Fashion Fridays: Little Black Dress

I received a shocking question the other day:  Is the Little Black Dress out?  

Poor Audrey Hepburn is turning over in her grave.

Friends, few things will remain in style forever.  The Little Black Dress is one of the few wardrobe items which will always and forever be in style.  

Interestingly, I had a cocktail reception to attend recently and realized I no longer had a solid go to little black dress. I’ve always kept one or two on hand, but as my shape and size changed, they’ve slowly been weeded out and given away.

Gasp.

This is one of the ten critical wardrobe items you must always have in your closet girls.  A last minute date.  A short notice invite to a reception.  A dinner out with friends Saturday night.

This is a go to piece!

You can find a little black dress almost anywhere.  The key is to find something which makes it unique but which allows it to retain its simplicity.  That’s the dress’ calling card: sophisticated elegance.  Here are my picks, at all price points, for different occasions:

This inexpensive Top Shop halter LBD is perfect for a sexy date night out, I’m a sucker for a dress with the back out (but don’t pull it for the office Christmas party):

Or to go edgy and cool for date night, you could pull out this beaded backless Faviana number with sky high heels or this fun leather embellished Laundry dress with boots for winter:

I adore this Carmen Marc Valvo satin striped fit and flare LBD – it’s pricey but classic and beautiful for a night out with friends at the symphony or a corporate cocktail reception:

This Adrianna Papell lace inset LBD with clean lines would also work beautifully or, because I have a penchant for black lace, you could spend a lot more money on this luxurious lace flared Tadashi Shoji number, just in time for winter:

For a holiday soiriee, there are so many options with sparkle and shine.  You could try something with a little sheen like this lovely asymmetrical popover cocktail LDB (for under $100!), this retro inspired beaded collar LBD from Kut from Kloth , an awesome crepe and fringe number from Aidan Mattox or this Eliza J fit and flare infused with sparkled and an embellished belt:

 

And if you just can’t bring yourself to wear a little black dress, you can always wear a gorgeous black pantsuit, there are a lot of options on the market right now:

It’s nearly party season ladies – don’t forget to make sure you have a Little Black Dress at the ready!