10 Ways to Wear a Little Black Dress

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The LBD- a wardrobe staple. I’m sure you’ve heard that every woman should have a little black dress in her closet. It’s classic, they say, it’s timeless. But the real reason why I love it and recommend it to all my clients? Because it’s versatile. And you know I am always about getting the most bang for your buck!

Before I break down how to style your LBD to achieve all of these looks, let me first start by explaining what type of dress works best. Because please don’t take away from this blog that any old dress will work and try rocking a strapless mini bodycon dress to work and blaming me for getting a dress code violation write up!

If you want the most versatile dress that is appropriate for all circumstances choose:

  • a sheath or A- line style
  • short sleeves or thick (about 2 inch) straps
  • hem no more than 2″ above the knee
  • little or no detail. Things like side rouching are okay but details like oversized ruffles, sequins, embroidery or patterns can take away from the LBD being a blank canvas that is easy to build upon and transform.
Here are my 10 favorite suggestions on how to style your LBD to suit every occasion:

1. Professional– A no-fail professional look. Add a blazer, heels and limit jewelry to one statement piece or choose simpler pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Business Casual– office appropriate but able to add a little more personality here. Inject color or pattern in one piece, and layer on a cardigan, accessories and a fun shoe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Casual– Heels aren’t the only footwear to pair with an LBD. Grab flats, embellished sandals in the summer or riding boots in the winter for a comfortable and pulled together on-the-go combo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Layered– Most people have mastered layering sweaters and jackets over their LBDs, but dont forget you can also layer under them too! Wear a short or long sleeved cotton tee underneath to dress your look down or add a sheer or lace top underneath for a sexy look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Sporty– Have you ever thought of adding sneakers to your LBD? Give it a try! Trainers, boat shoes, denim jackets and hooded sweat shirts can add a sporty feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Edgy– Black is a color that can portray professionalism all the way to bad-assery and everything in between. So why not play it up with leather, different textures and bold hardware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Pops of Color– since your LBD is just one solid neutral it is easy, and encouraged, to add in some pops of color! Add 1 or a few, utilize accessories, purses, shoes, belts and even makeup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Night Out– Typically LBDs are purchased for either professional or celebratory reasons. With all of these other fun ways to wear your Little Black Dress this is just a reminder to throw on your favorite heels and head out to the party!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Formal– Wedding or gala coming up? Grab your LBD! Add sheer hose, elegant jewelry and a shawl to really elevate your look. (Tricia’s Tip: a jeweled broch is a great way to keep your shawl closed and in place while adding another dressy touch)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Costume– You likely wouldn’t look to your own wardrobe for a costume or theme party, but if you have an LBD you can save yourself a trip to the costume store. Again, with the dress being a basic blank canvas tons of things can be added on to represent characters or specific eras.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUN FACT!

The photos above were taken during a filming of Cheap Chic. Watch the episode and see the actual LBD transformations now on Xfinity On Demand under “Entertainment”!

Which look is your favorite??

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