That Little Black Dress Never Goes Out Of Style

One piece of fashion advice that has been around forever and has never gone out of style is the little black dress.  That black dress you have that can be worn to funerals, out to dinner, out for a casual night.  The one your mother said you needed.

The little black dress has been around since the 1920's when fashion underwent a major change. Up until the 1920's, black was reserved for funerals and mourning but it all changed in 1926 when a nice little black dress made the cover of Vogue magazine.  This outfit, designed by Coco Channel, quickly became popular and took off in the 1930's due to affordability and simplicity.

The little black dress got a boost in popularity due to being worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys. In fact, women began accessorizing and adjusting things so the little black dress became extremely popular and is still popular.  So it's time to look at ways of adjusting the little black dress so you can wear it to work and then out to a night on the town.

First, think about taking your nice short sleeved black dress, pair it with some white sneakers, a huge back, sun hat, and you are ready to go to the beach or the farmers market. On the other hand, wear boots instead of sneakers, throw on a jacket and leggings and you are ready to go to the office. If you want to go out to dinner, switch out the boots for heels, throw on hose, and a leather jacket.  Want something dressier, throw on a necklace, dangly earrings, and bracelets.

Other ways to change the look is to change out accessories.  Break the severe black color by wearing a colorful belt at the waist and if you like wearing hats, wear a hat that matches the belt. Find earrings that make a statement.  Earrings can be hoops, sparkly, dangly, or beaded.  Enjoy playing around with the type of earrings to see which one you like the best.

On the other hand, necklaces can draw attention to your neck. A statement necklace can draw others attention and provides a personal touch.  Throw on a denim jacket for a more informal look. As far as purses go, look to using a clutch for a more formal evening and switch to a larger bag you can wear across your body for the more casual look.

Once you decide on the look be it formal, for work, casual, or for an evening out, you need to think about styling.  Choose a black dress you really like, feel comfortable, and wear confidently.  If you don't know what to do, wear all black from the black dress, to black shoes, to black leggings, to a black jacket, perhaps a black leather jacket.  

In addition, think about the length of the dress in reference to where you expect to wear it.  If you are going to a party or semiformal to formal event, you want a dress that is at least knee length or a bit longer. For the more casual look, you can go a bit shorter.  There is nothing in the rules that says you can't have one black dress of each length so you are prepared for anything. 

Remember its the accessories that make the dress different so invest in a few different necklaces, earrings, a few different purses, a couple of jackets, belts, bangles, and a few different types of shoes from sneakers, to books, to low heels, to higher heels so with a quick change you have something new.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.