Your Guide to the Little Black Dress

Your Guide to The Little Black Dress

The little black dress (LBD) is a style staple that can be dressed up or down easily with the right accessories. There are many different styles and silhouettes available for the little black dress, making finding the right one for any body shape and personality easy. Looking for tips to find the perfect little black dress? Need advice on how to style a little black dress? Keep reading!

How to Choose the Right Little Black Dress

When shopping for a little black dress it can be easy to become overwhelmed, but by keeping these tips in mind, dress success if a sure thing. Follow these tips to find a little black dress that will stand the test of time.

  • Think Classic and Timeless It can be easy to fall for what is trendy and hot at the moment, but look for a dress that with a classic silhouette and style. Avoid little black dresses that have a lot of detail such as studding, rhinestones and embroidery and stick to timeless elements such as a great shape and quality material like silk or velvet.
  • Try It On To truly judge a little black dress, it needs to be tried it on. Dresses that look underwhelming on the hanger can look beautiful when tried on, and dresses that look pretty on the hanger can look terrible when tried on. Try on a variety of dresses to narrow down the most flattering styles and cuts.
  • Buy Quality Although it can be tempting to buy a dress based on its low price, when buying a little black dress, it is important to invest so that it will last for years to come. Look for a dress that is made with quality materials and features that will last.
  • Complement the Figure Have favorite parts of the body (such as legs or shoulders)? Show them off! Find a dress that highlights these favorite body parts to step out in confidence.
  • Think Comfort No matter how pretty a dress is, it won't be worn if it is uncomfortable. When shopping look for a dress that isn't too tight or scratchy. Make sure it is stretchy and adjustable so that it can be worn and moved in comfortably. The dress should not only look good but feel good too.
  • Look for Versatility Look for a dress that can do double duty by being dressed up for elegant and sophisticated events, and dressed down for casual and informal events. It's amazing how the look of the right little black dress can be transformed by changing the jewelry, accessories and shoes.

Styling a Little Black Dress

A little black dress is an iconic fashion item because it can be worn and styled in so many ways. A few of the easiest ways to change up the look of a little black dress include:

  • Shoes Changing the shoes that you pair with a LBD can transform the look. Combat boots can give the dress an edgy vibe, strappy sandals can make the dress relaxed and boho, pointed black heels can provide timeless sophistication, running shoes can create a sporty vibe and the style options go on and on.
  • Jewelry A quick change of jewelry can change the look of a little black dress easily. Big and chunky jewelry can give a bold vibe and subtle sparkles can create an elegant and classy look.
  • Jackets There are many jacket options for a little black dress depending on the desired look. A moto jacket, blazer, cardigan or shawl can all be worn for style and warmth.
  • Tights Solid opaque tights, sheer tights, printed tights, colored or no tights are all stylish options to pair with a LBD.

Top 5 Routes for "Little Black Dresses"

  1. Macys.com This site has a great variety of stylish little black dresses that are perfect for formal and casual occasions.
  2. Nordstrom.com Nordstrom has every style of little black dress imaginable including short and sleek, long and romantic, classic and timeless, fun and trendy and more.
  3. Renttherunway.com This site allows for gorgeous designer dresses to be rented, worn and enjoyed for a few days without the hefty designer price tag. Choose from a wide selection in their little black dress section and rent using their flexible rental options.
  4. Simplydresses.com Simply Dresses specializes in dresses, making it easy to find a little black dress for any occasion and style preference.
  5. Niemanmarcus.com This website has a wide selection of designer dresses at many different price points which makes finding the perfect little black dress easy.

Similar Routes

What is a Route?

A route is a gateway to learning. Routes.com's mission is to go beyond search results by curating summaries and top "routes" for today's most popular subjects. Learn More

Suggest a Route

Are we missing a subject you think should be given a route? Suggest a new route. Learn More

Contribute

Become a routes.com contributor. Submit your route today! Learn More

Other Routes Like This

Heels

Heels are more than just shoes – they are an accessory that makes a fashion statement. Those who wear heels exemplify a level of confidence and skill that is saved for a select few. In other words, heels shoes, while an attractive choice for any foot, take some mastery in order to easily stride in them. Additionally, there are so many styles and designs to make every customer happy. Finding one's sole mate can seem like a daunting task, but don't fret! There are some simple things to keep in mind that will explain everything a shopper needs to know about heels. There are so many different styles of high heels; there's a pair for everyone! While there is a vast array...

Diabetic Shoes

As the name implies, diabetic shoes, often called sugar shoes, are special shoes designed to be worn by people who have diabetes. However, anyone who is being prescribed diabetic shoes by their doctor need not despair. Although diabetic women may not be able to wear high pumps or stilettos, there are fashionable, but sensible options available. Hiking and sports shoes are also available so people with diabetes should be able to continue doing the activities they enjoy. Diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of skin breakdown among people with diabetes. Since diabetics tend to have poor circulation, nerve damage, or misshapen feet, the shoes...

Purses

The right purse should be fashionable, practical, spacious, secure and comfortable. Since there are tons of styles and types of purses to choose from, it can be overwhelming and difficult to choose the right one. Many women have a few purses in their collection for various events and uses, but may be unhappy with the purses that they currently own, or are looking for a new purse to add to their collection. Keep reading to find out the best types of purses for women to have in their collection. A few of the most timeless, functional and comfortable purses that women may want to look at purchasing include: Crossbody bag A crossbody purse is a great option because...