Little Black Dress Magic

The little black dress… It’s a girl’s best friend! Loyal and true it comes to the rescue when you’re not sure what to wear. Always right, this classic wardrobe staple, makes you look instantly chic and never goes out of style.

If you don’t own one or feel fabulous in the one you’ve been wearing, then it’s time to buy a new one. Here are:

7 Top Tips for How to Buy and Wear the Perfect Little Black Dress

1. Look for a Dress with a Touch of Sizzle

The beauty of the ‘Little Black Dress’ lies in its simplicity; so make sure the one you choose has clean lines, not a lot of fussiness and frou frou. Do, be sure however, that your dress has a touch of sexiness, like elegant slit up the side, a deep V back, a lacy hemline or some sheer netting across the bust or arms for example. Details like buttons, sashes, cuffs, etc done in touches of velvets, silk tulle and other sumptuous fabrics will create a very rich look.

For example, this Anne Klein black silk dress is flattering to most women. Reminiscent of bygone Hollywood, it has a wonderful deep V-neck halter top and a tied waist with a long silk sash. The skirt is softly pleated and falls just below the knee. This dress can hide a woman’s flaws while subtly enhancing the female form.

2. Make Sure it Fits you Like a Glove

Fit is key to looking like a million in your little black dress. Don’t try to squeeze into a tight dress thinking it will make you look thinner. It will only make you look bigger. Throw away size tags and buy a dress that skims the body without pulling. A lined dress will smooth your figure and Spanx helps give you that sleek look too!

We think this dress hits the mark to show off a woman’s curves without being too sexy. It has a v neck which flatters the neckline and chest area with a cinched waist and softly pleated skirt. It flatters the pear shape body very nicely and with its longer length–hitting just slightly below the knee, most women can wear this dress beautifully!

3. Be Sure the Dress Plays up Your Best Features

For many of us 40+ teensy spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are not flattering. They highlight that midlife flabby flesh we often carry on our arms and underarms. Take a look at your best features and decide what else might work for you. V-necks flatter most body types, but if you have a really long neck, a rounded neckline will look good too. If it’s your legs that still look great, you can go a tad shorter on the skirt. If it’s your waist that‘s still looking wonderful, show that up with a great accent there like a ribbon tie or belt. Wherever you want the eye to go is where you want the detail to be!

For example, this simple, classic, black dress is a good one if your best features are well defined arms or a tiny waist. We love the capped sleeves and cinched waist. Moreover, the length hits just below the knee, which is a flattering stopping point for most figures.

4. Don’t Over-accessorize

Since a little black dress is like a blank canvas you can change the feel this way or by the way you accessorize. But be very careful to not over do it or you’ll detract from the look. The days of matching earrings and necklaces are over. It is much better to just wear a pair of great earrings with a smashing up-do, or a single item like a beautiful pin. Satin gloves with pearls will give you that timeless Audrey Hepburn look.

If you choose a lace dress like this, you won’t need to add much jewelry. There is a lot going on with this dress, so you would want to keep it simple with just earrings and perhaps a single bracelet.

5. Update your dress with Shoes

Shoes are the easiest way to update your dress and a great way to show off your personality. If you want to stray from the classically elegant black pump, try bright red heels, or leopard or metallic beauties.

TIP: Ankle straps on a shoe are not for everyone. Depending on your size, they can cut off your leg and make you look shorter. This woman is able to pull off the ankle strap, since she is tall with slim legs and ankles. (By the way, we like this dress too, since it is flattering on most body types and the fabric drapes nicely to make it comfortable to wear.)

6. Wear the Right Hose

Choose either a nude or black hose- ultrasheer to be sure! Fishnet stockings are a great way to add some glamour. You can go hoseless in the summertime if your legs still look good, and if you wear a self tanner. And, if you choose to wear sandals definitely go for the bare look! P.S. The right shade of “nude,” is one shade darker than your natural color. Avoid buying your hose that are dramatically too light or too dark. It should look as though you don’t have any hose on.

7. Top it Off with the Right Handbag

Yes, there is a right one! It’s this season’s favourite ~ a slim little clutch to tuck under your arm while you are sipping on your favourite cocktail. Your bag should not match your shoes exactly, but should have the same feel. Black always works and patent leather is in right now, but what’s even better, especially this season is a dazzling jewel toned clutch… a great way to give your little black dress a little oomph!.