Love your LBD
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IT’S the red-carpet staple that will never go out of fashion. In fact, this season the old faithful LBD – that’s “little black dress” in fashion speak – has gone off the style stratosphere.
From supermodels to pop singers, stars are shunning print and colour trends to go back to black.
Up-and-coming designer Hannah Marshall’s entire collections centre around the powerhouse LBD, while black dresses were big on the autumn/winter catwalks at Balmain, Versace and Chanel.
Even the supermarkets are at it for the party season. This year, Tesco launched The Little Black Dress Collection featuring cutting-edge designs from the London College of Fashion, and Asda unveiled two LBDs at just £12 each.
So what’s the reason behind this newfound LBD appeal?
They’re flattering and sexy, but most of all, they’re credit-crunch-friendly fashion. Get it right and the LBD rivals the wow factor of a glitzy gown – but with added wardrobe staying power. You can even, shock horror, recycle them over and over again by styling them up with different jewellery and accessories.
All hail the return of the LBD. We’re doing anything but mourning in this season’s black essential.
SUPER-SLEEK LBD
Herve Leger single-handedly put body-con back on the fashion map, but you don’t have to work cling-on bandage styles to get a sleek silhouette in your LBD.
Look for tailored shifts, body-skimming A-lines and bodice styles that skate over your curves.
Victoria Beckham is a big fan of the super-sleek LBD style. Not only does she regularly sport pal Roland Mouret’s curve-enhancing dresses, she has launched her own line of demure frocks, including all-important LBDs that finish just below the knee.
LBD STYLE TIP: Keep any detailing simple and play up your accessories with sparkling jewels or bright shoes.
TRY: Star by Julien Macdonald black body-con dress, £45 at Debenhams; Next black ruffle dress, £65; River Island black pontie bandeau dress, £59.99; Freemans black pencil dress with lace neckline, £50; Jane Norman black seamed cocktail dress, £80.
DRAMATIC LBD
For added drama you have two LBD options – va-va-voom volume or “look-at-me” detail. With eveningwear glamour written all over them, these frocks should only ever come out after dark.
Go as voluminous as you dare with girly prom dresses by adding extra layers of netting to create a puffball look.
Quirky features and hems add an extra dimension to the LBD. Choose from fringing, feathers, tassels or oversized bows for anti-wallflower impact.
LBD STYLE TIP: Netting, feathers and fringing all create extra volume, so beware of adding bulk to problem areas such as your bust, bottom or thighs.
TRY: Mango Marcello black tassel dress, £55; French Connection black prom dress, £100; Lipsy VIP black strapless prom dress, £125; Linea black feather trim dress, £79 at House of Fraser; Star by Julien Macdonald black bow bandeau dress, £50 at Debenhams.
FLOOR-SWEEPER LBD
If your pins rarely make an appearance on the dance floor, head for the LBD’s more elegant sister, the long black dress.
Models Claudia Schiffer and Eva Herzigova recently took to the red carpet together in top-to-toe black gowns. Follow their lead by adding subtle detailing through the bust and neckline.
LBD STYLE TIP: Maxi styles need to be just the right length, virtually skimming the floor. Try on potential new dresses with heels so you don’t end up with an ankle-grazing length.
TRY: Monsoon black Boulevard maxi dress, £200; Evans black Grecian-style maxi dress, £50; Oli beaded-neck black maxi dress, £80; Long Tall Sally Lana black maxi dress, £55; ASOS one-shoulder jersey maxi dress, £40.
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