We all know the saying “When in doubt, wear black”. And nothing could be more true. Few pieces in fashion are as timeless and effortlessly elegant as the little black dress. Whether you’re heading to brunch, taking a leisurely stroll, or attending a glamourous evening event, the LBD is a wardrobe must-have designed to never go out of style.
The little black dress, designed by the legendary Coco Chanel, first graced the pages of Vogue in 1926. Described by Chanel as “a uniform for all women of taste”, this simple yet timeless design set the stage for what would become one of the most iconic dresses in fashion history. Coco Chanel’s vision was to introduce a wardrobe staple for any occasion, versatile enough to be dressed up or down with the right accessories and shoes.
To this day, the LBD remains an essential piece in every woman’s closet. Despite the ever-changing trends, it has firmly established itself as a symbol of timeless elegance. Chanel’s original little black dress may appear more modest than today’s versions – falling below the knee, with long sleeves and a classic semi-circular neckline. Surprisingly, its simplicity set the dress apart; it lacked excess details such as fringe, tulle, or buttons, ensuring its enduring appeal. However, it was far from shapeless, on the contrary, it was form-fitting, designed to accentuate the female figure.
Its popularity in the past was closely tied to the allure of Old Hollywood and its leading ladies. The little black dress became ‘the uniform’ in the era of black-and-white films. Over the decades, grace and allure became synonymous with the LBD. While it had already secured its place in fashion, the 1960s brought it even greater attention when Audrey Hepburn graced the screen in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, wearing a long black dress by Hubert Givenchy. She accessorised it with a string of pearls, solidifying the LBD’s status as an icon of effortless elegance.
In the years that followed, many celebrities and style icons, including Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford, made public appearances in their own interpretations of the little black dress. However, one of the most iconic outings undoubtedly belongs to Lady Diana and her legendary ‘Revenge Dress’. In 1994, on the very night Prince Charles publicly admitted to his infidelity in a televised interview, Princess Diana made a bold statement in a stunning black silk taffeta dress by Christina Stambolian. Her decision to wear this black, strapless, figure-hugging ensemble made a bold statement of empowerment and confidence, marking a moment in fashion history.
But the Princess of Wales wasn’t the only one to leave the public in awe with a gorgeous little black number. Few embodied the ‘it-girl’ spirit quite like Kate Moss in the late 90s. The supermodel turned heads in a feather-trimmed, off-the-shoulder dress at Frank Sinatra’s 80th birthday party, demonstrating that the right black dress could be both bold and elegant.
While on the topic, Jennifer Aniston’s ‘90s style remains just as iconic as the show she starred in. Many Pinterest boards are filled with ‘Rachel Green outfit inspo’ – and for good reason. Aniston has always mastered the art of minimal chic, and her little black dress moment was no exception. A mini black dress with spaghetti straps, paired with strappy black heels, proved that sometimes less is more.
Little black dresses come in all shapes and sizes, from more modest options to bolder, more revealing ensembles. With various necklines to choose from, and the right accessories to personalise the look, the possibilities are endless. Sarah Jessica Parker demonstrates how a little black dress can remain just as elegant and timeless in silk. Paired with the actress’s iconic blonde curls, the look pulls together seamlessly.
Kendall Jenner takes a more contemporary and edgy approach to the LBD, arriving at her sister Kylie’s 21st birthday party in a leather mini dress. Complemented by an orange clutch and her hair slicked back into a bun, this LBD look is bold, daring, and fierce.
As shown by these fashion icons over the decades, the little black dress is truly timeless. Recent Fall/Winter shows in New York, London, and Milan have proven that the little black dress isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Whether reimagined for modern tastes or styled in its classic form, the LBD remains a wardrobe essential. So, explore the list below to discover where to shop for the perfect black ensemble that reflects your personality and never goes out of style.
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