Greetings, my dolls! I left you last time with the perfect style guide on how to find your perfect “go to” jean. I hope your quests have been fruitful and you have found a few pairs of jeans that you can go to at any point, slip on, and feel great for any casual occasion.
This week, however, we’re going to slip on something a bit more formal, yet still as classic: the little black dress. It goes without saying that phrase is timeless and classic within itself, describing an iconic piece that transcends any given seasonal trend. The little black dress is best noted in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where a Ms. Holly Golightly, portrayed by the equally iconic Audrey Hepburn, forever immortalized her Givenchy couture into our wardrobes. Or course it is also important to note that the originator of the little black dress was the one and only Mademoisselle Chanel. Coco Chanel first introduced the little black dress in American Vogue and singlehandedly transformed the piece from a symbol of Parisian poverty, into an American (and eventually worldwide) symbol of wealth and luxury.
[photo credit:shopspreehere.com
[photo credit:shopspreehere.com
It comes as no surprise that modern women have an innate desire to connect to these icons on some sort of level, and the best way to do so is by recreating what they wore! It also comes as no surprise that, as a stylist, I am recommending this piece as a must have staple for every woman’s wardrobe. What is surprising, however, is the amount of women who spend their times searching and searching for the perfect little black dress that fits them.
The piece has been rebirthed like a Phoenix over many years and by countless different designers. It is important that every woman looking for the perfect dress finds one that fits them properly and is of good quality: you want your dress to last you a lifetime, don’t you?
Today I am going to focus on several dresses from one of my favorite stores: Banana Republic. I feel that Banana Republic offers you the quality, style and functionality of the little black dress without the huge Givenchy price tag. I have also found that Banana Republic is a great champion of quality and I have spoken to many women who have bought dresses from Banana years and years ago and still wear them to this day. Again, quality and timelessness plays a major factor in the selection process. All three of these dresses pictured here come from Banana Republic and are considered “little black dresses” but they’re all unique and speak differently.
First off, my personal favorite: the sheath LBD. The cut of this dress is fabulous for women who have a slender or average build. The cut rises just above the knee and it features a pieced neckline with a slotted V-neck cutout which makes for a very interesting look. The beauty of this dress, which Banana calls the “Aimee ponte knit sheath” is that it’s very work versatile. I see someone wearing this under a nice blazer or cardigan for work, and then when cocktail hour comes, tear off your layers, throw on a statement bangle and BAM – you’re ready to meet your friends!
This next dress is a lightweight wool sheath dress, but unlike the first dress, this little black dress features a removable belt that is perfect for a woman who has a bit more to show off. This dress is going to give you a nice hourglass figure and is perfect if you’re the type of woman who has a masculine build. The cap sleeve on this dress is perfect to cover up those man shoulders. The pleated V-neckline gives this a very professional look and also leaves you some space to add a nice piece of jewelry around the neck. I personally love gold with a black dress and would stay away from pieces that tend to look a little costume-y such as thick, resin filled pieces with saturated colors. It tends to cheapen the look, whereas with gold or pearls you get a more refined, polished feel.
The third dress I recommend for those women who don’t really have a need for a more professional wardrobe and tend to live life more towards the casual side. It’s a basic “Gemma” wrap dress. The cut rises just a little bit higher than the other two and features a sleek, A-line frame and ¾ inch sleeves. I would offer a word of caution to women who may have some tummy problems, because the fabric, which is 95 percent rayon and 5 percent spandex, tends to cling and accentuate anything you might be trying to disguise. I would suggest this dress to petite women or women who need a little help in the curve department or women of an average build. The casual look of this dress is great for a day of simple shopping or even a dinner out. You could throw on a nice pair of ballet flats and look simply effortless.
Regardless of what I recommend for body types, I always suggest that if you like it, try it on, because you never really know what is going to look best for you until you try it on and see it for yourself. And if you need help don’t be afraid to flag down an associate! So go forth, ladies, out into the world, making sure that the legacy of Coco Chanel and Holly Golightly will forever remain alive in a world where styles and trends die with the season.
-The Stylist
