How to Look Chic at a Special Event in a Little Black Dress

The little black dress is a girl’s best friend! It’s loyal and true and comes to the rescue when you’re struggling to know what to wear. Always appropriate, this classic wardrobe staple never goes out of style and always makes you look fabulous.

If you don’t own a Little Black dress or you don’t feel like a million bucks in the one you have, then it’s time to go shopping. Here’s everything you need to know about how to look chic in a little Black Dress.

1. Choose the Right Little Black Dress for Your Body Type

If you have to try on 25 little black dresses until you find the perfect one, it definitely worth it. With so many styles, you are sure to find one to flatter your unique body shape. Women with hourglass shapes need to make sure their dress is fitted through the waist, or they are going to look heavy. A shift dress that shows off your curves is ideal. Ruching will help hide a tummy pooch.

Pear shapes look good in fit and flare styles that nip in at the waist but allow lots of room through the hips and thighs. Dresses with lots of neckline and shoulder detail such as flutter sleeves or an off-the-shoulder neckline will widen your top half, balance it with your bottom half, and also help draw the eye upward and away from your heavier bottom.

Rectangles shapes can create a waist where there is none by looking for belting in a relaxed dress or wearing a dress with volume at the hips to create curves- a peplum dress, for example. Colum dresses can also work because they flatter their athletic shape.

Inverted triangles with large shoulders and a little bottom can go with a full-on wide skirt to balance off their top half. Strapless and Halter’s styles are also very flattering for women with broad shoulders.

Apple shapes can try an empire waist, or if your tummy is quite large, try a little black shift or sheath dress with a long flowy chiffon overlay.

Any type of warp style dress is universally flattering and helps create that classic, feminine hourglass shape.

2.  Make Sure Your Little Black Dress has a Sexy Detail

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. However, do be sure that your little black dress has a touch of sexiness, like a slit up the side, a deep V neck or back, a lacy hemline, or some sheer fabric across the bust or arms. Just one sexy detail keeps you classy, not trashy.

Things like pretty buttons, a sash or cuffs, in velvet, silk,  tulle, and other sumptuous fabrics will create a very rich look too.

3. Your LBD Needs to Fit Like a Glove

Fit is the 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 your body without pulling. A lined dress can smooth out your figure, and shapewear helps gives you that sleek look too!

4. Quality Matters

A little black dress doesn’t have to cost a lot, but for it to look expensive, it needs to be of good quality. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, cheap black fabrics don’t hold their black, and after one cleaning, you’re not going to get that inky black richness that makes a little black dress look so magical.

Secondly, at 40+, our bodies are softer and more rounded, and we need quality fabrics with more structure to keep our bodies in shape and smooth things out. Stay away from thin and super flimsy fabrics that are synonymous with low quality.

5. Don’t Over-Accessorize Your Little Black Dress

Since a little black dress is like a blank canvas, you can easily change the mood of your outfit via your accessorize. But be very careful not over to do it with too much bling, or you’ll detract from the look.

The days of matching earrings and necklaces are over. It’s better to wear a pair of fabulous earrings with nothing else but a gorgeous up-do, or a gorgeous statement piece like a beautiful pin.

6. Shoes Can Make or Break The Look

Shoes are the easiest way to update a little black 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 a leopard or a metallic pair.

7. Choose Hosiery Wisely

Choose either ultrasheer nude or black sheers to be sure! Fishnet stockings are also a great way to add some glamour. You can go sans hose in the summertime if your legs are toned, and you wear a bit of self-tanner. If you choose to wear sandals, you can go for the bare look!

P.S. The right shade of “nude” is one shade darker than your natural color. Avoid pantyhose that is dramatically too light or too dark. You should look as though you don’t have any hose on.

8. Top off Your Little Black Dress with a Fabulous Handbag

This season’s favorite? A slim little clutch to tuck under your arm while you are sipping on your favorite 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, for fall and winter, is a dazzling jewel-toned clutch. It’s a great way to give your little black dress a little oomph!

The little black dress is always a winner. By following these tips, you can be sure to find one that makes you look wow, and turns heads!