When it comes to wardrobe staples, there's nothing more classic, sexy, and versatile than a little black dress. For brunch with friends, office meetings, girls' nights out, or your next hot date, the LBD can be transformed time and time again with the right accent pieces. So today we're bringing you 10 chic new ways to wear this timeless frock, and we can't wait to hear which stylish ensemble is your favorite!
Jessica Chastain put her own spiced-up spin on the LBD last night for a screening of Lawless in NYC. The evening was hosted by Yves Saint Laurent and the Cinema Society; thus, Jessica came wearing the designer du jour. Did we mention she's also the face of the brand's newest fragrance, Manifesto? She paired her go-to black dress with black shoes, also by YSL, and colorful Tom Binns bracelets for contrast. Watch today's Fab Flash to see more! On Allison McNamara: H&M dress, Linea Pelle belt. On Kirbie Johnson: H&M top.
On her way out of her NYC apartment, Sarah Jessica Parker sported a Steven Alan little black dress with a pleated skirt ($335) and a black patent chain-strap Roger Vivier bag over it. Gold studded flats, her signature wraparound sunglasses, and a green bracelet served as her other chic accoutrements. Sarah Jessica also carried two large canvas bags, one with hot-pink straps by Michelle Vale. Re-create her latest darling daytime look for work or the weekend by investing in the similar pleated black dress we chose below or this less-expensive one from Aqua ($88). To get Sarah Jessica's full look, shop similar pieces below.
The LBD is a classic closet staple and serves as the perfect backdrop for accessories. Last night, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams both showed off their takes on the wardrobe essential. Mila selected a fit and flare, peplum mini by Christian Dior with a sexy sheer neckline. Michelle went for a figure-hugging silhouette in a dress by Altuzarra with lace-up detailing on the front. Watch today's Fab Flash to hear more about these outfits, and be sure to watch our little black dress video for more styling inspiration. On Allison McNamara: Rebecca Taylor dress, Lia Sophia necklace.
The Alexander McQueen dress Krysten Ritter wore to last night's True Blood season five premiere in LA was what all little black dresses should strive to be. It was equal parts sexy — hello thigh-high slit and edgy asymmetrical neckline — and demure thanks to the knee-length hemline and short sleeves. The actress completed her all-black look with Jimmy Choo black patent Loila sandals — here's the suede pair ($975) — and a Jimmy Choo clutch. If you want to achieve Krysten's red-carpet feel, you have a few options. This ASOS midi pencil dress ($70), this David Meister asymmetrical pleated dress ($228), and this BCBGMAXAZRIA asymmetrical dress ($122, originally $198) are all great. Just add a studded belt to mimic the detail on Krysten's McQueen.
We don't have to tell you why a little black dress is a wardrobe staple for every woman, but sometimes it's necessary to put a slight spin on a classic. While there will always be a time and place to look your black-dress best, balmy Summer weather brings its own style conundrums and often requires something a bit more lightweight. Enter the impossibly Summer-perfect LBD: it's the ideal combination of sexy cocktail frock and breezy beach dress and can easily be dressed up or down depending on your destination. Whether you're heading to a Summer wedding or just need a new, more floaty version of your regular LBD, we've rounded up 15 pieces that are perfect for the warm-weather season. Click through now to see and shop each one.
There's no more iconic ode to LBDs and pearls than Holly Golightly standing before a Tiffany's window in the classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. We still have our pearls and LBDs, but unless the prim ladylike look your grandmother rocked is your goal, it's time to think about combining pearls and little black dresses in fresh and modern ways. We found 10 dresses and 10 pearl necklaces that are incredibly chic and fresh, and when paired together, they are knockout gorgeous.
This fall you don't have to worry that your LBD will leave you in the cold--there are plenty of leather options on deck for the season. Perhaps best demonstrated in the Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2009 collection, this season's leather is sculptural and feminine. Choose from your favorite designers, or, for a more affordable price point, look to high street stores like Topshop for options.
Earlier this season we wrote about transparency and the little black dress but there's another silhouette gaining momentum--the one shouldered look. One shouldered looks are popping up in all colors and prints but we happen to think they look best on a solid black, body-skimming dress. Glamorous and sophisticated we find this modern LBD a chic choice indeed.
