How to Style the Little Black Dress
It's the essential wardrobe piece that no woman should be without. When you find yourself in a fashion bind with no time to spare for a last-minute event, this is the go-to item. You're familiar with it—the versatile piece that you can adorn for any occasion. Timeless, understated, and sophisticated, it's none other than the little black dress!
So let's break down the various ways to style the little black dress, or as we fondly call it the LBD, to seamlessly adapt to any occasion.
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The Little Black Dress History
The iconic little black dress, introduced in the late 1920s and popularized in the 1930s, is a timeless wardrobe classic that allows versatile accessorizing for any occasion, breaking free from the fashion constraints of corsets and oversized hats.
Chanel's revolutionary design, featured in Vogue in 1926, marked a shift from excess, making the LBD a practical yet elegant choice that endured even during the 1930s Great Depression.
The little black dress gained prominence when Audrey Hepburn donned it with pearls in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), becoming a timeless choice worn for diverse occasions with an array of accessories.
The Little Black Dress Style Tips
While the LBDs we have on the list are dubbed as activewear, you'd be surprised to know that they can also be worn for any occasion. They're not limited to golf or tennis. They effortlessly transition you to various activities throughout your day. Plus, they come with shorts or built-in shorts for that added layer of protection.
Explore the versatility of the LBD, suitable for all seasons and nearly any setting, by discovering outfit ideas to maximize its potential.
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Keep it casual.
For a laid-back look transitioning seamlessly from brunch to errands, consider pairing the little black dress with flats like sandals or sneakers, ensuring comfort and style throughout the day.
Add a touch of flair with your favorite bag—go for a vibrant oversized tote with playful pom-poms. Black serves as an ideal backdrop to showcase those accessories that might be challenging to match with other outfits. Complete the look with your favorite dangly earrings, and you're good to go.
Effortlessly navigate your day in the Evergreen 1/4 Zipper Dress made from 30% Tencel, 30% cotton, and 40% polyester, offering UPF 50+ sun protection, breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking capabilities. This slim-fit garment features a quarter-zip collar, knee-length for enhanced coverage, a flattering pleated design, and invisible pockets for convenient storage.
Slay the boardroom.
Tired of the daily wardrobe challenge for work? The little black dress for work is your go-to solution, effortlessly blending with the dress code while allowing you to express your unique style.
Treat it as the essential foundation in your closet, easily layered with various pieces to maintain a fresh and distinct look each day. Complete the ensemble with dress shoes, a blazer, understated jewelry, and a neutral-toned bag or clutch, ensuring you're prepared for whatever the day brings.
Effortlessly enhance your look by layering a blazer over our Flyleaf Ribbed 2-in-1 Tank Dress, crafted from 75% nylon and 25% Spandex, offering ultra-soft comfort. This sleeveless tennis dress features a slimmer fitted cut, complemented by softly gathered sheer mesh at the neckline and waist for an elegant and mysterious aesthetic, along with 4" inner shorts for practicality and opacity during movement.
Party all night.
Whether you're preparing for a cocktail party or a formal event, the little black dress is your versatile ticket to success. For a cocktail party, embrace boldness with vibrant heels and statement jewelry.
For a formal event, maintain an elegant touch by choosing refined accessories like a silver necklace or earrings—keeping it simple and sophisticated.
Enjoy a night of dancing and margaritas in our Laureate Sleeveless 2-in-1 Dress, crafted from 82% polyester and 18% Spandex, ensuring breathability, lightweight comfort, and opacity. The A-line silhouette, mock collar, zippered placket, well-fitted armholes, a back pleated design, separate inner shorts, and two zipper pockets provide both style and practicality for a delightful evening.
Look demure on a date night.
When preparing for a date, striking the elusive balance between elegance and allure is key. Whether it's a first date or a night out with your partner, the little black dress comes to the rescue, ensuring you look your best and exude romance.
Embrace the flattering nature of black, accentuate your figure with cinched waistlines, and unleash your inner goddess. Complete the look with strappy heels and a pop of color in your accessories to turn heads effortlessly.
Step into your date night with confidence in our Laureate UPF 50+ 2-in-1 Dress, composed of 86% polyester and 14% Spandex, offering features like a mock collar, zippered placket, well-fitted armholes for ease of movement, back pleats, separated shorts, and five convenient pockets—all ensuring breathability, quick-dry, and moisture-wicking comfort.
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Accessorizing a Little Black Dress
Use a solid black dress as a versatile canvas to infuse vibrant colors through personalized accessories. Explore the following suggestions for accessorizing:
Go for a colorful belt.
Enhance your black dress by incorporating a colorful belt for a vibrant touch or to emphasize your waistline.
During the summer, complete your ensemble by adding a sun hat with a matching belt to create a cohesive and stylish look.
Add statement earrings or a necklace.
Complement your little black dress for formal occasions with a pair of earrings while a statement necklace not only adds a focal point to your outfit but also serves as a personalized touch.
Lay over a denim jacket.
For a laid-back and comfortable vibe, pair casual black dresses crafted from cotton, linen, or lighter materials with a denim jacket.
Grab a crossbody bag for a more casual ensemble.
Go for a clutch purse for fancier occasions, while a crossbody bag complements more casual looks and provides a convenient space for storing essentials like your phone and wallet.
What Shoes To Wear With the Little Black Dress
Because the LBD is a versatile outfit, pairing it with a variety of shoes is easy.
Flats
If you're going to do a lot of movement, like running around the building or walking to nearby locations, choose comfort over heels. Grab your stylish flats from your backpack, and you're ready to go!
Pumps
The classic pump is the ultimate business wear, complementing any dress, especially little black dresses. Choose vibrant colors like red, white, or bright pink to elevate your LBD and bring a cheerful touch to your look.
Sandals
Strappy sandals, with one to two-inch heels or various strap designs, perfectly enhance Little Black Dresses, offering a multitude of stylish options.
Heels
The array of heels for a little black dress is vast—go for lace peep-toes, strappy pump-toed heels, or playful half-boot half-sandal styles for a versatile yet business-appropriate look.
The LBD Saves the Day
The indispensable little black dress, aka your LBD, is a versatile, ready-for-anything wardrobe staple that effortlessly transitions from casual to dressy, always remaining on-trend. Don a classic and timeless vibe with our little black dress styling tips.
Add an LBD to your wardrobe. Your perfect LBD match is waiting for you in our Baleaf's Dress collection.