Why The Little Black Dress Will Always Be Hot

Many of you have probably heard the term 'LBD' before, and if you're not a fashionista, one tends to get lost. Okay... so, according to most fashion sites:

" A little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often with a short skirt, originally made popular in the 1920s by the fashion designer Coco Chanel. Its continued ubiquity is such that many refer to it by the abbreviation, LBD."

Audrey Hepburn often wore the LBD

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (19 August 1883 – 10 January 1971), a pioneering French fashion designer and legend, changed the whole scope of things when she first designed the little black dress/ LBD.

In 1926 Coco Chanel, founder of fashion line Chanel, published an image of a short, simple black dress in VOGUE Magazine. It was calf-length, straight, and decorated only by a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it “Chanel’s Ford". Like the Model T, the little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes. Vogue also said that the LBD would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste".

And they were absolutely correct! Even DECADES after (about 8 decades to be exact), the LBD is still a must-have for women everywhere and has become a staple within the fashion industry WORLDWIDE. Designers such as Hubert de Givenchy, Christian Dior & Bill Blass have all tried to copy the original design and replicate the initial image of Coco.

However, in most recent times, designs for the LBD have evolved. For example:

Sophia Kokosalaki

Allessandro Dell' Acqua FW08.09

Balenciaga FW08.09

Versace  FW08.09

Now, there are many different ways to utilize and accesorize the 'LBD'. Feathers, ruffles, seuins, beads, leather, wool ...there are so many materials and accesories that designers are using now to make their LBD stand out of the bunch [look at photos below] and to try to revolutionize what was once simple - although in my opinion I prefer the simple ones ;).

It's so classic  , this elegant yet sexy piece suits most women. You can pop in a simple sexy LBD when paired with bold colored or bold pattern heels and bag/accesorizes that match or coordinate (as pictured below) to get that simply-chic look.

Victoria Beckham (left) and Lady Gaga in LBDs

For those who may be unaware, there is actually a new term called 'TBD', according to Glamour.com which basically means 'tiny black dress' - the modern version of the LBD. There were just a few tweaks made to make it look more personal  to portray more character and individuality for the unique fashionista.

Why do we need LBDs? Here are four great reasons why, according to fashion stylist Colin Megaro:
1. Black is flattering for all sizes, shapes and skin tones. No matter who you are there is a LBD out there for you! Take the time to find one that makes you feel great and fits you properly.

2. You can wear black any time, during any season and to most events. The LBD is chic, classic and sexy all rolled into one. It’s the perfect dress to be worn for a night out on the town or as a cover up at the beach.

3. You can wear this dress a dozen different ways. Jazz it up for evening with a beautiful beaded bolero or tone it down with flats and a wrist full of bangles. If you would like to wear it to work layer a cardigan sweater or blazer for a more refined look.

4. Last but not least: one of these dresses is never enough. Have a few versions on hand that can work with the rest of your wardrobe.