The iconic little black dress
It is difficult to find a woman who would not admire the fashionable instructions of the legendary Coco Chanel. At one time, she became a real trendsetter for many girls, but even modern women consider her an icon of elegance and charm.
A little black dress - its unsurpassed Chanel called it almost the quintessence of a happy female future. It is this, according to the designer, that emphasizes the best features of the female body, which men cannot fail to notice. The legendary Coco must have been right, because despite the fact that the dress was invented exactly 90 years ago, it still remains popular.
History of creation
The official history of the creation of an unsurpassed outfit is very prosaic. In the 20s of the last century, black was associated exclusively with mourning, so girls in everyday life tried to avoid it in every possible way. But when Chanel's lover died, she could not honor his memory properly, since she was not his official wife.It was then that the woman came up with the idea of creating a strict and laconic outfit in a mourning shade - a little black dress. According to Coco herself, for several years after the loss of her beloved, she created collections of her outfits exclusively in black.
Who invented and introduced into fashion
But according to fashion historians, the idea of introducing black outfits into fashion came to Chanel much earlier. One day she was sitting at the Petit Leigh Blanc ball with her lover and watched the women passing by. And suddenly she sharply blurted out: “It's impossible! All these colors are terrible, they disfigure women. I think we should dress them in black." Then the fashionable society was still not too ready for radical changes in images. Black outfits were considered too simple and poor, but over time they still won the love of women, turning into a classic of the genre, suitable for any age and event.
In 1961, the little black dress first appears on the screen. To be more precise, it is worn by Audrey Hepburn, the actress who plays the title role in Breakfast at Tiffany's. In 1972, the famous band The Hollies sang about a woman in a little black dress in their song, and it becomes a real hit. In 1985, women began to dress in such outfits for filming in clips. The little black dress is becoming mega-popular and even among modern stars there are admirers of it.
Features and Benefits
What is the secret of the popularity of the dress that has become a legend? Perhaps the whole secret lies in the features of tailoring. The classic little black dress features a straight cut, a narrow hem that covers the knees, a round neckline, long tapered sleeves and no embellishments.That is why absolutely any girl with a good figure can afford to wear it.
Modern models of little black dresses are somewhat different from the classic ones. They can be much shorter or longer, as well as complemented by lace, voluminous collars, ruffles, slits, flounces and other decorative elements. This diversity is primarily due to the fact that modern girls differ in the shape of their silhouette, but everyone wants to look stylish no matter what.
How to choose
Choosing a little black dress, a modern woman should focus on the features of her figure:
- For girls with broad shoulders and narrow flares, it is better not to choose a dress with a tight top, as it will restrict movement. The ideal choice would be a dress with a V-shaped, round or asymmetrical neckline. It is desirable that the skirt of the outfit also be flared, and the dress itself should be supplemented with a belt to visually highlight the waist.
- For pear-shaped women, it is better to avoid too tight models. But the trapezoidal dress in the style of Yves Saint Laurent is perfect. You can also give preference to a dress with a tulip skirt, which will help emphasize the beauty of the hips.
- Girls with an hourglass figure should use the advantages of the silhouette to the maximum. In this case, you can safely choose the classic tight-fitting style of the dress or the one that expands from the waist. In the latter version, it should definitely be supplemented with a belt to highlight a thin waist.
- Young ladies with a rectangular figure can choose a little black dress with a straight or fitted cut. In this case, frills and ruffles on the hips and waist, as well as drapery elements, will be appropriate.It is desirable that the dress also be complemented by a thin belt.
If you think that a little black dress is not the best choice for curvaceous ladies, then you are deeply mistaken. Choose models of dresses with a wrap, as well as a V-shaped neckline. It is important that the model is not sewn from satin fabric, otherwise your volumes will be visually increased.
Elegant and beautiful models
The little black dress is also classic because it lends itself perfectly to all sorts of fashionable transformations. It can be easily adapted not only to any figure, but also to any event. It fits perfectly into the dress code, evening look, romantic look and even casual style. But the most curious thing is that despite the modifications, this outfit will remain stylish and perfectly emphasize the best feminine qualities. What models of little black dresses most often pay attention to modern women?
With a collar
Fashion experts advise girls with broad shoulders to wear such models. It is the collar, which can be in the form of a stand, a collar or a simple patch, that allows you to focus on the neckline and distract it from the massive top. Dresses with a white collar are often chosen for formal events, as they look solemn, elegant and at the same time strict. Often, such models come with a shortened sleeve, which is complemented by a cuff to match the color of the collar.
Sleeves
Long sleeves are an integral part of the classic little black dress, but even the modernized models of this outfit are complemented by them.Sleeves can be very short and only slightly cover the shoulder, go with an elastic band like a flashlight, or be completely straight and reach the elbow. There are also models with ¾ sleeves, which are often chosen for an office look. Often, sleeves are sewn from a completely different fabric, say, satin or guipure, which allows you to create a very interesting look. The model of a small black dress with bare shoulders, which is complemented by sleeves, looks very original.
Without sleeves
Such a model can be the best basis for any romantic look. But fashion experts strongly advise not to overdo it with frankness in this case. If the outfit opens not only the arms, but also the shoulders with the neckline, then it is better that it differs in length at least to the middle of the knee. The style of the dress can be completely different. Office outfits are distinguished by a strict cut, romantic ones are flared.
Lacy
This dress will perfectly emphasize the femininity of the silhouette and will suit only young ladies. A distinctive feature of this outfit is a translucent texture, which allows you to create a very seductive image. In order for the model to be less frank, it is created with a lining of opaque black fabric, and the guipure fabric is used as a kind of cape.
Leather
The little black leather dress is a real hit this season. The shiny texture of the fabric allows you to emphasize all the curves of the silhouette, so only girls with a perfect figure can choose such a model. Such a dress can be created both from natural material and from leatherette.
It is worth considering that such a model is designed for a colder period, because in the heat the material sticks to the body and a greenhouse effect is created.
Knitted
Coco Chanel created her first model of a little black crepe dress, and modern designers most often use knitwear to sew a classic dress style. This fabric allows you to completely fit the silhouette of a girl and flaunt the dignity of her silhouette. Removable collars and wide belts with buckles are often used as decor on such models of dresses.
Sheath dress
The foundation of any classic look. In such an outfit, a woman of any age will look great, but it is desirable that she still have a good figure. As an elegant addition to a sheath dress, a peplum is often used, which allows you to adjust the silhouette and make it more proportional.
Models for full
For women whose forms are noticeably out of the ideal frame, those models of a small black dress that reveal the advantages of the silhouette and hide its flaws will suit. Beautiful breasts can be highlighted by choosing a dress with a lace or V-shaped neckline, and a seductive hip line can be emphasized with a tight skirt. A beautiful waistline, even with a voluminous silhouette, can be highlighted with a fitted dress model and a stylish belt.
Fashion trends
In the fashion season 2016-2017, the most fashionable are knee-length black dresses with lantern sleeves. It is customary to sew products from natural fibers with an admixture of synthetics, since it is this symbiosis that allows you to create the most practical and durable thing. The neckline can be completely different.The back can be decorated with guipure or have a frank neckline of different depths. Flared skirts are most often pleated, but if the model is strict, then it can be straight.
What to wear
Creating a harmonious look with a little black dress is extremely simple, you just need to take into account your own preferences in the style of clothing. It is best to complement the everyday look with cropped jackets and boleros in bright colors. The best choices are red, white, raspberry and lemon. Dresses with long sleeves go well with fur vests. It is best to wear tights or leggings on your feet, and use classic shoes - boats.
For an office look, it is best to choose a stylish and elegant pastel-colored jacket. You can wear stockings or translucent tights on your feet, as well as shoes with closed toes with a small heel. In winter, you can combine a little black dress with ankle boots, ankle boots or boots.
For an evening look, you can pick up opaque tights that shine. A lace cape will be the best addition to a sleeveless dress, and if the dress has sleeves, then the image does not require additions. The best shoes in this case will be the one with high heels and decor. It can be rhinestones or sequins, but a discreet model of shoes with heels is also suitable.
Accessories and shoes
The accessory that goes best with a little black dress is Coco Chanel's quilted clutch or her iconic chain purse. By complementing the image with just such accessories, you can convince everyone of your own impeccable taste and sense of charm.If the above options seem impractical to you, you can choose a simple handbag with a clear shape.
When choosing accessories for a dress, do not forget about jewelry. To complement the classic look, it is best to use pearls. It goes well with a little black dress and jewelry - diamonds, silver and gold, but remember that there should be a measure in everything. You should not hang on yourself the entire collection of jewelry at once, even if they are very beautiful. One pendant with a chain is enough, as well as a bracelet or earrings.
If you do not want to wear classic shoes, you can complement the look with sandals. Remember that they can only be worn in the warm season, when the legs do not have to be insulated with tights or stockings.
Festive and elegant images
To create a catchy and elegant look, it is better to choose a black floor-length dress. This model will harmoniously look at any social events and, most importantly, on any girl, regardless of the image and complexion. With such an outfit, it is best to combine large and massive white jewelry. These can be elongated earrings that visually make the neck more elongated, as well as wide bracelets and layered necklaces.
For dresses of medium length, it is better to choose jewelry of the appropriate size. Let it be earrings with a small stone, a thin ring with a bracelet or a stylish brooch. For cropped models of a little black dress, it is better to choose miniature jewelry. It can even be jewelry, but it is better that it be metallic and harmoniously combined with the rest of the details of the image.
Remember that for a solemn look it is better to choose dresses from good-quality fabrics - satin, velvet or guipure. Do not forget about the hairstyle.If Hollywood curls seem too banal to you, you can make a hairstyle in the style of the 60s, so to speak, to match the image of Chanel. An elegant babette tied with a stylish satin bow will be the highlight of your festive style.
Well, makeup artists say that if you complement your own look with a little black dress, you must definitely pay attention to your eyes. It is better to paint them abundantly with mascara, and if the shape of the face allows, also draw arrows.