From Mourning To Morning – LBDs of the Season

*featured image by @malwinawedzikowska*

Little Black Dresses. They’re classic, elegant and seamless in appearance. Characterised by their short and clean-cut silhouette, they flatter the female form without going overboard. Their versatility means they can be worn for both daytime and evening, or more or less any occasion.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s

The origin of the little black dress emerged in the 20s when Coco Chanel and Jean Patou – 2 of Paris’ greatest fashion houses pioneered it into the mainstream. Chanel allegedly wanted to divorce the idea of wearing black from its 19th century connotations, when it was worn as a visual representation of mourning. Chanel wanted to bring the luxury aspect back into the colour, similar to how it was used in the 16th century among rich Spaniards. Popularised by its accessibility and affordability, in time the LBD appealed to a broader diverse market. Women of all social classes could have it.

Dior archive

The LBD returned to fashion in the 50s, following into the 60s with the rising acknowledgment of female sexuality. It surfaced again in the 80s as the staple uniform of workwear (which embodied the key trends at the time – broad shoulders and peplum waists). An LBD revival was seen in the 90s, with ‘It’ Girls parading around in A-line minis and combat boots, encapsulating the Grunge culture at the time.

Sarah Jessica Parker in the 90s

LBDs frequently pop up in pop-culture, the most iconic moment being Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s‘, who looks ultra chic in a classic Givenchy design. But there’s many more times LBDs have taken centre stage. Betty Boop is renown for her super sexy wiggle dress, which was originally in black until Technicolor hit our screens, creating the chilli red we know her to wear. Additionally, in Hollywood film, black dresses were staples of femme fatales wardrobes, synchronising with their feminine fierceness and ability to be independent, charming and outright bad-ass. 4 decades later, Princess Diana was seen wearing a Christina Stambolian off-the-shoulder style with an asymmetrical hem in a ruched material. Her ensemble featured a statement pearl choker, low-denier tights and pointed-toe pumps. Taking into consideration her royal status, needless to say, it looked sophisticated

Princess Diana at Vanity Fair’s Serpentine Gallery summer party

My favourite thing about LBDs is its colour – an impenetrable black free from prints and distractions. It keeps the garment plain and simple, yet so stunning and easy to wear. What I also like about them is the fact they’re not limited to a specific age group. For children, skater styles would be comfortable and a great option. For older teens and adult women, more or less any style would work, depending on the occasion. For elder women, if you’re choosing to be modest (you don’t have to be), hark back to Chanel‘s original design with the longer knee or calf length, and boat neckline . LBDs can also be styled with any shoe choice and boot length; the little black dress is universal.

This season’s trend – poplin styles, puff sleeves and billowing shoulders, rocked with a pair of cowgirl boots. You can, however, keep it traditional with a simple bodycon fit and chunky sneakers for running errands throughout the day. Just throw on a pea coat, sheer tights and your go-to stiletto pumps for date-nights and evening functions.

Shop The Edit

Acler Vicount Tie-Front Cotton Broderie-Anglaise Dress – ÂŁ530

H&M Satin Dress – ÂŁ49.99

Zeynep Arçay Knitted Stretch Jersey Mini Dress – ÂŁ510

Kikiriki Plunge Front Ruched Bodycon Dress – ÂŁ55

Cecilie Bahnsen Black Ronja Dress – ÂŁ675

& Other Stories Belted Lyocell Blend Wrap Dress – ÂŁ75

IOANNES
Asymmetric Feathered-Trimmed Stretch-Silk Satin Mini Dress – ÂŁ670

Mango Organza Sleeve Velvet Dress – ÂŁ25.99

16ARLINGTON
One-Sleeve Draped Crepe Mini Dress – ÂŁ575

Retrofete
Sediah Dress – ÂŁ1,600.51

Avavav
Ruffled Smocked Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress – ÂŁ164.82

Ted Baker London Sleeveless Knit Skater Dress – ÂŁ213.28

Akira Keep It Original Dress – ÂŁ45.30

Balmain Lace Up Ribbed Pointelle-knit Mini Dress – ÂŁ1,195

Blouse Scandal’s Bride Dress – ÂŁ395

Nervi Bianca B Dress – ÂŁ965

Alex Perry Ambre Dress – ÂŁ1,566.18

Oh Polly Midnight Romance Dress – ÂŁ50

Valentino Cotton-Blend Faille Mini Dress – ÂŁ1,890

Reformation Remi Dress – ÂŁ140

Cos Fuzzy Textured Dress – ÂŁ79

Superdown Naya Dress – ÂŁ63

For Love And Lemons Simone Dress – ÂŁ337.82

Brock Collection Gathered Poplin Mini Dress – ÂŁ842

Warehouse Faux Leather Ruffle Dress – ÂŁ49

Materiel Ruched Satin Mini Dress – ÂŁ640

Naked Wardrobe Turtleneck Mini Dress – ÂŁ36.30

Arket Fitted Glittery Dress – ÂŁ69

Saloni Halle Dress – ÂŁ413

Rasario Metallic Silk Mini Dress – ÂŁ1,460

Markarian Crawford Dress – ÂŁ1,090

Bershka Poplin Babydoll Dress – ÂŁ29.99

Dolce & Gabbana Gathered Silk- Blend Dress – ÂŁ1,650

Zara Dress With Pleated Ruffles – ÂŁ49.99

Glassons Faux Leather Button Up Dress – ÂŁ34.88

Alexandre Vauthier Ruffled Crepe Mini Dress – ÂŁ1,334

Saint Laurent Black Knot Back Dress – ÂŁ1580

Self-Portrait
Square Neck Sequin-Embellished Dress – ÂŁ225

Weekday Bella Dress – ÂŁ35

Cinq A Sept Lee Dress – ÂŁ546

I Am Gia Katia Dress – ÂŁ61

Alexander McQueen Ribbed Detail Flared Dress – ÂŁ1,602

The Vampire’s Wife Frilled Festival Mini Dress – ÂŁ750

RedValentino Ruffle One-Shoulder Dress – ÂŁ374

Topshop Black Plisse Shirred Wrap Dress – ÂŁ25

Needless to say, the highly-loved style has definitely been modernised. Lengths have shortened, because the need to dress conservative is no longer necessary.

Words By Charis Crawford CORRI – FASHION DIRECTOR

*Disclaimer – All images within this article are sourced from Google. Ragged Culture Publishing Ltd. does not own copyright of images featured in this article. All rights reserved*

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