Is The Little Black Dress Overrated?

I used to think so. Yet, I always end up buying a black dress.

Apr 14, 2024

Coco Chanel is credited with 'inventing' the little black dress in the 1920s. It was the perfect dress for its time: simple, affordable by women of all classes, and later when textiles were rationed during the war, a way to look elegant on a tight budget. This still holds true, depending on which dress you buy. Of course, not all little black dresses are inexpensive, but you can still find one that is and looks elegant.

I rarely wear black. It doesn't do much for me. I believe that a particular type of woman looks striking in black. Blonds, redheads, and jet-black hair women with light skin look good in black. Also, women with dark skin and dark hair look amazing in black. Me, not so much. I need some help by adding color. Even Ana Wintour says the one thing she never wears is head-to-toe black.

I used to think the romanticized idea of the LBD was overrated. Yet, I always end up buying one. I don't think we all need to have one. It depends on personality and personal style. But I do recognize that the LBD is always there to rescue us when need be. I will also admit that some dresses, especially evening dresses, look better in black. Like the Kika Vargas dress, I'm wearing below.

Photo by Carmen Maldonado. Dress Kika Vargas. Boots Dr. Martens.

Awesome little black dresses in the wild

What makes a great LDB?

It must be versatile enough.
It has to be devoid of trends.
It has to be of good fabric quality.
It has to fit you amazingly.
You have to love it.

Last year, I bought this LBD from Tibi for a wedding I needed to attend. For the wedding, I wore it with heels and a tuxedo blazer. I've also worn it with a button-down shirt and brogues (see below). And I can wear it with sandals on a sunny spring day. It's versatile, it's trendless, the fabric is incredible, it fits me amazingly, and I love it. It covers all five points. The Kika Vargas dress is not the perfect LBD because it's not versatile enough. It requires a time and a place to wear.

Tuxedo blazer is from Zara and heels from Tibi.

Shirt is from Alex Mill and shoes are Proenza Schouler.

I'm not looking to buy a little black dress, but I thought I could share some of my favorite ones that I've found. Maybe you’re looking to buy one.

By Malene Birger Dalya Maxi Dress $258

COS Bating-Sleeve Satin Sleeve Dress $150

Rachel Comey Zimi Dress $550

Studio Nicholson Welles Dress $610

Tibi Boucle Knit Sculpt Dress $795

Toteme Fluid V-Neck Dress $570

Zero + Maria Cornejo Twist Shoulder Bit Dress $795

Mara Hoffman Alice Fair Trade Dress $350

Merlette Stijl Dress $580

Simone Rocha A-Line Dress With Shoulder Bite $700

3.1 Phillip Lim Puff Sleeve Tie Flare Dress $695

MM6 Maison Margiela Cotton Poplin Dress $695

Nordstrom Tie Waist Midi Dress $79.50

ZARA Asymetric Midi Dress $35

MANGO Knotted Cotton Dress $39.99

These are enough options. I could keep going for days because there are infinite LBD dresses in the WWW, so I'm leaving it here. The Real Real also has endless really good options. Do you have a favorite one? Mine might be the Zero + Maria Cornejo LBD. I've been a fan of her dresses for years and have bought a few of them in the past. They last a lifetime.

Before I go, a word for the day:

¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

I love you guys. Thank you for being here. Remember you are made for greatness.

xoxo

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