Most women own a little black dress. It’s a fashion staple that’s ideal for almost any occasion. It’s classic, elegant, and most of all flattering. And, according to Vogue, it is the look of the season.
Thanks to recent high-profile events like Fashion Month and tons of fall movie premieres, Vogue writer Julia Hobbs says that celebrities and designers have had plenty of opportunities to show off their favorite little black dresses. And they are anything but boring!
Check out a few of the ways that today’s style icons have managed to put a new spin on an old classic.
Add a Bit of Grunge
Take a page out of Cara Delevingne’s fashion book and give your little black dress an edgy touch of grunge. When the model/actress attended Chanel Mademoiselle Privé Party, she wore a little black dress that seamlessly combined the classic style with a real rebel vibe.
If you look at pictures of her outfit on Sugar Scape, the dress itself is a simple, slinky dress with a sheer overlay bottom. But her accessories changed the look entirely.
See: 13 Interesting Interpretations of a Little Black Dress
First, she had a leather biker jacket slung over her shoulder. To that she added a gothic, 1990s-inspired choker necklace, and a new lip ring. To copy her style, finish the look with a similar smoky eye and a bold, red lip.
Make it a Two-Piece
If you have a black skirt, you can give the little black dress look a twist by making your outfit a two-piece ensemble. Use a high waisted bottom piece, and pair it with a black crop top or bodysuit. If you head to the lingerie page from Lyst, you can see how a lot of the top designers are creating new pieces with a similar look in mind.
Black bodysuits like Capulet’s long sleeve style can easily be paired with a popular black midi skirt to give the classic design a new feel. You can also find inspiration on the site for swapping the bodysuit for a bralet to give the outfit a sexier feel.
Actress Kim Matula chose a similar pairing for the The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and was considered one of the event’s “Best Dressed” by Ok! Magazine.
Make it Business Friendly
Kate Moss recently managed to turn her little black dress into an ensemble that was perfect for a day at the office, as well as a fun night on the town. During a night out in London, Moss wore a fitted, strapless sheath dress, cinched at the waist with a chic black belt.
She topped the dress with a black, fitted blazer and completed the ensemble with a pair of smart, black pointed heels. A modest multi-chain necklace gave the outfit a bit of sparkle, and her bold red lip gave her look a splash of color. The entire style was very office-appropriate, but perfect for any after-work activities.
Harper’s Bazaar called her one of the best dressed celebrities of the week in early October.
A little black dress is a classic wardrobe must-have, but don’t let that outshine the piece’s versatility. It’s a blank canvas for your fashion creativity. Be bold and use it!
