An essential garment for every woman's wardrobe introduced in the 1920s by Coco Chanel. We are talking about the classic "little black dress", which allows you to go from the office to a party in complete tranquility, changing only the accessories and complementary clothes. But in a world where women rely on the little black dress to beautify their wardrobe and look great, it might be hard to find the perfect one. Here are some tips to choose it, wear it well and stand out in the crowd.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: The Right Dress for the Right Occasion
Step 1. Not all "little black dresses" are the same:
some are more elegant and comfortable than others. When you find yourself choosing one, remember the following tips:
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A dress to wear to go to a party, day event or lunch. Wear one that fits you perfectly and has a boat neck. Avoid the ones that are too tight and choose one that caresses your curves, reaching up to the knees. This model, in a soft fabric, is also good for going to the office.
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For the afternoon, a special appointment or an unmissable event. The dress should be more curvy but still soft. Opt for a sheath dress with ruffles and suspenders, which is slightly tight but in a fabric that hides flaws, which has a heart-shaped bodice and that reaches up to the knee.
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Casual. A soft sweater, a linen shirt and a stretch sheath dress are ideal for less formal events and for welcoming guests back home.
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Trendy Teen. The younger ones can be daring, combining the little black dress with slightly kitschy jewels, with a bright nail polish (chewing gum pink or turquoise) and, perhaps, with a pair of brightly colored socks.
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Invest in a good sheath dress: it is a timeless piece of clothing.
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Step 2. Remember that you are wearing the dress and not the other way around
Black is the most classic and simple color to combine and, if you know how to wear it, you won't make any mistakes. However, it doesn't suit everyone.
Doesn't black suit you? Keep the dress as far away from your face as possible, perhaps choosing one with a plunging neckline or a deep, rounded neckline and with straps instead of sleeves. Thus it will not turn off the complexion of the face, but it will give you, however, elegance and simplicity
Method 2 of 3: Accessories
Step 1. The socks even out the color of your legs and complete the look
In the afternoon or evening, opt for black or gray sheer stockings. The colored ones must be combined with other accessories and their choice depends on your age and complexion.
Remember that legs appear longer when shoes and socks are the same color
Step 2. Choose the right shoes, essential to complete the outfit
The footwear worn with the little black dress should be of excellent quality and will be one of the first things people will notice about your look.
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Try a pair of plain black ballet flats to go to the office or a casual event. Open-back Chanel-style shoes are another great alternative for the day.
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Classic evening shoes that go well with a little black dress include ballet flats, open back strappy sandals, and pumps.
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Go for a bright color, choosing, for example, red pumps with high heels.
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Step 3. Make the dress original by adding your favorite piece of jewelry
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You could wear a necklace that follows the same neckline as the dress, a brooch pinned in a different place than usual or a pair of large earrings. The list of possible combinations is endless!
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For an informal occasion, wear blatantly fake jewels.
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If you have a diamond jewel, use it.
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If you're wearing a dress that falls softly, add some pearls, satin gloves and round toe pumps for an adorable Audrey Hepburn look. Avoid pointed pumps, since they would create a look that is too aggressive and certainly not retro.
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Step 4. Add a belt that can create an original contrast with the dress
Select the belt you prefer, making sure it fits the look you want to create
Step 5. Add a scarf that matches the rest of the outfit and make sure it is of high quality
A silk scarf can make a very simple black dress elegant. Complete the look with a pair of black pumps, preferably with a round tip, and chandelier earrings
Step 6. If gloves don't bother you, wear a white pair for the day and a black pair for the evening
Step 7. Choose the right bag
As the black dress creates a background, all the accessories you wear will stand out. The bag doesn't have to be the same color as the shoes and other accessories, but it should blend in with the other shades.
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For a discreet look, opt for a small clutch. Choose one in a bright color for the evening.
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The bag should be clean and of good quality.
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A larger bag is fine for a casual outfit, provided it is in excellent condition.
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Step 8. Hair accessories
A hat will be fine for special events and on hot days.
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If you know how to wear a bow, a flower or a precious hair clip well, you will create a beautiful outfit.
Method 3 of 3: Don't forget the makeup
Dress Up That Little Black Dress Step 11 Step 1. Match the makeup
When you wear a little black dress, both the accessories and makeup should be colorful. Make sure that the nail polish, eyeshadow and lipstick match your look.
As a sober alternative, it allows the make-up to enhance you and give life to the entire outfit, but in a discreet way
Advice
- Keep the little black dress clean and ironed at all times. Dry clean it or buy a synthetic little black dress.
- Not everyone is happy with total black: if you don't know how to wear it, you could create a too dark effect.
- The sticky brush will be your best friend! If you don't have it, buy it: it will help you keep the dress clean and easily remove the hair left by your dog.
- In autumn and winter, wear it with socks to stay warm and add a touch of color.
- Shoes can completely change the final effect of a look.
- For a casual look, wear a tight t-shirt over your dress and combine it with ankle boots and socks and, perhaps, a leather jacket.
- Black guarantees many benefits. For example, it allows you to quickly switch from daytime to nighttime looks. In addition, it disguises dirt well, is discreet, makes a dress appear more expensive than it actually is, slims the figure and hides imperfect seams.
- Among the famous women who made the little black dress a must, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rene Russo and Ann Margaret. Search online for images of celebrities dressed in black to find out which styles suit you best.
Warnings
- If you are attending an event and you already know that you will have to stand for a long time, avoid high heels.
- Don't go overboard with accessories. Wear just a pair.
- The fall of the dress is everything: if it is too loose or too tight, it will inexorably highlight all your imperfections. Buy one that fits you perfectly.
