The Little Black Dress ~ Which would you pick?

It was 1926 when Coco Chanel unveiled her little black dress in the pages of American Vogue. It was a simple, straight, calf-length black dress. Vogue referred to the LBD as the "Chanel Ford" - referencing Ford's success with the Model T. And went on to say the LBD would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste".



Who can forget Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany. The year was 1960  and the LBD designed by Hubert de Givenchy for the film, had women every where donning the elegant black dress for both evening and day wear.

As we step into 2013 and the LBD remains a staple piece in a woman's wardrobe.

A LBD with a jacket and pumps can get you through a day at the office. For the evening accessorize with pearls or other accessories to your liking, remove the jacket add some heels and you easily transition from day to evening. You can also dress down a LBD with ballet flats, simple accessory and a scarf for a quick trip to the market or lunch with the girls.

During our Girls Get-away to the city Ms. L mentioned that she needed to work on the basics for her wardrobe and that she did not have a LBD.

Hmm.... no LBD in her wardrobe? and she has a few social events coming up.

As we all know the basics are the foundation to any wardrobe. These are the investment pieces that should last least a decade (if not a life time);  are timeless in design; set the tone of your personal style; and make getting dressed a simple task.

Below are the results of the search for Ms. L's LBD. Here is some info to consider when looking at the dresses:

Dress #1 ~ Prada

Requirements - shorten hem

Dress #2 ~ Prada

Requirements - add bra slips, shorten hem a little and shorten at shoulders

Dress #3 ~

Requirements - shorten hem

Dress #4 ~ Dolce and Gabbana

Requirements - none

Dress #5 ~ an off the rack

Requirements - open sleeves a little to fit at arms (alternatively go up a size and then take dress in as needed for proper fit)

Now that you have scrolled through Ms. L's choices ~ which dress do you feel she should pick as her LBD ... and why?

For more posts in Your Wardrobe Make-over click here.

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High Heeled Life Wardrobe Essentials

Now that you have determined your style, edited your current wardrobe  it's time to look at the basic essentials.  The Basic Wardrobe is generally built around two main colours, able to stand on their own and mix well with each other.

Wardrobe Basics by fallingoffahighheeledlife 

(to view item details click links)

It's important  to note that Basic Wardrobe Essentials will differ from style to style and those of individual lifestyle needs (a single 20 something has different wardrobe needs from a stay at home mom or a 60 something retiree). Regardless of your style, Basics should be appropriate for work and easily transition from day to an evening out, or an afternoon with the girls.

The Basics I have used here are reflective of the needs for my lifestyle ~ need for comfort while attending medical and rehab appointments; writing and for the occasional outing with friends or hubby. A stay at home mom or someone working in an office environment could easily adapt some if not all of these Basic Wardrobe Essentials.

~ 1 black jacket
~ 1 tweed or lighter coloured jacket
~ 1 trench coat
~ 1 light coloured cashmere sweater - great over a t-shirt or your little black dress
~ 1 grey or light coloured pant
~ 1 black pant
~ 1 black pair of leggings
~ 1 well-cut pair of jeans
~ 1 neutral colour pant
~ 1 black turtle neck
~ 1 black skirt
~ 1 navy  skirt
~ 1 neutral skirt
~ 1 (LBD) little black dress
~ 1 wrap dress
~ 4-5 white shirts (or shirt, blouse combination)
~ 3 white T-shirts (include a long sleeve one)
~ 3-4 cashmere sweaters (dark, light, - grey is perfect with a pair of jeans)

Basic Wardrobe pieces are the backbone of your wardrobe, so go for quality not quantity. Once you have established your Basic pieces, you can then add a FEW pieces that give an outfit a little extra personality. A red blouse would be a great addition to the above Basics (pants and skirts). Remember additions should create various options from your Basics.

Accessory Essentials by fallingoffahighheeledlife 
(click links to see product info)

Accessories are a fun and often inexpensive way to change the look of an outfit. Below are some Accessory Essentials that go well with the above Basic Wardrobe Essentials.

~1 pair black pumps
~ 1 pair neutral pumps
~ 1 pair of flat shoes
~ 1 pair of rain boots
~ 1 umbrella - make it fun so it brightens a gloomy rainy day
~ 1 black leather handbag
~ 1 pair of black leather gloves
~ 1 reversible black/brown leather belt
~ a strand of pearls - not just for special outings, wear with a T-shirt and jeans
~ 1 set of crystal or diamond stud earrings
~ 1 set of pearl earrings
~  a watch that can take you from office to social outings

Depending on the weather where you live, for cold winters like here in Ontario, you may like to add a heavy coat and boots for cold snow days to your wardrobe Basics. 

What are the two main colours 

of your Basic Wardrobe?

For previous posts in this series click links below: 

What's Your Style?, Editing (decluttering) Your Wardrobe

Sharing this post with: My Friday's Fancies * Fashion Friday * What Inspires Me Friday Feathered Nest Friday ~ Show and Tell Friday ~ Inspiration Friday ~ Home Sweet Home Friday ~ Fridays Unfolded ~Potpourri Friday 2805