How to Look Bewitching in a Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress is a girl’s best friend —the one item in your closet that is guaranteed to take you through whatever life throws at you with a simple change of shoes and accessories, just like magic. But like anything else, a little black dress can fade, wear, and lose its charm, leaving you looking a little dated and feeling slightly frumpy.

With party season in full swing, now is the time to take a good look at your standby little black dress and decide if you need a refresh. Here’s what to look for in a Little Black Dress to bewitch and bedazzle.

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How to Look Bewitching in a Little Black Dress at Holiday Time

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

If you have to try on 25 little black dresses until you find the perfect one to flatter your body type, it is definitely worth it.  Shape. For example, women with an hourglass shape need to make sure their dress is fitted through the waist or risk looking heavy. A shift dress that shows off your curves is ideal. Ruching also helps hide a tummy pooch.

Pear shapes look great in fit-and-flare styles that nip in at the waist but allow plenty 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 help draw the eye upward and away from your heavier bottom.

Rectangle shapes can create a waist where there is none. For example, you can look 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 wear a full-on wide skirt to balance 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 wrap-style dress is universally flattering and helps create that classic, feminine hourglass shape.

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2.  Embrace a Sexy Detail

The beauty of the ‘Little Black Dress’ lies in its simplicity, so make sure the one you choose has clean lines and does not have 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.

Pretty buttons, a sash, or cuffs in velvet, silk, tulle, and other sumptuous fabrics will also create a very rich look.

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 give you that sleek look, too!

4. Quality Counts

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 them in shape and smooth out imperfections. Stay away from thin and super-flimsy fabrics, which are synonymous with low quality.

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5. Don’t Over-Accessorize

Since a little black dress is like a blank canvas, you can easily change the mood of your outfit by accessorizing it. But be very careful not to overdo it with too much bling, as this will 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 updo or a magnificent statement piece like a beautiful pin.

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6. Shoes Can Make or Break your LBD

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, a leopard, or a metallic pair.

7. Choose Hosiery Wisely

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

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

8. Accent 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!

Bewitching Black Holiday Party Dresses

1.  Cast Your Spell with A Sexy Off the Shoulder

Off-the-shoulder styles are elegant and a great way to look alluring without going overboard and showing too much skin. This one is extra special with that touch of glam sequins. If you’re a pear-shaped woman, they help balance wider hips and thighs.

2. Play Masculine Off Feminine

A dress that plays up the tension between a masculine and feminine vibe is always worth a second look. Here, the classic tuxedo, a menswear staple, is fitted and draped for an all-girl tuxedo dress look. Add a pair of slingback pumps, and you’re ready for a night out. This would look stunning on a gal with a pear or hourglass figure.

3.  Exude Simple Elegance

Sometimes, the quiet ones in the crowd stand out the most. That’s the case with this simple sequin sleeve sheath dress. The gorgeous velvet and glamorous sleeves produce a dress that is party chic!

4. Lace is your Friend After 40

I always say that when in doubt, a black lace cocktail dress that is all lace or partly lace is sophisticated and festive. This dress is a beauty because it combines lace with a sheer illusion neckline.

5. Get Flirty with Feathers

Flirty, feathery hemlines are super feminine and perfect for parties when you want to turn heads. This feathered, off-the-shoulder little black dress is a showstopper!

Want to see more? Here are some ideas on how to accessorize a black holiday party dress.