THE ESSENTIAL LITTLE BLACK DRESS

"I don't have a thing to wear" do these words sound familiar? Do you find yourself trying on outfit after outfit after outfit to no avail and finally out of frustration throw yourself on the bed all worn out and dog-tired from all that trying on? Well don't worry your pretty little head anymore; there is help out there that comes in the form of the little black dress.

Over the years the little black dress has been a mainstay in many a woman's closet. Betty Boop, the epitome of sexiness never left home without wearing her ittsy bitsy, form fitting, little black dress and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's wore "perhaps the most famous little black dress of all time".

The little black dress is perfect for all seasons and come in all sizes, shapes and forms; featuring plunging necklines, v-necks, scoop necks, high necklines, sleeveless, short sleeved, 3/4 sleeves and mini, midi, and maxi and every length in between. Their versatility is their number one claim to fame. Although the little black dress can stand on its own, you can glam it up, grunge it up, chic it up, funky it up or step into the office with it. There is absolutely no excuse not to have one, two, three or more hanging in your closet.

The First Little Black Dress

In 1926 Coco Chanel introduced the first little black dress on the cover of Vogue. It was simple, yet elegant and made affordable to all classes of women. Givenchy, Dior and every other designer followed suit with their own rendition of the little black dress. Now eighty five years later the LBD is (or should be) a staple in every woman's closet. If you don't own one, what are you waiting for? Get shopping. Following are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect little black dress.

What To Look For

Comfort should be the first thing you consider when shopping for your little black dress. "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury", said Coco Chanel. When shopping for your little black dress look for casual materials, like jersey, wool blends, chiffon, or a polyester blend that won't wrinkle and that drapes smoothly. Choose knee length or just above the knee for a timeless look, make sure it fits perfectly for your body type and if it needs altering by all means pay a tailor to make any necessary adjustments.

Accessorizing

For a glamorous look accessorize with your favorite vintage necklace, diamonds if you own some or a strand or two of pearls. Dress it up with a Bolero Jacket or a little black shrug. By adding an appropriate belt you can instantly change the look of your little black dress and by all means slip into a pair of black nylons or the latest textured ones or even fishnets. Finish the look with a suitable pair of strappy heels, pumps or flats. For a day time look add a coordinating blazer and a pair of flats and for a trendier style simply add a splash of color like a red blazer and throw on a multi-colored silk scarf. If your into grunge, how about slipping on a pair of combat boots (the 1990's rage).

As you can see the possibilities are endless and I will leave it to your own imaginations on how to wear your little black dress. Most of all enjoy.