STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Little Black Dress

Have you ever had one of those days when you need everything to be perfect, but everything seems to go wrong? You wake up 30 minutes late because your alarm was set for p.m. instead of a.m.; it is literally the most annoying mistake ever and you feel so dumb for having done it. There’s no time for a shower, so dry shampoo and a ponytail will have to suffice. Mid panic attack, you run to the closet and grab your favorite black dress. Despite, the crappy morning and everything going wrong, that little black dress saves your sanity and your day. If I had a dollar for every time my little black dress has saved me, I could pay off my student loans!

The little black dress became a fashion essential in 1926 by Coco Chanel. Chanel went against all fashion trends of the decade by designing a sleek and form fitting black dress. Similar fashion trends are still found in today’s little black dress. A trend that is making its way back into fashion is the midi, which is the length of a dress or skirt that goes below your knees.

Maggie London, as modeled by the Fashionista, has several midi dresses that have beautiful necklines. This dress is perfect for work or a formal occasion. For a night out, French Connection also has a form fitting midi dress with lace inserts around the waist. However, my favorite fashion trend is the low or cutout back. Alfred Sung has a beautiful midi dress with a low back that is perfect for any formal occasion. What I love the most about low back dresses is that it’s not too sexy and there is a little surprise when you turn to walk away.

The outfit is never complete unless you have the perfect shoes to match. You can never go wrong with a classic nude or black pump. If you are feeling bold, then spice it up with a solid red pump.

One can never go wrong adding pearls to a simple black dress. The silhouette of the dress and the material will determine the length and amount of pearls. Looking back at the 1920s, women wore long strands of pearls that were wrapped around their neck several times. Like all fashion trends, it’s making a comeback! So, next time you need a little pick-me-up or just want to look extra good, go back to the basics and whip out your favorite little black dress.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “A little black dress is appropriate for almost any occasion except for maybe working out. Unless you are trying to impress the cutie next to you on the treadmill, then maybe, just maybe, it’s appropriate.”

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