Black Dresses for Women

That “little black dress.”

We’ve all probably heard these famous three little words. Little but oh, so powerful words. Because indeed, that little black dress is a must for every woman’s wardrobe. Unless you are totally out of fashion sense and in fact living in the dark ages, any sensible woman knows that a perfect little black dress and a perfect little pair of black shoes should be a part of her wardrobe. Whether she is staying in her hometown or traveling somewhere, that little black dress should go wherever she is going. Because who knows when suddenly you have to go out to party or go on a very special date or attend an exclusive gathering that calls for a simple yet elegant dress? When all other options seem too drab or too much, that little black dress is just the perfect choice for such a special occasion. Simple, classic yet chic and elegant, a woman can never go wrong in a black dress.

The history of this small fashion genius dates back in 1926 when Coco Chanel first introduced “the little black dress” or LBD and has since become the standard of elegance. Though extremely simple in a slash necked, short silk dress with only diagonal pin-tucks as decoration, it became such a huge success from all over the world that Vogue magazine called it the “Ford” of fashion and cemented its stature in the world of fashion as a must-have for every woman’s closet. Following Chanel’s fashion ideal of functionalism and chic all rolled into one, the little black dress is perfect for being simple yet sexy all at the same time. Givenchy though, found Chanel’s little black dress too plain and came up with its own version of the LBD. Worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film “Sabrina,” the little black dress was now more glamorous. Chanel’s seemingly plain and simple design was attributed to the fact that she was schooled in an orphanage run by nuns and so she seemed to have a certain affinity to the uniform or habit worn by the nuns. But simple as it may, she achieved simple elegance which made her a fashion visionary by using masterful cut and proportion and delicate materials such as lace, tulle and silk. By the end of the 1920s, Chanel’s little black dress sealed its place as the high-end of fashion, an epitome of chic and simple elegance.

The black dress per se has its own history, way before the little black dress. From 1550 to 1600, the severe fashions of the Spanish court under Philip II ruled black garments to be worn for most formal occasions since it “adhered a certain austere and dignified beauty.” Painters and poets alike became fascinated with black as the rising definition of fashion. Thus, it became the prominent subject matter in the works of famous painters such as Delacroix, Manet and Sargent. Black had a certain mystery and character to it that gave painting and photography a subtle yet bold impact to its subjects, a quiet yet pronounced effect that make any work interesting and uniquely strong.

Today’s black dress takes its versatility from its ancestors. Depending on the occasion, it can be dressed up or down with just the right touch of accessories, shoes, and of course, attitude. Paired with diamond jewelry and stilettos for example, a simple black dress can transform into an evening star of elegance and glamour. Dressed down with a jacket or pumps, the same dress can turn into a work outfit that exudes serious business with a touch of class.

Women today, too, can enjoy more options of this black dress since it has unbelievably evolved from the time it was first introduced. From Chanel’s simple black dress to Givenchy’s more glamorous LBD, today’s black dress has transformed into revolutionary and sexy designs such as wrap, knit, sheath, pleated, strapless, empire, lattice and even Japanese-style. The materials and style have come a long way since the 1920s. Brands abound and prices range from the sinfully affordable to the outrageously expensive. Regular or celebrity alike, the black dress is a constant item in every woman’s closet.

Simple elegance with a mix of sexiness and mystery, the black dress will always be the epitome of chic.

Every woman needs to have that little black dress in her closet. Whether she is going to use it to a business meeting or to a night out of town, with just the right mix of shoes and accessories, she will surely stand out exuding with both simplicity and elegance.

But when we talk about that little black dress, we usually imagine skinny, long-legged women strutting in confidence and pure sexiness. But that is no longer the case. Whether you’re regular-sized or plus-size, women from all ages, walks of life and sizes, deserve to have her own black dress.

Let’s admit it. Not all of us are gifted or motivated enough to have model skinny bodies like Kate Moss and Giselle Bundchen. Even famous celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian are known for their specially “generous exteriors.” In fact, the definition of sexiness has evolved through time that extremely skinny, waif-like bodies like that of the famous model Twiggy are no longer seen as attractive as bodies having more “meat” in them. Thus, through the years, celebrities like Beyonce, who is known for her outrageously curvaceous and full figure, revolutionized the new ideal of sexy. Gone is the emaciated look. Hello, curves!

Designers and dress manufacturers are well aware of this and so developed their own collection of black dresses for women who are big and beautiful. Celebrating a new definition of sexiness and beauty, the black dress has once again evolved into a fashion statement that fit women not only from different ages and stature in life, but also women from all sizes!

The trick is in the style. Choosing the right style is the most crucial element when shopping for a black dress for a plus size woman since it can either make or break her whole ensemble. Choosing body huggers and lace are not the best options since they emphasize rather than hide the unwanted curves. Instead, go for more flowing yet equally sexy and elegant styles such as drawstrings, jerseys, gathered-front, empire cut, maxi and caftan since they create the impression of a slimmer figure and at the same time giving the body enough comfort and style to appear effortlessly glamorous!

Opting for a one-shoulder black dress is also a smart choice since it draws attention away from the midsection where the bulge usually is to the shoulder bones which are one part of a woman’s body that brings out her sexiness. Putting on see-through materials such as lace and knits to cover the arms add more drama to the dress without being too obvious of its real purpose. The secret is in the style. Choose slimming, soft designs that accentuate the right curves.

But most importantly, carry that black dress with enough elegance and attitude and whether you’re a skinny or plus-size woman, you are gonna bring it!

It has long been established that “the little black dress” is a must-have item for every woman’s closet. Solid yet versatile, it is the epitome of simple elegance.

But lately, the black and white dress has also slowly but strongly established its mark in the high end of fashion. Simple yet equally versatile and elegant, it comes as a dominant competition of the little black dress when it comes to a woman’s choice for a staple outfit in her wardrobe. Chic yet in fact more colorful and fun, the black and white dress becomes an equally perfect choice for achieving that simple elegance that fashion is ideally about.

Solid or patterned, strapless or one-shoulder, above the knee or gown-type, you can wear this baby in which way you want and look absolutely like a million bucks!

Either worn in the daytime for business and casual meetings or as an evening dress for a date night or party, added with the right touch of hairstyle and make up, shoes and accessories, the black and white dress transforms any woman into a symbol of pure glamour.

Contrary to its counterpart, the black and white dress seems to exude more fun and flair yet not compromising class. More colorful and attractive because of its mix of tones, the black and white dress is in fact more versatile because there is more room for a play in style and pattern. Whether worn in classic solids, sequined, beaded, or even stripes and plaids, the black and white dress can go a long way.

Whether you wear it striped or floral, zip up or bowed, belted or flowing, the black and white dress is a sure hit!

At Shopstyle  for example, one can find a grand collection of black and white dresses that any woman would swoon over. From the classic solid black and white dress to the strapless and cocktail and prom dress, you can see why the black and white dress is just as a must-have in a  girl’s closet as the classic little black dress. There are so many styles to play with: zip-up, sweater dress, wrap, bubble skirt dress, floral, sheath, twill, banded, bowed, and so much more that a woman has the wonderful privilege of shopping for. The materials are limitless, too and it all depends on how or where you are going to parade this dream of a dress. It is no longer limited to the classic cotton or silk. Now, a woman can exude sexiness and fun in one dress with such materials and patterns as printed, cut-outs, animal prints, chiffon, organza and jersey. It’s a whole new universe of possibilities and only a woman’s imagination and budget (haha!) is the limit.

Even celebrities seem to have caught up with this wave of the new dress staple that you can often see famous celebrities walk up the red carpet in signature black and white dresses. Celebrity fashion icons like Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson are often photographed in red carpet events wearing outrageously yet beautifully designed black and white dresses that it has become a new trademark of sophistication.

Get the celebrity look or create your own, the black and white dress is both elegant and versatile.

Not too serious or loud, the black and white dress is just perfect for a daytime or evening event.

Where black seems too serious and somber, the black and white dress is a breath of fresh air. A fresh alternative or a whole new definition of classic elegance, the black and white dress is undeniably a new level of fashion that is both sophisticated and fun and is here to stay for as long as fashion continues to create revolutionary and magical ways to transform a woman into a symbol of perfect chic.