Brought back into fashion by Coco Chanel in the 1920's, the little black dress has become a timeless symbol of French chic item and a symbol of French elegance. As elegant as it is simple, this must-have piece of every wardrobe has the advantage of adapting to every style and every occasion.
Originally black dresses were worn exclusively by women in mourning. Following the First World War, they are many to wear this color (non-widows also adopting it for solidarity), color that is also used for the clothes of domestic workers who were the most discreet possible.
When in 1926 Coco Chanel appropriated the garment, she caused a real scandal: to make of this symbol of death and of modest social class a manifesto of the liberated and joyful woman of the Roaring Twenties? But what an idea!
Especially since the dressmaker is not content to take the color of the dress, she also modernizes it by proposing a straight and simple version reaching the knee (while until then the ankles of women were discreetly covered), she removes the corsetby letting the waist float and she is inspired by the art deco style in vogue in other artistic disciplines.
After years of criticism, the appearance of her creation in Vogue magazine launched the fashion of the French little black dress and made the designer famous throughout the world. The following years it is found in all wardrobes, it is worn as well in daytime as in evening and women personalize it with different accessories to adapt it to each event.
Becoming essential, it is also modernized with designers who, appreciating the great freedom it gives them, declines in many forms: short or long, low cut or choker, loose or close to the body ... Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent or Azzedine Alaïa create their own version of the little black dress which is adopted in parallel by French and American muses such as Edith Piaf, Catherine Deneuve and Marilyn Monroe. One of the most emblematic models remains the Givenchy black dress, worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
There are several models of little black dresses, so it can be difficult to choose the right one among the many options available. To be well accompanied, sites like Luseandco.fr provides valuable advice on the selection of clothing. In order not to make a mistake, some important criteria should not be neglected. The first one is the morphology.
All women being (very) different, choosing a dress model that suits her silhouette is particularly important: for example, people with wide hips will opt for a flared pink and women with small breasts can prefer models with a large neckline. The choice of fabric is also important, each of them offering a very different look and comfort.Satin, for example, tends to accentuate curves, so for someone who wants to hide her curves, it is not suitable.
Still to feel comfortable in his clothing, it is also important to start on the cut best suited to his personality (more or less short, fitted or low-cut). And of course, the choice of the perfect little black dress is made according to the budget, the emblematic model being proposed at all prices and by all brands on the market.
The color black can, sometimes, give a bad impression, it should bring light and life to this dress by opting for accessories in line with its style and, of course, its model.
This can be done with bright jewelry. For a black dress with a round neck, boat neck or blouse, a bib necklace is for example indicated. A light and thin necklace is more suitable for flowing dresses with V-neck or U-neck.
Those who want to adopt a more marked style can opt for metallic or shiny jewelry. Finally, to embellish sophisticated dresses, it is preferable to choose a delicate pair of earrings matched with a bracelet or a ring.
Discreet women can also wear a floral brooch on the little black dress of their choice.
One is never too dressed or underdressed with a little black dress.
Matching this dress with black pumps seems like a good idea but the resulting style doesn't give off too much personality. It is therefore preferable, for a weekend outing, to opt for a pair of caramel-colored sandals or white sneakers. For a chic evening out, you can opt for shiny or metallic sandals or, in cold weather, navy blue, fir green or burgundy boots.
Women who love pumps can also have fun with bright colors and animal prints, very fashionable today. Note: for a long effect, it is advisable to wear pumps of the same color as your skin tone.
Finally in winter you can continue to wear your little black dress with a pair of black fine nylon tights or, depending on your personality, fancy patterns or another solid color.
In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld became artistic director of the Maison Chanel restoring the house's reputation by recreated many variants of this classic.
The little black dress is now a timeless garment that adapts to every woman and is available in all styles and materials. Guerlain even created a perfume in reference to it.
Jessica from Comme des Français
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