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 an elegant slit up the side, a deep V neck or back, a lacy hemline or some sheer netting across the bust or arms, etc.
Details like buttons, sashes, cuffs, and such done with touches of velvet, silk, tulle, and other sumptuous fabrics will create a very rich look.
For example, this simple v-neck black dress is flattering to most women. This soft, stretchy dress skims your curves and enhances your womanly shape.
Shop this little black dress here!
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 can smooth your figure, and Spanx helps give you that sleek look too!
My readers in dresses from www.peterkate.com
3. Be Sure it Plays up Your Best Features
For many of us, 40+ teensy spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are not flattering. They highlight that flabby midlife 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 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 still looks 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!
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 not over to do it, 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 a smashing up-do, or a single item like a beautiful pin.
5. Update your LBD 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 can 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.)
More cute dresses from www.peterkate.com
6. Wear the Right Hose
Choose either a nude or black hose- 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 still look good, and if you wear a self-tanner. And, if you choose to wear sandals 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 is 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
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, especially this season is a dazzling jewel-toned clutch… a great way to give your little black dress a little oomph!.
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Great Blog….This is a good blog the writer makes several great points….the posts are also great.
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This article was written in the fall, so most of these dresses will be long gone from the stores. However, you can find ones similar at Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms or Bloomingdales.
I hope you can use my guidelines and apply them to any dress.
I would like to know the make and wear to buy the black dress in photo #2….I love it!
I love these dresses.
Hani, I totally agree with you, there are many factors that affect our choice of food, like for instance the lack of time we have to prepare healthy foods, or the lack of affordable healthy fast- food places where we can go. In short I think it’ s the modern lifestyle that hinders us from getting healthy meals even though we’ re educated. But what I had in mind, was the fact that well informed people would make the best out of what’ s available. For example, if you know a lot about health, you might have bad…
Hi Denise,
I liked that little black dress with the sheer long sleves. What dress is that???
Kim
I’d love to see where you can buy these! Or at least who made them. Otherwise a great article, thanks!