What is it:
The little black dress, or Little Black Dress (LBD), is often regarded as one of the most influential garments in the history of fashion, known for its simplicity, accessibility and timeless appeal. It is credited as the dress that took center stage in the 1920s, with many fashion historians crediting Coco Chanel as the pioneer behind the design. Its appeal was enhanced when it was worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, propelling it to widespread popularity and making it the essential piece of clothing it’s known as today. What constitutes an LBD is often quite flexible, but the term is mostly associated with simple, black dresses that are functional and easy to wear. However, the hemlines and silhouettes of the LBDs on the runway this season were quite complex, with many designers completely reinterpreting the classic dress style.
Why you should order it:
The LBD is a timeless garment that has remained completely seasonal since it broke into the industry decades ago. The fact that the LBD’s design requirements cannot be pigeonholed means that it can appeal to a wide customer base, with an unlimited number of design possibilities that can be adapted to personal preferences and retail concepts. Its simplicity and accessibility has kept it relevant over a long period of time and will continue to take center stage in fashion year after year. One of the great qualities of the dress is its durability. Once a buyer owns it, she is likely to keep it for a long time, giving it a long lifespan and making it a good investment for everyone.
Where we saw it on the runway:
While the LBD is typically a part of designers’ catwalk season, its prominence during the Fall Winter ’22 season has cemented design’s place in fashion for months to come. Amid the bright pinks of the Valentino show, Pierpaolo Piccioli also presented a selection of black dresses, including an intricately tailored, off-the-shoulder midi dress with a structured skirt. Versace also stuck to the clean-cut LBDs, sporting sharp shoulders and form-fitting silhouettes that dominated the entire ready-to-wear line. Nensi Dojoka also embraced the timeless look, presenting a black dress that showcased her typically complex design style with lace constructions and cut-out shapes. Off-White, on the other hand, took a more modern, literal approach with a strapless sequined mini dress worn by Kendall Jenner, which featured the lettering “Little Black Dress” enclosed in Abloh’s signature quotation marks.
How to style it:
Whether as a single piece, as a statement piece of clothing or as a layered look – the styling possibilities of the LBD are endless. Due to its simplicity, it is suitable for everyday use as well as for an outfit for special occasions. For the evening, the dress can be combined with high-heeled boots or strappy sandals. It can be worn alone with simple jewelry or under an oversized blazer or longline coat. To finish the LBD down, pair it with sneakers or mules and a denim or leather jacket for a no-fuss everyday look that you can wear all season long. Accessories can bring this simple yet classic garment to life, and there are endless ways to use this technique. Belts can tie a piece together, while a wide-brimmed hat or silk scarf can effortlessly elevate an outfit.
The LBD is a non-seasonal garment with a decade-long history in the fashion world that will continue to have an impact for years to come. With its versatility, accessibility and such a wide range of styles available, the LBD has a unique ability to appeal to a large customer base and can fit into almost any retail concept.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Simone Preuss