The Little Black Dress: A Style Icon
Is there anything more ubiquitous throughout 21st century fashion than the little black dress? There have been many iterations of this style since it was originated, from vintage dresses all the way up to our modern day designs. Yet they each share the simple and timeless design that has made this piece an evergreen staple piece that belongs in every woman’s closet. Though if a man wanted to wear the LBD, we would say, more power to you.
If you are interested in how this piece attained the worldwide status it enjoys today then read on for a bit of fashion history, and how you can join the ranks of sophisticated people in black.
Origin of the little black dress
In 1926, Vogue published a sketch of a simple black dress that would change the fashion world. Saying it would be “a uniform for all women of taste,” Vogue correctly prophesied about the piece that would become legend. The brain behind the dress was, of course, Coco Chanel. The timing was perfect. The Great Depression of the 1930s demanded clothing that was simple and affordable and the little black dress fit the bill. Thanks to the LBD, all women could afford to dress in sophistication. In fact, it was initially called the Ford dress after the car because both the car and the dress were so widely accessible to all walks of life.
Despite the simplicity of the dress, it took a bold woman to design it, and bold women to wear it. Besides the shape of the dress, Chanel revolutionised fashion by choosing black, which previously had only been worn for mourning. As she said, “Before me, no one would have dared to dress in black.” Now that we know of the timelessly stylish effects of black clothing we say: Thank you, Coco!
This dress has a unique ability to evolve with the times. In the 1940s and ‘50s, Christian Dior would go on to reinvent the little black dress in new silhouettes that changed the face of fashion, as designers continue to do to this day. Despite the time period, or which designer is working to update the original inspiration from Chanel, the little black dress is cemented in fashion history.
What made the little black dress so famous?
While the little black dress has undergone a series of variations thanks to the inspiration of countless designers, there is one LBD that stands out as the most famous of them all. And as one of the most famous costumes in all of cinematic history. That is, of course, the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, complete with pearl choker, long cigarette holder and a croissant. Not our typical outfit for a morning stroll in the city, maybe, but Audrey Hepburn wore that dress into fashion fame.
Givenchy designed the satin dress for the style icon but it had to be redesigned when producers thought it showed a little too much leg. The piece sold at auction in 2006 for almost a million euros. After Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the little black dress was firmly entrenched as an iconic and lasting look, and a staple piece for any woman.
Nearly every decade since has had a defining LBD from Elizabeth Taylor’s tight-busted 1950s version to the present day with Gigi Hadid in a Dior corset dress. But the ‘90s were perhaps the prime of memorable LBD looks, like Kate Moss in her black ‘90s slip dress or Donatella Versace in her leather belted dress, both proving that the LBD has a wild side. Just take a look at the so-called ‘revenge dress’ designed by Christina Stambolian and worn by Princess Diana on the eve of Prince Charles’ confession of infidelity. The LBD has a way of saying a thousand words without ever needing to open one’s mouth.
Why is the LBD a staple piece?
The little black dress is undoubtedly a staple piece. It goes beyond the genius of Coco Chanel and beyond the myth surrounding the celebrities that have worn the dress. At its heart the little black dress is exactly what Coco Chanel intended it to be: A dress for every woman, a democratic item that allows wearers from any walk of life to have a bit of elegance and sophistication.
The dress is so iconic perhaps because it is so versatile. There is no body type or complexion that this dress doesn’t flatter. There are so many varieties that, regardless of personal preference, you can find an LBD that you like and that suits your individuality. From Tina Turner in her form-fitting body con to Angelina Jolie in her thigh-high slit LBD to the Academy Awards, the LBD is as diverse as the wearer.
Those with brand loyalty can find an LBD from designers they love since today’s creatives are just as inspired as ever by the original spirit of the dress. It’s what makes the LBD so lasting, its constant ability to be redefined. Givenchy didn’t rest on its LBD laurels after Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Today, Givenchy offers a long-sleeve mini dress with chain trim for a perfectly modern twist. Dior’s Autumn/Winter 2021 featured a leather little black dress with puff sleeves. Reformation’s Lunar dress is a sustainably-made option. These might seem like a far cry from the 1926 crêpe de Chine Chanel but the similarity between all of them remains the essence of the original — simplicity, versatility, sophistication and elegance.
How to choose a little black dress
Though it’s called a little black dress, singular, it could well be called little black dresses. The dress has never gone out of style since it was originally designed in 1926 and instead constantly updated and refined with the times. Thus, there are tonnes of options to choose from when shopping for this look. Since it is such a classic style, it doesn’t matter which you choose — as long as you love it, it’s going to be the perfect choice.
For those history buffs and aficionados of vintage fashion, an LBD from your favourite past decade is a great idea. Not only are vintage pieces from Vestiaire Collective often more affordable than new creations, but it’s a better way to shop from an environmental perspective. Shopping the LBD from a different era will give you a unique dress that might not be made anymore, so you won’t show up to the party dressed like anyone else.
When looking for a little black dress, know that it’s always a sophisticated look. But depending on the occasion and your personal preferences you might want to look into different lengths, fabrics and shapes to suit your unique style. There are little black wool, chenille, cotton and satin dresses. Ones that are evening length for an ultra-glam look like Audrey Hepburn, or ones like the Ganni mini leather that lets you wear a LBD in androgynous luxury. As a T-shirt dress, a slip dress or a form fitting body con, the variations are truly endless with this must-have piece.
The little black dress is an incredibly versatile design that will never go out of style so choosing your dress on Vestiaire Collective is an excellent decision.
How to style the little black dress
If there’s one thing Coco Chanel was known for even more than her little black dress, it was her accessories. This was a woman who knew how to accessorise, often famously dressed in a string of pearls, with a cloche hat or fabric camellia flower.
And due to the simplicity of the little black dress, it’s the perfect item to play with accessories. Against the stark blackness of the dress, Coco Chanel’s beloved white camellia really stood out. It’s the same for your favourite accessories, too. Anything colourful will pop against the black and be amplified. Alternatively, you can opt for a monochromatic look that is super sleek. The fact that the dress is so simple is what gives the wearer tremendous freedom when styling. It’s a blank slate that you can decorate any way you wish.
The LBD can be paired with heels, combat boots or sneakers and a leather or denim jacket. Basically, the LBD can be whatever you want it to be, whenever you need it. In the winter, don’t hide it away in the closet. Grab a pair of wool tights and a chunky sweater and enjoy the winter in effortless style.
As Karl Lagerfeld said, “One is never under-dressed or overdressed in a little black dress.” There are no mistakes when choosing the LBD. While some people would say wearing black to a wedding is a no-no, that is a subject for debate. But besides that, there isn’t any occasion where it would be inappropriate. It makes you wonder why we ever wear anything else.
If you’re looking for the top summer dress for 2021 or any other year, you will never go wrong with the little black dress. This dress is simply a must-have piece, as it has been since 1926.
At its heart, it is a simple dress, that can be styled up or down, suitable for nearly any occasion, and perfect to grab and go for unplanned events. A dress that gives any woman, tall or curvy or petite, or any other type of body, a flattering silhouette and a boost of confidence.
With such a range of options to choose from in form, fabric and length, some women opt to have more than one in their closet. If you are looking to start or build your collection, check out the hundreds of dresses we have in stock at Vestiaire Collective. Not only can you find LBDs from your favourite top designers but you can score some great vintage picks, too. Buying a little black dress from Vestiaire is a guilt-free way to shop for fashion because our pre-loved dresses are more affordable than new items, and second-hand clothing is better for the environment. Just like how Coco Chanel did things her own way, our dedicated community of Fashion Activists help to change the face of fashion by promoting a circular fashion movement, rather than participating in the harmful overproduction and overconsumption practices of the fashion industry. A little black dress with a little carbon footprint? That’s our idea of beauty.