Everything you need to know about the little black dress

Dylan-Avery Portilla
Jul 7, 2021
2 min read

If you’ve paid any attention to the fashion world, you’d know that the little black dress is a staple piece that is here to stay. Even though the LBD has been seen everywhere for many decades, it was Coco Chanel who gave it the “high fashion” status. After the LBD took off, it began to be seen as a feminine and elegant piece.

The little black dress has since then been adapted into many different styles and trends.

Famous LBD's in History:

Dorothy Dandridge in 1949 wearing a beautiful sparkly sweetheart dress for her first official glamour shoot.

Where you can find a similar dress:

https://zapaka.com/products/long-black-sequins-holiday-dress?currency=USD&variant=31168988119138&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping

Marilyn Monroe in 1950 wearing a elegant, figure hugging, off shoulder dress for the film The Asphalt Jungle.

Where you can find a similar dress:

https://us.shein.com/Off-Shoulder-Crisscross-Front-Bandage-Dress-p-2422584-cat-1727.html?url_from=adplaswdress31210401013M&gclid=CjwKCAjwuIWHBhBDEiwACXQYsYWP5XTOuGm2SpuUdrfz_T4lB0etBIny4ySFi3HiVHwAIFUJsY6xCBoCpnkQAvD_BwE

Audrey Hepburn in 1961 wearing the iconic dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's designed by Hubert de Givenchy, making it one of the most famous "little black dress" of all time.

Where to find a similar version:

https://www.amazon.com/Audrey-Hepburn-Black-Dress-Breakfast/dp/B01AKQMC4K/ref=asc_df_B01AKQMC4K/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312147525986&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14261427243721971061&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026811&hvtargid=pla-521029941007&ref=&adgrpid=62805834195&th=1&psc=1

Princess Diana in 1994 wearing the iconic revenge dress designed by Christina Stambolian after divorcing Prince Charles.

Where to find a similar version:

https://us.shein.com/Foldover-Off-Shoulder-Ruched-Bodycon-Dress-p-2365788-cat-1727.html?url_from=adplaswdress07210323598M&gclid=CjwKCAjwuIWHBhBDEiwACXQYsbKwKvmHYkebCscTGhrlxl22TYDMEIIUAPiu1Xgb6Bn_4jzGUArqDxoC6HoQAvD_BwE

Naomi Campbell wearing a spaghetti strap, floor length, slip dress in this paparazzi shot.

Where to a similar dress:

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/elyse-bias-slip-dress?color=001&size=1%20X&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Women%27s%20-%20SC%20PLAs%20-%20Dresses&utm_content=All%20Products&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&creative=519375202244&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gclid=CjwKCAjwuIWHBhBDEiwACXQYsaSdUto2cTeNsBRBciGjoxVyFegk6Ukh_2W9wh_sochvPjkAnn4WdBoCPfAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

How I would style the LBD:

(click the image for link to the dress)

First I wanted to start with this gorgeous dress from Lucy in the Sky. Next, I took inspiration from Bella Hadid's iconic street style looks for the letterman's jacket and the snakeskin baguette bag. Lastly, I took inspiration from some of Naomi Campbell's looks which feature bright colored socks paired with strappy heels.

For the second look, I got inspired by french casual wear. I wanted to keep the colors to a minimum so, I stuck with the classic black and white. I loved the velvet design of the dress therefore, everything else was built around it. I paired the dress with a white tee and knee-high socks because, it's super chic. The Mary Jane's came next, just because I think they go with everything. Lastly, I love heart bags, the glasses were inspired by Lana Del Rey, and the beret seemed needed.

For the last look, I wanted to go more with a night-out look. I instantly fell in love with how classy the dress looked. Next, I knew I wanted to pair it with some platform boots. It was iffy at first, but the accessories carried the look. I love black and gold together, so I thought it was only fitting to add gold accessories. Lastly, I'm really into Vivienne Westwood right now, and I thought the bag went perfectly with everything else.