Updating Your Little Black Dress

Hearts, kisses, chocolate, pink, and love make the perfect formula for Valentine’s Day! Whether you plan to spend the evening with your friends or your loved one, I say, embrace this chance to dress up, feast on chocolate, sip champagne, and most importantly, SHOP!

Since one of my favorite parts of Valentine’s is dressing up; this style guide is devoted to finding and styling the perfect little black dress (LBD). Beloved fashion icon, and my personal hero, Coco Chanel, described the LBD as “long-lasting, versatile, and affordable,” making it a must-have in any modern woman’s wardrobe. I couldn’t agree more.

When in doubt, choosing an LBD is a safe and chic route. Festivity customers who are shopping for event dresses often tend to rule-out black dresses, since they may appear plain at first glance. But ladies, I disagree. The beauty of the LBD is that it is classic, elegant and easy to accessorize. You can take any LBD and make it look like a different dress every time you wear it. Repeat after me, “it is all about styling.”

If you don’t already have that perfect LBD in your closet, then I suggest it is high-time to start shopping. Here are just a few of the LBDs that I love at Festivity right now:




8975 Black Tuxedo Dress $78

As you can see, this dress has very subtle embellishments, but don’t underestimate it’s versatility. The cotton fabric gives this dress a casual feel, however, the satin neckline and buttons add an elegant touch. And my favorite part… an exposed silver zipper running up the back that adds just the right element of surprise.
 Optional for both formal and informal events
 Great length for conservative events



9707 RYU Black Cut Out Dress $138

The geometric cut out pattern of this dress creates a visual field day. The pattern combined with the ruffle helps disguise problem areas, while giving the dress a lot of personality.
 Creates the illusion of a fuller chest
 Distracts from the stomach area




9707 Ark and Co. Black Studded Mini Dress $ 86

The bronze studs, length and fit, give this dress a youthful feel. This dress can conveniently be worn as either a dress or top.
 Can be worn casually as a dress
 Bronze studs makes it a dressy when worn as a top



Necklaces:

Adding a statement necklace is an easy, affordable way to update your LBD. I have provided two different styles of necklaces you can pair with your dress.(notice that the same dress has been used.)




5543 Renee C. Black Sweater Dress $92
99 Black and Gold Medallion Necklace $45
(top)
100 Black Web Necklace $55
(bottom left to right)
97 Gold Loop Necklace $35
100 Silver Waterfall Necklace $55


Remember Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, sets the stage with her pearl necklace and form-fitting LBD. Choosing a necklace is so easy; everything goes with black, even black goes with black. Here I have selected some of my favorite short-length statement necklaces.
 Adding a necklace instantly dresses up any LBD
 Short necklaces go well with different necklines
 A great conversation piece




5543 Renee C. Black Sweater Dress $92
(top) 99 Gold Braid Necklace $45
(bottom)99 Gold Fringe Necklace $45
2392 Turquoise and Gold Ring $20
8211 Black Faux Patent Bootie $52

The roaring twenties are back…and not just in reference to the economy. Layering long necklaces is a popular trend that I love. In the outfit above, I created this look by layering two separate long necklaces.
 Layers and length add dimension to a dress
 Gives a dress a personality
 Ideal for mixing and matching
 Save money with a single necklace with multiple strands

Statement Coat



5543 Renee C. Black Sweater Dress $92
774 Renee C. Gold and Black Swirl Jacket $78
1529 Indian Half Moon Earring $20
8210 Faux Suede Bootie $48

This formal gold and black overcoat instantly glams-up this simple LBD.
 Long coats are great for creating the illusion of length and height
 You can either wear formal or casual jackets, depending on the occasion
 Using an old dress allows you to splurge on a statement jacket
 Great for staying warm in the winter



5543 Renee C. Black Sweater Dress $92
769 Tea White Trimmed Cropped Jacket $78
66 Broach Pump $52

Option two is wearing a cropped jacket. Again, I have chosen a more formal option. Refer to my previous entry, “Winter-Must-Haves” to see two other jacket options for creating casual and formal looks.
 Great way to add color
 Works well in both hot and cold weather
 Easy to create a formal or casual look

Clutches



5543 Renee C. Black Sweater Dress $92
(top to bottom)
953 Black Studded Clutch $48
945 Red Snake Clutch $42
1638 Rosebud Clutch $44
1642 Purple Shimmer Clutch $48

Accessorizing with a unique clutch invokes style when wearing a simple LBD. For instance, choosing a black studded clutch portrays an edgy, punk look. On the other hand, this black rosebud clutch gives a more romantic, feminine feel.
 Adds a pop of color
 An inexpensive and easy way to incorporate a new trend into your outfit
 A great way to tie together an outfit

I hope this style guide for “Updating Your Little Black Dress” has inspired you to create your own look using this classic item. Fashion is just the dress; style is how you wear it. Stay tuned for my next style guide, “V- Day Gift Picks,” an instructional guide on what to get for the one’s you love. How can you not love a holiday where people give you a gift just because they love you?



And as Coco Chanel says, “Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress”

Signing Out,

Your Festivity Style Guide xoxo