Little Black Dresses August 21, 2009

The ultimate little black dress (LBD) is the one wardrobe essential that just about every woman has. Dallas-based stylist Valerie Elizabeth is trying to show just how helpful a little black dress can be when putting together outfits on a budget without sacrificing style in her ‘Little Black Dress Experiment’. She chose to sport a Valerie Shift Dress by Ellie Grace and each day a different MICHELE watch. I can imagine wearing one piece every day so long as my washer and dryer were in top form, but I wouldn’t have nearly enough watches. I look forward to watching what else Ms. Elizabeth does with her LBD this month.

For me, I went overboard and have several LBDs, but there are only two that really get worn event-after-event. Not surprisingly, the two favorites have been in my closet for about a decade. They beat out the others because of their simplicity, versatility, and comfort. Simplicity because the lines are clean and there are little to no frills. I have one LBD that has pleats at the bottom and a sweatheart neckline. It makes for a cute party dress, but overall lacks the je ne sais quoi to make it a perennial favorite. My two favorite LBDs have no pleats, bows, sashes, or designs. The lack of frills makes them more versatile, so I could wear either with quiet jewelry and a black blazer to attend a business meeting or funeral or toss on a colorful pashmina and strand of pearls for a wedding. Versatility also comes in the form of fit since most women do not stay the exact same weight and shape, having clothes that fit and flatter in spite of a ‘feeling fat’ day is a huge benefit. Comfort comes into play with that since it’s easy to enjoy an event or be more involved in a function when you’re comfortable. There is one last thing that is not a requirement, but I certainly enjoy about one of my LBDs and that is washability. One is machine wash (gentle cycle on cold, hang dry) and the other is dry clean only.

I know that you are probably eager to find out what two LBDs have captured my heart, so I’ll tell you the brands – Ralph Lauren and Kookaï. Since the pieces were purchased at different times over eight years ago in Washington, D.C. & Paris respectively, it is doubtful the same design is still available, but the designers are still making great dresses so it’s worth a look. My other LBDs that are fabulous, but not simple, versatile, or comfortable enough to be favorites are from Dolce & Gabbana, Janeville, Laundry by Shelli Segal, and Gap. Of course, a LBD doesn’t have to be black, dark navy can be just as suitable and even more flattering for some.

Here are some little black dresses that are in stores and online now:

J.Crew’s Stretch Wool Rose Shift Dress ($168)

Tiana B.’s Black Drape-front Dress ($44.99)

Donna Ricco’s Ruched Empire Stretch Satin Dress ($148)

Maggy London’s Crepe Sheath Dress ($98)

BCBG Max Azria’s Matte Jersey Wrap Dress ($98)

Lauren by Ralph Lauren’s Matte Jersey Dress ($124)

Tahari by Arthur S. Levine’s Crepe Sheath Dress ($108)

Little black dresses