The year is 1926. You saunter down the street to the nearest newsstand, anticipating the purchase of the October issue of Vogue. Your newly cut bob gently blows in the wind, when lo and behold, your eyes catch a glimpse of Chanel’s sketch of the Model T, better known as the Little Black Dress.
The drawing of a simple sheath dress with long, narrow sleeves worn with a string of pearls was accompanied by this very modest description:“The Chanel “Ford”—the frock that all the world will wear is model 817 of black crepe de chine. The bodice blouses slightly at the front and sides and has a tight bolero at the back. Especially chic is the arrangement of tiny tucks which cross in front. Imported by Saks.”
At a time when Vogue published endless reports documenting the clothing and happenings of designers considered all the rage in haute couture, Coco Chanel was not one of them, and her introduction of the LBD barely caused a stir. In the midst of the roaring twenties, a conservative black dress wasn’t the look that fashion-forward women wanted to spend their money on. And besides, Chanel was better known for her jersey sportswear and casual get-ups.
It wasn’t until recent decades that the LBD gained its much deserved reputation. Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy-designed little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, serves as a turning point in LBD history. Audrey flaunted and stunned in her black dress, disproving the rigid view of the LBD as an uptight, subservient piece. Tragically, the death of Coco herself in 1971 marked the year that the term “LBD” was coined.
The LBD has grown to become a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. Its understated color allows for bold accessories and shoes. The muted palette gives designers a pass in constructing intricate patterns and acute details. You can keep it classic or spice it up for a more original look, but whatever adornments you add, there’s no denying that a LBD is always in style and a wardrobe essential.
We apply Coco Chanel’s quote, “One is never over nor understated in a little black dress,” to the vision we have of the LBD today. It is the modern girl’s go-to uniform. Not only can it be styled to fit changing moods, but as women we feel sexy and confident in an all black number. Finding the perfect LBD is like striking gold. It transforms the way we feel, the way we look and the way we act.
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Chantal Van der Meijden, from the blog Cocorosa, styled this LBD for Milan Fashion Week. She kept it classic, pairing her elaborate above the knee lace dress with black and white accessories and a simple shoe.
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Leave it to the queen of style to make this girly silhouette elegant and chic. A flouncy skirt looks great with tied back hair. Keep it simple, like Olivia did, with black shoes sans accessories. Or for a flirtier look, pair brightly colored shoes with a bold, statement necklace.
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We included this outfit because we love a thigh high sock coupled with a playful black dress. The height of the socks contrast with the breeziness of the skirt and make for one mod look. The homogeneous color scheme keeps it elegant. This is a great alteration to an otherwise expected silhouette.
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James McCoy from Bleubirdblog.com does this black maxi the right way. A bit prairie-chic, a bit 60’s inspired, we love James’ floppy fedora and ankle booties balanced with her long, side-slit LBD. This dress is so timeless and can be paired with trendy accessories to keep it fresh.
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This Balenciaga dress stuns on Victoria Beckham. She paired a low-waist cinch with a chunky platform boot, adding a layer of edge to this dress’ funky construction. Victoria’s loose waves soften the look up a bit, while still keeping this outfit spicy and desirable.
And finally, the one that started it all. Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s paved the way for the LBD’s celebrated and glamorous reputation. Her endless strand of pearls, sultry black gloves and petite tiara keep her look classic and swank.
(Feature Photo via We Heart It)