The Ultimate LBD Edit For Every Occasion
The answer to most sartorial dilemmas, the little black dress is a style perennial – and for good reason, says GEORGIE LUCAS. We round up the pieces to invest in now
Ask any fashion editor for their go-to color for pared-back elegance and the answer will most likely be black. And the most famous of all black pieces? The Little Black Dress, of course. Since the 1920s, it’s been a style classic, loved by everyone from silver-screen starlets to royalty, supermodels to music icons. Undoubtedly style’s most famous acronym, the LBD has spawned infinite iterations by countless designers, all offering a piece with the magical ability to be dressed up or down and answering the brief for occasions as varied as a black-tie party to dinner à deux.
In fashion, the word ‘effortless’ is high praise indeed, and a description the LBD truly deserves: it looks instantly put together and demands very little in the way of accessories – just add shoes and you’re ready to go. From stompy Chelsea boots to stilettos, statement earrings to bare skin – the LBD goes with almost anything. It won’t look overdone if you layer on your jewelry box, either – an LBD after dark serves as the perfect canvas for diamonds to scintillate and pearls to shimmer, while yellow-gold hoops or a chunky chain necklace are the perfect companions to add everyday shine.
The beauty of the LBD is that whatever your style, there’s a dress for you. Also, we can take the ‘little’ part loosely, as dresses with longer hemlines are equally timeless and alluring. Part of our NET SUSTAIN edit and exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Gabriela Hearst’s ribbed silk and cashmere-blend ‘Tenes’ midi dress is guaranteed to be one of the hardest working pieces in your closet and will easily take you from the office to evening drinks, while Saint Laurent’s slinky lace-trimmed slip dress falls just above the knee – wear it to parties with a tuxedo jacket and a red lip. If you’re loyal to a mini, turn your attention to Vanguard brand Liberowe’s ‘Amber’ dress, another NET-A-PORTER exclusive and NET SUSTAIN highlight. Crafted in London from structured wool-crepe, the chic scooped neckline and long sleeves make it perfect for all types of events – style yours with a chain-strap bag and low kitten heels.
Elsewhere, Loewe’s shirt dress is the epitome of easy elegance. It’s cut to languidly skim your figure and has an oversized buckle securing the wrap at the front. Pair with chunky brogues for daytime wear and statement earrings and mules for pitch-perfect party dressing. For more formal occasions, look to Jenny Packham’s strapless dress, it’s decorated with crystals and a velvet bow and is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Alternatively, if you’re jetting off to warmer climes for some winter sun, be sure to pack Faithfull’s ‘Olmeto’ mini – it’s made from lightweight linen with a scooped off-the-shoulder neckline and a seamed bodice that creates the most flattering shape.
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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown