Timeless Fashion: Little Black Dress

"One is never overdressed or under-dressed in a little black dress"

-Karl Lagerfeld

She makes everything look effortless

From collection to collection we see fads come and go.  One day feathers in the hair are in, the next they are out (thank goodness, they belong on hats not in ones hair).  There is one fashion staple that transcends the laws of seasons, and that ladies is the Little Black Dress.  Coco Chanel first put a simple black dress in a Vogue photo shoot  When thinking about timeless garments there is nothing more classic than a simple LBD.  In accordance with Mr. Lagerfeld, it is the dress that can never be over or under done.

What is so alluring about the LBD is it's shear versatility.  Whether you purchase yours from Bergdorf Goodman or Forever 21, it can always look chic and classy.
Note the "can" in the previous sentence.  Although it is extremely hard to trash up a LBD it can be done.  Do not be one of the girls who's idea of a "little" black dress emphasizes the little so much that their pikachu is out and about after two stiletto strides.  Also, as cute as cut outs can be, to much is extremely trashy.  The dress, even if you are attempting a one night stand while wearing it, should cover your yahoo with at least six inches to spare and should never show more skin than it covers.

Casual stroll, casual dress

LBDs can be worn in most any situation with the right outfit accents.  Little black dresses can also be worn out casually.  Dress it down a little, go a little less intense on the makeup.  Although I cannot stand flats, a nice pair could work with the right length dress (if I were a woman I would sleep in heels though so I am quite biased, it's just the gay in me though).  A nice bracelet and loose curls could make your LBD the perfect day time delight.

Feel free to wear one to work.  If worn right it can show that you are a powerful woman who doesn't feel the need to completely cover up but also doesn't have to show off too much to move up in the world.  Maybe pair it with a petit blazer or simple pair of leggings.  Don't feel awkward if it shows a little cleavage either.  Women have breasts for two reasons: to feed children and for power over straight men.  If you are not a nurse feeding your child then don't let them go to waste.  Again, you don't have to show off to much to be taken seriously, but you are a woman and don't feel afraid to embrace it.
The most obvious use for a LBD is as a gorgeous cocktail or night dress.  Dressing it up is really a personal style question, but I suggest taking a minimalist approach.  Let the dress say that you know you are a sexy, confident woman who doesn't need bells and whistles to show that she's fabulous.  Play up your eyes in the makeup department, a beautiful smokey eye rarely fails a girl.  If you're looking to make a statement (and why shouldn't you), pair the dress with a bold stiletto. The perfect heel can take you from funny face to it-girl in a second; never be afraid to look more exciting than the other girls at the party.  Remember, boring people rarely make the history books.  I would also add some sort of jewelry, either a pair of earrings or a necklace, again it's personal choice.  And don't be afraid to show off your face in all of it's glory with an up-do (personally my favorite genre of hairstyles).
I don't know if Coco Chanel knew what she was starting when she put her design in Vogue (she probably did though, I mean it IS Coco), but I do know that it was the start of something brilliant.  Few fashion trends can make such an impact on so many generations of women.  When purchasing your little black dress(s), remember that this is going to be a staple article of clothing.  This dress is a blank canvas, and the way that you decorate and see yourself in it is the way you are painting yourself to society.  Make sure you look the way a woman should look, classy and sophisticated.  Don't let Chanel's vision of elegance and class fall at the hemline.