: combination of my own, Wikipedia Commons and Flickya