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How to Find the Perfect Little Black Dress for You

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- How to Find the Perfect Little Black Dress for You -
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- How to Find the Perfect Little Black Dress for You -

A perfect little black dress is a must-have for every woman's wardrobe. It is a short, simple black dress that a woman can either dress up or dress down depending on the occasion and time of day it is worn. A little black dress (popularly known in fashion as "LBD") worn with a jacket during the day, is a very chic business attire for women. This same little black dress worn with accessories such as beautiful scarfs and fashion jewelries, turns the LBD into a stunning evening dress for cocktails, dinner or dancing.

Black dresses used to be worn by women only during times of mourning. This all changed when Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue in 1926. From then on, the little black dress has been a mainstay in fashion.

And how did the word "perfect" got attached to the name? Well, it could be said that because of the LBD's versatility, a fashionista somewhere, sometime, must have uttered "What a perfect little black dress!" And the rest, as they say, is history.


 Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, or Kristin Davis (Sex and the City)
Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, or Kristin Davis (Sex and the City)

So, what is a perfect little black dress for you?

A perfect little black dress is different for everyone. What is perfect for Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, or Kristin Davis (Sex and the City) might not be perfect for you and me.


According to fashion experts, to find the perfect little black dress, there are four main factors to consider:

  1. Body Shape
  2. Comfort
  3. Design
  4. Budget

Ok, let's go through these four factors to find out what is a perfect little black dress for you and me.


Factor #1 - Body Shape

The first step in finding that illusive perfect little black dress is knowing what body shape you are. Strip down to your undies and look in the mirror to see what your body shape is.

There are five different body shapes: banana, pear, apple, hourglass, and round. From the names we get an idea what those shapes look like.

So, what do think? Are you shaped like a banana, a pear, an apple, hourglass, or round?

What is your body shape?

Cameron Diaz is a good example of a banana shape.
Cameron Diaz is a good example of a banana shape.

Banana Shape

What is the perfect little black dress for a banana shape?

The perfect little black dress for a banana shape is a dress that will give your body curves.

  • Ruffles or detailings are good.
  • Wear a push-up bra or padded bra, if you must.
  • Wrap dresses will do your body wonders.
  • Choose dresses that will define your waist.
  • Most importantly, stay away from loose fitting dresses... remember your goal is to create curves or shapes, not hide your body.

Here is an example of a perfect little black dress for a banana shape. The short sleeves make your shoulder wider and with the flowing skirt, your waist looks smaller giving your body curves. The burgundy bolero shrug jacket gives your little black dress striking color, and with the black and fuchsia platform ankle boots, your little black dress is elevated to chic perfection. The black and white rosette zebra print shoulder bag is a great finish to your perfect little black dress ensemble.


A Perfect Little Black Dress for Banana Shape

RVCA Now Or Never Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Banana Shape
RVCA Now Or Never Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Banana Shape
Wanna V. Braided Belt V-Back Short Sleeve Side Pockets Cinched Waist Short Dress -
Wanna V. Braided Belt V-Back Short Sleeve Side Pockets Cinched Waist Short Dress -
Dolly Parton by ShowPony1, source photobucket  - Dolly Parton is a great example of apple shape.
Dolly Parton by ShowPony1, source photobucket - Dolly Parton is a great example of apple shape.

What is the perfect little black dress for an apple shape?

A perfect little black dress for an apple shape is a dress that elongates your upper body, and defines your waist .

  • V-necked tops draw the eye in and away from your shoulders.
  • Wrap dresses are also very good.
  • Get fitted for a good bra that will let you look your best and show off your best assets. I always say if you got 'em melons, by all means show 'em off.
  • Belted jackets and dresses will help your waist look smaller.
  • Wear high heels to help elongate your body.
  • And, stay away from puffy sleeves and too much detailing on top.

Here is an example of a perfect little black dress for an apple shape. This halter top with a V-shape the eye in and away from your shoulders. The form fitting detailed waist band makes the waist look smaller. The pleated skirt finished this to perfection.


A Perfect Little Black Dress for Apple Shape

BLACK MARILYN INSPIRED PLEATED HALTER DRESS PARTY COCKTAIL GOWN -  - Perfect Little Black Dress - How to Find the Perfect Little Black Dress for You
BLACK MARILYN INSPIRED PLEATED HALTER DRESS PARTY COCKTAIL GOWN - - Perfect Little Black Dress - How to Find the Perfect Little Black Dress for You

Cllick the link to read what customers are saying about this sexy perfect little dress

BLACK MARILYN INSPIRED PLEATED HALTER DRESS PARTY COCKTAIL GOWN, Small
Amazon Price: $36.99
Jennifer Lopez, source thisislondon.co.uk - Jennifer Lopez has a pear-shaped body.
Jennifer Lopez, source thisislondon.co.uk - Jennifer Lopez has a pear-shaped body.

What is the perfect little black dress for a pear shape?

The perfect little black dress for a pear shape is a dress that draws attention away from your hips and bottom, and emphasize your top half. This will help create balance.

  • Choose tops that have ruffles, or interesting details to draw attention away from your lower body.
  • Empire waist and wrap dresses are also good choices.


Here's an example of a perfect little black dress for pear shape.

A Perfect Little Black Dress for Pear Shape

Empire Rose Detailed One Shoulder Party Prom Mini Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Pear Shape
Empire Rose Detailed One Shoulder Party Prom Mini Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Pear Shape
Nine West One Stop Med Tote,White,One Size
Amazon Price: $60.93
List Price: $69.00
Mariah Carey - That is definitely a perfect little black dress for Mariah's figure.
Mariah Carey - That is definitely a perfect little black dress for Mariah's figure.

What is the perfect little black dress for an hourglass figure?

The perfect little black dress for an hourglass shape is a simple fitted dress that will draw attention to your beautiful perfect figure.

  • Pencil cuts will do your figure justice.
  • Wrap dresses will accentuate your curves.
  • Avoid empire dresses, shapeless dresses in general.
  • Do not wear wide belts.
  • And avoid short skirts.





A Perfect Little Black Dress for Hourglass Figure

Hot From Hollywood Black Sexy One Shoulder Sleeve Cocktail Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Hourglass Figure
Hot From Hollywood Black Sexy One Shoulder Sleeve Cocktail Dress - A Perfect Little Black Dress for Hourglass Figure
Penthouse Women's Paige Peep Toe Pump,Black/Red,7 M US
Amazon Price: $36.81
List Price: $39.99
Black & White Zebra Rhinestone Clutch Evening Bag
Amazon Price: $24.99
List Price: $33.00
Queen Latifah is a good example of a round shape.  She is proud of her body and she looks gorgeous.
Queen Latifah is a good example of a round shape. She is proud of her body and she looks gorgeous.

What is the perfect little black dress for round shape?

If you happen to be round, forget baggy clothing. Baggy clothing is unflattering on a plus sized woman.

  • Number one rule - Do not wear baggy clothes.
  • Number two rule - Do not wear ill-fitting tight clothes.
  • Fitted clothes, which nip in in all the right places, can make any woman look wonderful, curvaceous and sexy.

If you are plus sized then hold your head up high and try not to wear that baggy clothing.



Here are some perfect little black dresses for round figured.

Plus Size Retro Glam Lace Dress in Black Lace/ Black Lining - Size 1X
Amazon Price: $168.00

Factor #2 - Comfort


Once you know your body shape, the next step to find the perfect little black dress is to make sure you choose a comfortable dress. This means choosing a fabric that molds to your body properly, does not itch or pinch, and does not make you feel self-conscious. Make sure the dress is comfortable too. Since the idea is that you should be able to wear this dress to both formal and casual events, you need to make sure you can sit and walk on it comfortably.



Factor #3 - Design


The next step to find the perfect little black dress is to select the right design. Avoid excessive decorations, such as lace, sequins, or flowery applications. Simple is better, no matter if the dress is short or long. Even the simplest dress can be made stunning by adding the right jewelry or an impressive bag and matching pair of shoes.


Factor #4 - Budget


Finally, when buying a perfect little black dress, keep in mind that you don't need to spend a fortune in a little black dress specially if you are just going to wear it occasionally, like attending a funeral or that once in a blue moon last-minute invite to dinner that you cannot possibly pass. Yes, you can wear the same dress to both. Accessorize for your dinner date and don't for a funeral and look sad enough and you will be fine. Spend a little more if you are going to wear it more often. Just keep in mind simple is better.


So, what is a perfect little black dress?

A perfect little black dress is a simple cut dress that can be used over and over again.

And to find the perfect little black dress for you, choose one that will enhance your figure, and comfortable enough so you can wear it all day, if necessary.


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Fashion Tips - How to choose the perfect little black dress

How to Accessorize your Perfect Little Black Dress


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Comments

thougtforce 17 months ago

Wonderful, you have put it all together and shows that there is a black dress for everyone. Personally I like the strapless luxery dress by J Kara!

Rhonda Waits 17 months ago

Wow. Great hub Rosie. I love my little black dress and I love my little red dress. I think black can be exciting. Red is ravishing. Either one will work. I guess it depends on where you wear them. Yes every woman should have a little black dress. According to all the fashion hoopla. Black is traditional and it never goes out of style. Thanks for sharing your hub.

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya thoughtforce, thanks for dropping by. That dress by J Kara is my first choice too! I'm glad you enjoyed my hub.

Merry Christmas!

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya my dear friend Rhonda, I really don't have a black little dress. I have dressy black pants and really fancy black tops but a little black dress.. nada! I love red and purple so I tend to pick those colours. I better get a little black dress or the fashion gurus might break my door down! lol

Have a nice day gf,

hugsss

Rosie

onceuponatime66 17 months ago

Hello Rosie2010 the metro dress is totally me. I don't wear dresses so this is such a nice hub about black the meaning of it and how red makes us more energetic. I am one to go against the grain and wear the red anyhow. But yes the black dress seems most appropriate for many different occasions. I also think that the shoes need to be comfortable too. The black purse too. I am just at a stage of life where dresses are not me. Great hub.

Pamela99 17 months ago

Interesting article of the little black dress. There are more shapes than I realized so thanks for the information. I enjoyed all the pictures of the beautiful dresses.

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya my dear friend Jackie, oh me too! I love that Metro dress and the price is so good, I think I'm getting that one. Yes, it's true. Red is great for moods.. wearing something red makes us feel more energetic and more confident. You're right about comfy shoes.. I love those high heels but they are not for walking.. and I love to walk. lol Thanks gf, I'm glad you enjoyed my hub. hugsss

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya Pam, I'm glad you found this hub interesting and enjoyed the pictures of those oh-so-pretty little black dresses. I really don't have a perfect little black dress.. I have black and white though.

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

dotty1 17 months ago

great hub you never can go wtong with that little black number a fav of mine for sure

JamaGenee 17 months ago

Although I did wear black (at the bride' request) to a wedding, it makes me look like I've been in a cave for months. Therefore my LBDs have always been another basic color like beige or dark blue. I consider a LBD a canvas for accessories with which to dress it up or down to suit the occasion, so the dress itself must be ultra-simple. One great LBD is a must for traveling, preferably 100% silk. Silk can be wadded up and stuffed in the corner of a bag with nary a wrinkle when unpacked. (If it does wrinkle, it's not 100%.)

Gets 17 months ago

I have to go back and see which stars wear what dress....then I can decide which one I like the best...lol

Al Blondin 17 months ago

None of those above do anything for me... must be my hairy legs. Guess I'll have to settle for the black suit and red tie ;o) Merry Christmas Rosie!

Lee B 17 months ago

I'm with you, Rosie. These are great dresses--but they would be REALLY great in RED!

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya dotty, thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub. I really don't have a black little dress... I should get one.

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya JamaGenee, thanks for dropping by. I'm with you about wearing beige or dark blue as great basics to accessorize. I have some silk ones and you're right they feel great and very light to travel with.

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya my darling handsome cowboy Gets, always happy to see you in my hubs. So, which one have you decided on? lol

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya Al, thanks for dropping by. I'm pretty sure you'd fabulous in every single one of those little black dresses.. but I agree that black suit with a red tie would be much much better. lol

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya Lee, thanks for dropping by. ^5 gf. You're so right about those little black dresses in red.. stunning and oh so sexy!

Merry Christmas,

Rosie

givingfairy 17 months ago

Hi Rosie2010

Thanks for responding to my question.

Very interesting hub. I could see myself in any of those black dresses.

Rosie2010 17 months ago

Hiya givingfairy, thanks for dropping by. You're welcome.. it's happened to my son too and it him 6 years to realize his life was not going anywhere and working in a warehouse is not what he really wants. I hope your daughter has a change of heart.. just give it time. I'm glad you found my hub interesting. I find the strapless one by J Kara really nice.

Happy New Year!

Rosie

howcurecancer 13 months ago

I have 2 black dresses, but I don't know if are perfect for my shape.......

RichardCMckeown 12 months ago

Great fashion.

Ebower 11 months ago

I knew I looked good in wrap dresses for a reason! Thanks for informing me that I'm banana-shaped and how I can look my best.

saif113sb 8 months ago

My best colour of black great dress. anda very informative hub you never can go wtong up .

Chris Hugh 3 weeks ago

What a great hub. I love all the detailed information. There's nothing quite like the perfect black dress.

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