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12 Little Black Dresses To Wear Now
The LBD never goes out of fashion. But now it’s having a moment in the limelight once more. These are the little black dresses to wear now.
Almost a century on from Chanel’s invention of the ‘little black dress’ as the sartorial epitome of timeless style that would forever surpass fleeting trends, the LBD has proved it – and Coco’s – genius. It has been a perennial favourite through the fashion ages, as modelled to perfection by icons from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the 1960s to Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ at the Serpentine Gallery in the 1990s. For us mere mortals, it is a fashion staple too; that failsafe favourite at the back of the wardrobe that can always be relied on to flatter and smarten. The true beauty of the seemingly simple LBD is that it is, in fact, a style chameleon, taking in everything from the sharp androgynous tailoring of the blazer dress to cosy cord right through to the sheer sensuality of the show-stopping bodycon style. Whatever you are looking for in your new season LBD, we have rounded up twelve styles to shop below, plus tips on how to wear yours.
1. Size up for a more modern silhouette.
2. Black doesn’t have to be formal. Look for slouchy sweater dresses, washed denims and ribbed knit styles (another big trend this winter), for cosy, casual looks.
3. Layer a bright or print polo-neck underneath for a splash of colour near your face if you’re worried about looking washed out.
4. Opt for black dresses in tactile fabrics like mohair, velvet or cashmere to soften the look.
5. To prolong your blacks, look for dedicated detergents for dark colours.
6. Don’t be afraid to layer black and navy for a classic look. Play with contrasting textures, such as a black leather shirt dress with a navy wool coat.
7. If you’re worried about looking too severe or funerial, pair your LBD with gold jewellery and pared-back simple make-up for a youthful take on the look.
8. Remember LBDs can be fun! Cocktail dresses, sequins and feather trims are all big this season - simply pair with a bold lip and fun accessories for a party look that you can return to again and again.
9. If you’re not quite ready for a head-to-toe black look, ease yourself in with a print dress with a black background, or a monochrome pattern, such as a check or houndstooth.
9 Tips For A Contemporary Take On Wearing The LBD Now
1. Size up for a more modern silhouette.
2. Black doesn’t have to be formal. Look for slouchy sweater dresses, washed denims and ribbed knit styles (another big trend this winter), for cosy, casual looks.
3. Layer a bright or print polo-neck underneath for a splash of colour near your face if you’re worried about looking washed out.
4. Opt for black dresses in tactile fabrics like mohair, velvet or cashmere to soften the look.
5. To prolong your blacks, look for dedicated detergents for dark colours.
6. Don’t be afraid to layer black and navy for a classic look. Play with contrasting textures, such as a black leather shirt dress with a navy wool coat.
7. If you’re worried about looking too severe or funerial, pair your LBD with gold jewellery and pared-back simple make-up for a youthful take on the look.
8. Remember LBDs can be fun! Cocktail dresses, sequins and feather trims are all big this season - simply pair with a bold lip and fun accessories for a party look that you can return to again and again.
9. If you’re not quite ready for a head-to-toe black look, ease yourself in with a print dress with a black background, or a monochrome pattern, such as a check or houndstooth.
Shop The Look:
Lydia Mansi
Lifestyle Editor
Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.
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