The Little Black Dress

“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.”
— Karl Lagerfeld

The holidays are just around the corner which means an onslaught of holiday parties and dinners. The next three months, can be heavy on the wallet – between gifts for teachers, kids, family and friends. So, when it comes to your wardrobe, the little black dress (LBD) is definitely the way to go.

A LBD is an evening or cocktail dress, it simple, elegant, affordable and versatile. It can be dressed up or down and worn from day to night. According to fashion history it was made trendy by Coco Chanel and Jean Patou and considered to be an essential wardrobe piece – every women should own one.

Tip: The LBD can have multiple looks with accessories, shoes, blazer, shawl or clutch the options are endless!

“The Little Black Dress, or LBD, as it is affectionately known, has been elevated to the status of cultural icon.”
– David Graham, The Toronto Star

When choosing a LBD you need to find the right dress for your body type. Here are the four basic body types with the style tips on which LBD will look best on each. 

Rectangular Shape: Even upper and lower body proportion with little waist definition.

Fashion isn’t supposed to be complicated. It’s all about balance. If you have a straight body shape, you’ll want something that draws attention to your waist – like a belt or a style that pinches at the mid-section, because this will create the illusion of curves.

Dress with metal plaque belt from Zara

Pear Shape: Hips are broader than your shoulders. 

You want to draw the eyes upward to your torso so a good choice is an A-line dress and avoid anything that clings to your hips. 

Alfred Sung Woven Fit & Flare Dress

Inverted Triangle Shape: Shoulders are broader than your hips.

You’ll want to look for a dress that draws attention to your hips and makes them look broader. Keep it simple around your bust and go for patterns, and embellishments on the bottom instead.

 Colette Ruffle Bottom Skirt Dress by Alice and Olivia

Hourglass Shape: Bust and hip are approximately the same size with a defined waist.

This is the body type I have. I can’t wear anything that will add bulk to my bust or hips – it will throw off my proportions. I stick to dresses that are fitted and draw attention to my waist. 

The wrap dress is perfect for this body type, it draws focus to the skinniest part of your body, without adding bulk. I like dresses that are fitted because its flattering to my body shape and shows off my curves.

Pleated Wrap Dress from Forever 21